Confessing with Faith: Transformed by Truth Romans 10:9-10
Introduction:
Today, we embark on a journey into the heart of faith and transformation as we delve into Romans 10:9-10. This passage encapsulates the essence of salvation through Jesus Christ—a confession of faith that leads to transformation of the heart and life.
"If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved." (Romans 10:9-10, NLT)
Let us explore this truth and discover how it can profoundly impact our lives.
Point 1: Confession of Jesus as Lord
The foundation of our salvation begins with a confession—declaring Jesus as Lord. This confession is not merely a verbal statement; it is an affirmation of allegiance and surrender to Christ's lordship over our lives.
"If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord..." (Romans 10:9)
To confess Jesus as Lord implies acknowledging His sovereignty, authority, and supremacy in every aspect of our existence. As John Stott, the renowned Christian theologian, eloquently states:
"To believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour is to accept His authority, to rely on His mercy, and to follow His example."
Philippians 2:11 (NLT): "and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
In this verse, Paul emphasises the universal acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as Lord. This confession brings glory to God the Father, highlighting the supreme authority and lordship of Jesus over all creation.
Matthew 10:32-33 (NLT): "Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven."
Jesus underscores the importance of openly confessing Him before others. Our confession of faith in Jesus as Lord has eternal significance, determining our relationship with the Father based on our response to Christ.
Acts 2:36 (NLT): "So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!"
Peter boldly declares Jesus' lordship and messiahship to the people of Israel, proclaiming that God has exalted Jesus as Lord despite His crucifixion. This verse emphasises the divine authority vested in Jesus.
Point 2: Belief in the Resurrection
The confession of Jesus as Lord is intertwined with a deep, heartfelt belief in His resurrection. Our faith is not founded on empty words but on the profound truth of Christ's victory over sin and death.
"...and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead..." (Romans 10:9)
The resurrection of Jesus validates His identity as the Son of God and the efficacy of His sacrifice for our redemption. As A.W. Tozer, a notable Christian author, wrote:
"The resurrection is at the heart of the Christian message. Without it, there is no gospel, no hope, and no transformation."
1 Corinthians 15:17 (NLT): "And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins."
Paul underscores the centrality of Christ's resurrection to the Christian faith. The resurrection validates Jesus' identity and work, offering believers assurance of salvation and victory over sin and death.
John 11:25-26 (NLT): "Jesus told her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?'"
Jesus reveals Himself as the source of eternal life and challenges Martha to exercise faith in Him. Belief in Jesus transcends physical death, offering spiritual life to all who trust in Him.
Romans 6:4 (NLT): "For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives."
Paul illustrates the transformative power of Christ's resurrection. Through baptism, believers identify with Jesus' death and resurrection, experiencing spiritual renewal and living new lives empowered by His resurrection life.
Point 3: Transformation through Faith
The confession of Jesus as Lord and belief in His resurrection result in a profound transformation of the heart and life.
"For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved." (Romans 10:10)
Salvation is not merely a change in status but a radical renewal of our inner being. As Charles Spurgeon, a revered preacher, once said:
"A Christian is a person who believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, trusts Him as his Savior, and follows Him as Lord in obedience."
Galatians 2:20 (NLT): "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Paul highlights the believer's union with Christ. Through faith, believers participate in Christ's death and resurrection, leading to a transformed life characterised by faith and dependence on Him.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT): "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it."
Salvation is received through faith as a gift of God's grace, not by human effort or merit. This verse underscores the foundational truth that our relationship with God is initiated and sustained by His unmerited favour.
Titus 3:5 (NLT): "He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit."
God's salvation is based on His mercy and grace, not our own works. Through the Holy Spirit, believers experience regeneration and new life, emphasising the transformative nature of God's redemptive work.
Conclusion:
These verses collectively reveal the profound truths of salvation, resurrection, and transformation through faith in Jesus Christ. They highlight Jesus' lordship, the significance of His resurrection, and the transformative impact of His saving grace on believers' lives. May we embrace these truths with faith and obedience, acknowledging Jesus as Lord and experiencing the new life He offers through His resurrection.
Application and Call to Action:
Today, let us respond to the transformative truth of Romans 10:9-10 with heartfelt conviction and action.
Confess Jesus as Lord: Surrender every area of your life to the lordship of Jesus Christ.
Believe in His Resurrection: Anchor your faith in the truth of Christ's victory over sin and death.
Experience Transformation: Allow the power of faith to renew your heart and life, leading to a life of obedience and devotion to God.
May this confession of faith not be mere words but a catalyst for genuine transformation in our lives. Let us embrace this truth with unwavering faith and commitment, trusting in the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, as we walk in the light of this truth, may we be continually transformed by the power of our confession and belief in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour.
Let us pray.
