The Way to Salvation by Faith
Romans 10:1-17
The apostle Paul in chapter 9 and 10 sets out to reveal God's plans for Israel's past, present and future. I realize that many today are predicting the destruction of the nation of Israel. Recently, one of the Palestinian leaders said that, “Before too long, Israel would be swiped from the face of the earth.” In biblical record, Apostle Paul predicts that Israel will stand until the return of the Lord. Romans 9:27 “Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:” Isaiah’s prophesy as quoted by Paul in Romans 9, assures us that a remnant will be saved. In Romans chapter 10, Paul sets forth the doctrine of Salvation in a clear and simply way. Paul’s purpose seems to be to make the way of salvation by faith in Christ Jesus perfectly clear to the new believers at Rome. During the early days of the Christian church, the message of salvation had become confusing and complicated by some of the Jewish teachers. Knowing that some Jewish teachers were torn between keeping the Law of Moses and embracing salvation by faith in Christ alone, Paul’s desire was to clear up their misgivings and illuminate the truth of God’s plan of salvation.
A story is told of a baseball manager who was in charge of a great baseball team that he felt sure was headed for the World Series. The Manager was excited about his team’s progress but desired to see more improvement in one of his rookie players. During one game, he decided to start the rookie outfielder in the Left Field position. The veteran outfielder who normally played the position was furious. When the rookie mishandled a fly ball, the veteran banged his glove on the bench in disgust. When it appeared the rookie was back too far, the veteran would throw both hand in the air, and say, “Can you believe this kid?” By the third inning, the rookie was charged with an error. Later in the game, after fielding a ground ball fairly well, he overthrow home plate. By this time, the veteran outfielder was pacing back and forth in anger and disgust. He could not believe the manager was leaving that bumbling inexperienced rookie in the game. In the sixth inning, the manager tapped the veteran left fielder on the shoulder and said, “Go in and replace the kid, that’s enough for today.” The veteran growl snarled, “Well, it’s about time,” storming out onto the field. When the rookie came in, the manager patted him on the backside as he passed, “Way to go, kid.”
It wasn’t too long before the veteran player mishandled a fly ball; later in the same inning he was charged with an error. After a popup to center field, the inning was over and the veteran headed for the dugout. A hush that could almost be felt filled the dugout, as the veteran outfielder entered. No one, not even the manager said a single word, everyone had paused to hear what comment if any the veteran player would make. After kicking up some dust, throwing his glove on the ground, he barked at the manager, “That dawn rookie has got “left field” so mess up, nobody can play it.”
Some preachers had complicated, confused, and even distorted the message of salvation to the point that many people wonder, “Does anyone know; Is anyone sure what to believe?” There are so many denominations, “Can they all be right?” What about the talk show host, “Are they right, after all, they are rich, powerful, and influential people?” The confusion of our day is nothing new. If salvation was and is a God thing, God and His word are probably the best sources for the truth about salvation. God inspired the apostle to pen a letter to the newly formed church at Rome to clear up this very matter. I believe an understanding of Romans 10 will help clear up some of the confusion about salvation. Romans 10, addresses the subject of salvation by faith in Christ Jesus.
The Apostle Paul sets out to answer several questions. What plan has God provided for mankind’s Salvation? What are the requirements for salvation? Is there any salvation in keeping the Law? What are the benefits of the Law if it cannot save? And what are the benefits of being a Jew if all men need salvation? Paul begins his discourse by expressing his earnest desire for the salvation of the Jews, his own nation. He loved the Law of God, his heritage and his countrymen. He wanted them to embrace God’s plan of salvation. Subsequently he explains the difference between the righteousness of the law, and the righteousness provided by faith in Christ. Paul recognized that the Law was good and that a person could be declared righteous if they perfectly kept the law. The requirement of the Law was perfection. The problem was that no one except Jesus Christ had been able to fulfill the demands of the law. Men knew what to do, but they were powerless to execute what they knew to do. Knowledge without performance equals condemnation. Consequently all mankind stood condemned before the Law. Jesus the Christ perfectly obeyed the law of God and fulfilled all its righteous demands. God’s plan of salvation by faith is now offered to all mankind on the bases of what was accomplished by Christ alone. The righteousness of God is a free gift to all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and accept God's free gift of grace. Finally, Paul declares that the Gentiles stand on level ground with the Jews so far as justification and salvation are concerned. Both Jews and Gentiles were guilty before God, but Salvation for both are offered freely by faith in Christ.
I want us to look at God's plan of Salvation. His plan of salvation is clear and simply. I have entitled the message: Understanding the Way of Salvation by Faith. Jesus Christ is the most complete revelation of the Father God to the world. In Jesus Christ, God reveals Himself in a way that all mankind could relate to him. So we cannot truly come to know God by any other path. Philosophers, psychologists, sociologists and anthropologists may have great value and be of benefit to the human race. If we really want to know God we must seek another source; a higher source. Read what the Bible reveals about God in Hebrews 1:1-2,
“In many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets; but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son. Whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”
Then Jesus speaking about himself, said in John 14:6,
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Then Apostle Paul reassures us in Acts 4:12,
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Paul had an earnest desire that all Jews, his countrymen would understand and accept the way of Salvation as presented in the Gospel. This same desire should burn in our heart for all men, but especially for our family, friends and associates. Paul recognized that his countrymen were lost without the knowledge of God revealed in Christ Jesus. Do we see our family members, friends and associates as lost without Christ? Do we see them as on their way to judgment before a holy, sinless, all knowing God? That’s the way Paul saw his countrymen.
The passage reveals several points that are crucial to our understanding the way to salvation by faith in Christ. It is impossible for me to do a comprehensive study on every verse, but the following thoughts from this passage of Scripture stand out in my mind: First, the way of salvation must be clearly understood if we are to profit by it. In other words, zeal without knowledge cannot save. Secondly, the way of salvation must be acted upon. Knowledge without zeal to act will not save. And thirdly, the way of salvation is simple, easy and indispensable. God’s plan must be understood if one is to rationally confess with the mouth and believe in the heart that God raised Christ from the dead and be saved. Finally, the way of salvation must be shared because every person needs a chance at God and heaven. The lost cannot hear the Gospel message without a preacher! Let’s begin to examine these thoughts a little closer.
The Way of Salvation Must Be Clearly Understood: zeal without a proper knowledge of God cannot save
Romans 10:1-3 “Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”
Paul praised the Jews for having a “Zeal of God.” They were religious, conscientious, zealous, but mistaken in their allegiance. I afraid that same problem persists today as men try to establish their own way to God and righteousness. One of the comments often heard in American is, “I know the Bible says, but I think….” Today, some trust in water baptism for salvation. Others trust in Church membership. Still others rely on good works for salvation. They are zealous, hard working and sincere, but they are mistaken. Proverbs 14:12, reminds us, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
Some say, “I don’t believe in God.” Others declared, “I don’t accept the Bible as the word of God, man wrote the Bible.” Then you might hear, “What is truth or there are no absolute truths.” God, The Bible and Truth are not asking for your vote. God is, regardless of popular opinion. The Bible is declared to be God’s story, whether we accept it or not. There is Absolute Truth, whether we believe it or not. God’s existence is not based on our acceptance. Neither is the way of salvation behind door number one, two or three. God has provided only one way to Himself. Paul’s Jewish countrymen had much zeal but it was mistaken zeal. Even mistaken zeal is better than indifference. Some people are not zealous about anything. Nothing seems to matter to them. The Jews clung to the Law of Moses, and the traditions of the elders which they zealously reverenced and protected. Those things, law and tradition can be good things. The Law and tradition had a purpose. That purpose was fulfilled in Christ. Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Paul said that the Jews were ignorant of God's righteousness and went about to establish their own righteousness. They had zeal but not according to the knowledge of God revealed in Christ. They had no knowledge of God's plan of righteousness. God's plan of righteousness could only be experienced by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work. When the Jews rejected Jesus Christ, they rejected God's plan of Salvation and sought righteousness through their own works. They were working hard to keep the Law of Moses and the traditions of the elders perfectly, but could not. They refused to submit to God's righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ, therefore they refused the offer of salvation. Zeal without knowledge cannot save.
Many zealous people find themselves following an erroneous path that has no power to save. They refuse to submit themselves to God's prescribed way. They try to work out salvation doing “church work” or giving sacrificially to no avail. Many times have I’ve heard the statement, "I know the Bible says it, but I just think…" Zeal without a proper of knowledge of God’s prescribed way of salvation cannot save! Willful refusal of God's prescribed way, no matter how zealous we may be, will lead to disappointment. This is true concerning salvation or any other spiritual principle of God. If we want God’s promised results, we must do it God’s way! Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man come to the Father but by me.”
The Way of Salvation Must Be Acted Upon: Knowledge of God without Zeal to Act Will Not Save
Romans 10:4 - 8 “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;”
Zeal without a proper knowledge of God’s plan of Salvation cannot save, but knowledge without the zeal to act will not save. Paul clearly establishes the fact that Jesus Christ was fulfillment of the Law and also Jesus Christ was end of the Law for righteousness. The law could not save because no one could perfectly keep the law. Keeping the law perfectly is no longer God's requirement for salvation. God has simplified the way of salvation. No one can work their way heaven. Neither does anyone have to ascend up to heaven to bring Christ down from above, nor do they have to descend into the deep to bring Christ up from the dead. In other words, personal labor will no longer be needed in the plan of salvation. By faith alone, Christ is readily available to all who call upon him. “The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach.....” Even though Christ is available to all, and his word is as close as our own lips and heart, if we fail to act in faith on the knowledge of God’s salvation plan, we will not be saved. Many had heard the Gospel story countless times. They have heard a thousand sermons, but had no zeal to act on what they heard. You can ask them, "Do you believe Jesus Christ is the son of God, who was born of a Virgin Mary, suffered, bled and died for our sin? Do you believe that on the third, he arose again for our justification? Even though they profess to believe, they are still lost! Why are they still lost if they have the knowledge of God’s plan for Salvation? They had knowledge of God's plan of salvation, but lack zeal to respond and act on the truth. Zeal without a proper knowledge of God’s plan of salvation cannot save, but a proper knowledge of God’s plan of salvation without the zeal to respond and act upon the truth will not save!
I heard the message of salvation for over years, many, many times before I received Christ. My parents were saved. My sisters and two of my brothers were saved, but I was lost in sin. The old preachers said, “Jesus came through forty-two generations, was born of a virgin, walk the streets of Jerusalem, lived a sinless life, suffered on the cross, was buried in Joseph’s new tomb, but on the third, He rose with all power in his hand.” It was a wonderful story. They preached it well, but nothing happened to me. Nothing happened because I never took it personally. I didn’t think I was bad enough for someone to have to die for me. I was okay, just as good as the next fellow. One day, I finally understood that I stood guilt with all humanity. All had sinned and come short of the glory of God. I had sinned against a Holy God who kept a perfect record of word, thought and deed. God knew I was good, because He had created me good. I didn’t have a goodness problem, I had a righteousness problem. All my righteousness was as filthy rags in his sight. I was lost and on my way to Hell. Then I heard it, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” Then the preacher went on to say, “If thou will believe in thy heart and confess with thy mouth, thou shall be saved.” This time I had zeal to act on what I heard and at that moment, I was saved. Zeal without knowledge cannot save, but knowledge without zeal will not save.
There are many who will decorate their homes, celebrate Christmas, dress up at Easter time and attend morning worship, but they are not saved. They fail to respond to the message they heard. Jesus Christ paid it all. The full price of salvation was paid at Calvary. Everything necessary for the salvation of the human race is made available in Christ. Every person through Christ can have access to the Father God. That’s the relationship we were created for. Yet, some have not responded to the free gift of the grace of God available in Christ. Here is an example: This church building has proper electric wiring, the bill has been paid, the power is on and outlets in proper working order have been provided in every part of the building. If I fail to plug into one of the provided outlets, my electric space heater or fan will not work. Now I could call the electric company and complain about my heater or fan not working, but it’s really not their fault. In order for me to personally benefit from the fact that the church building has been properly wired, the debt has been paid and the bill fully satisfied, the power has been turned on and every provided outlet is working properly in every part of the building, I must be willing to plug in to an outlet. It’s my choice. Now I could also say, “I know the owner’s manual says I must plug the electric cord of the unit into a 110 volt wall socket for best results, but I don’t see it that way. So I’m going to sit on the floor and turn the fan blades with my finger.” Does that sound stupid to you? How about, “I know this is an electric heater and I should follow these directions, but I’m going to get some firewood and build a fire around it. When it gets warm in the room, I will tell everyone I found another way. You don’t have to follow the owner’s manual. That manual is just words of some man wrote down. That manual is not true, man wrote that manual.” It sounds crazy, does it not? Since God has provided the plan of Salvation by faith in Christ, should we not simply trust and obey. “There is no other way to be happy in Jesus than to trust and obey.” Having knowledge without the zeal to act will not save. We must personally hook up to God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Some ask, “What about the other religions of the world and all those religious activities that seem very sincere?” “Doesn’t sincerity count for something?” There are literally thousands of sincere people, doing sincerely religious activities that are lost without God or His Son. Think about the example above. I could pray all day about my electric fan, then get up from my knees and run around the room, begging my fan to work without any success. I could sing and chant until I lost my voice and no one could deny my sincerity. If I fail to plug into the outlet in the prescribed manner, I would not benefit although the price has been fully paid, every opportunity made available and I was as serious as a heart attack. God has provided the way of Salvation through faith in Christ Jesus who paid the full price for us all. He says, “Whosoever will, let him come!”
No one was more sincere than Paul’s Jewish countrymen. They vigorously held to their Law, rituals and ceremonies. They prayed three times a day. They paid the tithes on all they received. And yet Paul says, “Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” Zeal without knowledge cannot save, and knowledge without zeal to act will not save. The way of salvation must be clearly understood and properly acted upon in order to be saved.
The Way of Salvation is Simple, Easy and Indispensable
Romans 10:9 -11 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”
Only a proper knowledge of God’s plan of salvation with zeal to act on God’s offer positions one for salvation. If we confess with our mouth and believe in our heart that Jesus is Lord, we shall be saved. Salvation occurs when the Knowledge of God is believed in the Heart with the zeal to publicly confess with the mouth the lordship of Jesus Christ. Paul clearly reveals the way to God's righteousness in this text. None has to ascend neither up to heaven or to descend down to Hades to lay hold of salvation, because the word is nigh thee. The gospel message reveals that salvation is at hand. Faith in the Gospel message, nourished in the heart and openly confessed, will secure salvation. Paul declares salvation by faith is readily available, easily accessible and its way clearly revealed in the gospel. God requires no “hard thing” of us. There are no seas to cross, no mountains climb, and no long and painful journeys to take. The way of salvation provided through the gospel has been made short and simply. It requires truth in the heart, not the labor of the hands. “If thou shall confess with thy mouth and believe in thy heart, thy shall be saved.” Please know that Paul is not referring to an empty confession and mental assent. An empty confession cannot save. Paul is suggesting a confessed faith that submits to the lordship of Christ. Salvation entails believing and accepting the Lordship of Jesus Christ as the Son of God and a willingness to openly confess the same before men. The principle one needs to believe is the truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The principle of His resurrection is put forth before all the rest. Christ could not have risen, had he not first died for our sin. Jesus dying for our sin would have accomplished nothing, except he rose again. The resurrection declared Jesus Christ to be the Son of God with power in His hand. It is proper and right to celebrate the Virgin birth of Jesus, His sinless life, His personal sacrifice and suffering on our behalf, His vicarious death on the cross and His burial in Joseph’s tomb. But if Christ did not rise, all hope would be lost. We would still be living in sin, under sin’s judgment and condemnation with no way to be reconciled with the Father. Read 1Corinthains 15:17, “And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.”
For every person that will believe in their heart and confess with their mouth, submitting to the lordship of Christ, shall be saved. It is an absolute guarantee. It is impossible to obey God, following His prescribed way and be lost.
Under the heavy persecution in Paul's day, only those who sincerely believe would be willing to make an open confession of the lordship of Christ and they alone would be saved. Many confessing Jews were abandoned by their families, ostracized by their neighbors and instantly excommunicated from the synagogue. The apostles in the early church collected donations to financially assist some Jewish Christians who were suffering in Jerusalem under persecution. Now a word about Romans 10:11,
"For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."
The word “ashamed” quoted in this verse by Paul is a slightly different from the rendering of this same text in the book of Isaiah and First Peter. Understanding both words used in relating this text, gives us a more accurate sense of the passage. The two Greek words used are “Proskomma” meaning is an obstacle, against which one strikes by accident, and then “skandalon” meaning a trap set to trip one, but both carry the idea “make one fall.” The idea conveyed is that the believers who stand on the promise of God will always be on solid ground. The word of God is not a loose stone in the path or a ledge rising out of the ground to trip them up. No, the word of God is steadfast and sure. The believers standing on God’s word will find themselves safe and secure.
This verse must be kept in its proper context. In many areas of their earthly pilgrimage, the believer may experience disappointment and may stumble. The believer who confesses the lordship of Jesus Christ and believe in their heart that God has raised him from the dead will surely be saved. ‘You can take it to the bank!” When they stand before God having truly believed and embraced God’s plan of Salvation, they will never be ashamed, disappointed or fall. They stand on the sure word of God who cannot lie. Heaven and earth would pass away before a single word of God would fail. This is true for every true believer no matter what misguided deeds were done in the past. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin and faith in God through Christ Jesus secures salvation. The way of salvation is easy and simple. It has been provided by God. Some delay their decision for Christ because it seems so simple and easy. We must remember, it is also indispensible. God made the way uncomplicated and plain because He is not willing that any should perish. He desire that all would be saved. Those who choose to delay their decision for Christ should remember, that trusting Christ is a God thing; no man can come to the Father except he be drawn. John 6:44 “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” Then in John 6:65, “And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.”
The way of salvation is easy and simple, but it should not be ignored or delayed. We should seek the Lord while He may be found and call upon Him while He is near. When the Lord is near us and we sense His call, we should quickly respond. Ignoring the call of God is a dangerous business because we do not know when the last call will come.
There is a phenomenon occurring in the United States today. Many women are waiting later in life to begin having children and raising a family. Medical doctors are finding that women after the age of 38 have difficulty conceiving a child. Some studying suggests that the culprit is the wide use of oral contraceptives. They believe the use of contraceptive medicines to prevent the fertilization of an egg conditions the female body to subconsciously reject pregnancy. It is almost like the mind telling the body organs, “Remember, we are not supposes to get pregnant.” I don’t know about that, it may all be hocus-pocus. I do know that rejecting the gospel has the potential to harden the heart and prevent salvation. During the Exodus out of Egypt, many Jews rejected God’s directions died in the wilderness without reaching the Promised Land. The Promised Land was God’s Gift to them. God chose the land, set its boundaries and drove out the inhabitants, but some died without receiving the promise. Read Hebrews 4:7,
“Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.”
In Acts 24, Apostle Paul shared the gospel message with Felix, the Roman Procurator. Felix was moved to actual trembling. Read Acts 24:25,
“And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.”
Paul remained under Felix’s administration two years and witnessed to him regularly, but Felix never trembled again. Felix botched his opportunity to respond to the message; he failed to strike while the iron was hot. His day of grace was over and he remained lost in his sin. Remember, Moses the great lawgiver who carried the message of salvation to the Pharaoh of Egypt. Ten times, Moses came before Pharaoh; ten times Pharaoh rejected the word of God. Finally, the Scripture recorded in Exodus 7:14,
“And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go.”
Pharaoh rejected the message of God, stubbornly resisting until all Egypt was destroyed, the first born of the nation was dead and his army was drowned in the Red Sea. Rejecting the word of God does have consequences. The Bible cautions “Today if you hear my voice harden not your heart.”
I am reminded of an experience during my early years of ministry. One sunny spring afternoon, I came home at the end of the workday from my secular job and found my wife talking with an elderly woman who had came for prayer. We listen patiently as she shared the most recent chapters of her life. She had just turned sixty-five years old and facing the challenge of her life. After spending the morning in her doctor, she was in a state of shock because of his news. The doctor, who had diagnosed her condition, reported that her disease was terminal. She had a very aggressive type of stomach cancer. His prognosis was not good; he thought she might have fewer three months to live. She sobbed and said, “I am not even saved.” My wife and I listened she shared out of her pain and agony. Finally, I offered to explain the way of salvation and pray with her. She agreed and I began sharing from the Book of Romans. How vividly I remember going over this same passage in Romans 10 with her. When I felt led by the Spirit, I asked for a commitment. I explained to her, “Hearing the Gospel is not enough; you must believe the Gospel and receive Christ as your personal Savior.” Then we prayed the Sinner’s prayer together, “O God, I am a sinner. I am sorry for my sin. Forgive me. I want to turn from sin. I receive Jesus Christ as my Savior; I confess Him as my Lord. From now on I want to follow Him, In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
Then I ask, “Do you believe God has saved you?” She answered, “No, it’s probably too late for me.” I continued asking, “Do you believe God’s word is true. Do you believe God answers prayer. Don’t you believe your sin is forgiven.” She shook her head, “No.” That evening, I went over each Scripture again. I told her, “This passage is true for every whosoever that believes it.” The more I tried to convince her, the more resistance came. I finally realized I was trying to do the work of the Holy Spirit. My wife and I prayed for her again, and then she left. I wanted to see hope and faith in her eyes, but all I saw doubt. My prayer is that we shared enough that Holy Spirit could complete the work. She went into eternity to meet God only three weeks later. I believe it’s never too late, when there is a desire in one’s heart to be saved. It is the Holy Spirit that convicts men of sin. And it is God alone that draws men to Christ. When Christ is received, God withholds no good thing. Don’t ignore the call of God, He is tenderly calling today! Why not take him now? The way of salvation is easy and simple, but it is absolutely necessary. It is a matter of life and death. Recently, a friend shared the story with me and I will share it with you.
“A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art. When the Viet Nam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.
About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, "Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art. The young man held out his package. "I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this."
The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. "Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift." The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.
The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection. On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel.
"We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?"
There was silence. Then a voice in the back of the room shouted. "We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one."
But the auctioneer persisted. "Will someone bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?"
Another voice shouted angrily. "We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!"
But still the auctioneer continued. "The son! The son! Who'll take the son?"
Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. "I'll give $10 for the painting." Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.
"We have $10, who will bid $20?" "Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters." "$10 is the bid, won't someone bid $20?" The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections. The auctioneer pounded the gavel. "Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!"
A man sitting on the second row shouted. "Now let's get on with the collection!"
The auctioneer laid down his gavel. "I'm sorry, the auction is over."
"What about the paintings?"
"I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets everything!"
God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on a cruel cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is, "The son, the son, who'll take the son?" Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.”
The way of salvation is easy, simple and indispensible because whoever receives Jesus the Christ gets everything the Father has. It’s all available in Christ Jesus!
The Way of Salvation Must Be Shared.
Romans 10:13 -17 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
The way of salvation must be shared that the lost might hear the Gospel and have a chance at God and heaven. The text asks, “How can they hear without a preacher?” We should think seriously about this question. If lost people hear the Gospel, they can call on God. The word “call” in the text fascinates me because it is so simple. The first thing a child does after its birth is to call out. No one teaches the child to call out, it comes naturally. It happens so naturally, doctors make use of it as sign that the baby is okay! If a baby does not cry, the doctor will encourage it to cry. Babies quickly learn that calling out get attention and a quick response. That’s the kind of word, God uses in this text, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” This means the sinner does not need to learn a special prayer, formulate a special speech, memorized a certain number of verses, or go through a special ceremony, if knows enough to call out for salvation, He shall be saved. The message of the Gospel is important because it causes the sinner to comprehend his lost-ness, hopelessness, and his neediness. The Gospel helps the sinner to understand there is a relationship he was created for that has been lost, a rebellion he’ll pay for that too costly, a rescue Christ died for that desperately needed, and a response God demands in order to rescue him. Mankind was created for a relationship with his creator. Mankind rebelled against the creator and chose the state of rebellion instead of obedience. Christ came to rescue mankind from the state of rebellion, enslavement and bondage. God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. God’s offer of salvation through the gift of His Son requires a response. The response is always “yes” or “no,” with no middle ground. Even delay or indifference is a response. Be careful how you choose.
During the revival services, as a child in our little wood framed country church, I remember the adult members of the Church would bring all the children to what they called, “a mourners bench.” Normally, the first two pews were reserved for those seeking the Lord or those who needed salvation. Most parents did not leave the decision to their children. Children were just led to the front and seated on the pews. When the altar call was extended, the children would go to the altar. Very little teaching or instructions were given other than, “Ask the Lord to save you!” many of us children would go up night after night without receiving salvation. No one told us how to be saved. Most of us, the parents and the children, were waiting on a feeling or an emotion sign of some sort as evidence of a change. Children would get tired and tried to get up, only to be pushed back down by their parents. Other children would “get saved” as they called it, with tremendous emotional outbursts. Pretty soon every child understood, if I am ever going to get up, I had better do something so by Friday night, they normally would. First, let me say, that’s not the way to lead people to Christ. Secondly, let me say, we all should desire to see our lost loved ones saved that much. Finally, we need to know that salvation is promised to all who will believe in their heart that God has raised Jesus from the dead and confess with mouth the Lord Jesus, without exception! The experience maybe emotional or not; an outburst or quiet contemplation; in a sanctuary or a home, none of those things are as important as what God does in the heart. God saves us, God alone! The word of God is true. When you receive, your life is changed forever. Old things are passed away and all things become new.
The salvation of others becomes possible when the Gospel is faithfully proclaimed and clearly understood. Paul shows here the necessity of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, as well as to the Jews, in order that they might believe on Christ and be saved. God promised salvation through the prophets. God purchased salvation through the work of Jesus Christ His Son, but without responding to God’s call of salvation, people cannot be saved. If sinners do not hear the message, there can be no faith to call; without faith to call, there can be no answered prayer; and without God’s response to prayer, there can be no salvation. Without hearing the message of salvation, there can be no faith for salvation. God could have saved everybody in the world without the assistance of man, but He chooses to work in partnership with messengers who are willing to proclaim the way of salvation. Paul asks several questions, “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they are sent?” God commissions every person He saves. His plan calls every believer into the harvest field. When he saves us, he sends us back to those who have never heard and understood. When He rescues us, we are commissioned to rescue others. Every one of us who are saved becomes some unsaved person’s opportunity at reconciliation. We are someone’s chance at God and heaven. The only way to peace with God and the joys of heaven is through provisions made in Christ; the only way to Christ is to receive Him by faith; the only way to faith is by hearing the word of God. “Faith cometh by hearing; hearing by the word of God.” God sends those who have experienced salvation and understand God's plan of salvation as his messengers of salvation. Matthews 28:19-20, is God’s great commission to all who believe,
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
These are our marching offers. Believers are commanded to witness for conversions; teach for disciples; baptize for assimilation; and finally commission for demonstration. Just as we would not bring children into this world and abandoned them, new converts must not be abandoned in their infancy. One writer say, “If you are there when they hatched; there when they matched; and stay there until they dispatched.” His idea was that every believer should be mentored. We should help every believer discover their spiritual gift and find their place in the body. The work is still not complete. We should help the believer to understand that they are a part of a great army, commissioned to take the world for Christ. They must be dispatched into God’s kingdom building enterprise.
Recapitulation
There are some things I want you to especially remember. The way of salvation must be clearly understood because zeal without a proper knowledge of God’s plan of salvation cannot save. No matter how zealous, serious and sincere actions may be, without a proper knowledge of God’s plan of Salvation, they cannot save. Secondly, God’s way of salvation must be acted upon. A proper knowledge of God’s plan of salvation without zeal to act on the plan will not save. One may know what God requires but fail to apply what they know. Without the zeal to apply what we know, there can be no salvation. Thirdly, God’s way of salvation is simple, easy and yet indispensible: just believe in your heart that God raised Christ from the dead, confess the Lord Jesus Christ as savior and thou shall be saved. The way is easy, simple, but absolutely necessary for salvation. Then, the way of salvation must be shared if others would have a chance at salvation. The lost cannot hear without a preacher! Every saved person is commissioned to proclaim the salvation message to others.
Finally, salvation is as simple as ABC. The following is what I call the “ABC's of Salvation.” A – Acknowledge: The Gospel message must be acknowledged in the head. The message must be clearly understood with the mind. When Jesus shared the “Parable of Sower,” the difference between the results of the productive ground and unproductive ground was understanding. Acknowledge the word in your head; we can only apply what we understand. B – Believe: The Gospel must be believed with the heart. Believe the word in the Heart. Whatever we truly believe, only that will we act upon. The word “believe” denotes total adherence, total dependence and total reliance which is more than mere mental assent. To believe is to rest one’s weigh upon in total trust. Believe the word in the heart. C – Confess: Confess your belief with the mouth. We only confess what we truly believe. If we fail to confess our salvation, most of the time, we will fail to live it out. Most of the important decisions in life are accompanied by a confession. In the courtroom, “Will you tell the truth, nothing but the truth, so help you God?” “I will.” Almost every major decision of life requires an answer and a commitment. If you believe, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” Confess with your mouth. Finally, the letter D: Demonstrate your commitment to God in your lifestyle. If there is a genuine commitment to Christ as Lord, there will be a genuine demonstration of obedience to Christ. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments. In other words, if you love me, show me. Demonstrate the lifestyle of a follower of Christ. I once read a bumper sticker that really started me thinking, this bumper sticker asked a simple question: “If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” Here’s a story that I came across that ties in perfectly with the idea of demonstrating the lifestyle.
“A very stressed-out woman was tailgating a man driving down a busy street. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.
The tailgating woman hit the roof, and the horn, screaming in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the intersection with him. As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a cell.
After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.
He said, "I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see; I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping the guy off in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the 'Choose Life' license plate holder, the 'What Would Jesus Do?’ bumper sticker, the 'Follow Me to Sunday School' bumper sticker and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk. Naturally, I assumed you had stolen the car."
While I can’t confirm if this story is true, it just goes to show that someone else has thought about the same issue of demonstrating what we believe. I have witnessed a large increase in people professing to be Christians and at the very same time these same people display few or none of the characteristics of a Christian. How many people have you encountered on the highways with Christian symbols and bumper stickers on their cars that drive like angry devils? How ironic it is to have a Christian bumper sticker, or symbol on your car and drive like you have no regard at all for the life of fellow human beings! What this amounts to is false advertising in the eyes of God. I realize that no one is perfect, but doesn’t the world have the right to expect Christians to be different? Christians have been changed. We are different. Remember, Salvation is a simple as ABC and D. Acknowledge in the head; Believe in the heart; Confess with the mouth; and Demonstrate in the lifestyle.
