Beyond the Gospels: Romans 9:30-10:21

Read Romans 9:30-10:21
[Click the Scripture reference to read online.]

For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Romans 10:13

Salvation by faith is a difficult concept for us to wrap our minds around. For many it is a stumbling block.

"Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense;

and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame."

Romans 9:33

Ever since the Fall we have longed to save ourselves through works. Through self-righteousness. Through self-made schemes and gods.

Jesus is the righteousness of God (Romans 10:3). He is the end of the law of righteousness for everyone who trusts their life to Him and His work on the cross (Romans 10:4).

Faith is an act of total dependence. Total surrender. Total acceptance of our inability to do anything to save ourselves.

It is offensive to our natural sensibilities that we are unable to save ourselves. Unable to do anything for ourselves. To admit we really have no control over our lives.

By faith we are saved. By faith we share the Good News of Jesus with others. Only by acceptance of His work, not ours, can we share the message with others.

To pursue the law. To pursue self-righteousness. Always leads to judgment of others. We put ourselves in the place of God. We put others either above us or below us on a scale of right and wrong, when really we all fall short because of sin. None are good. Not one.

By faith we are saved. By faith we build our lives on the Cornerstone rather than stumbling over it. Stubbing our toes. Bruising our feet.

Where are you when it comes to salvation by faith? Are you constantly judging yourself? others? based on a set of rules? laws? you deem to be the way of righteousness?

Or are you able to pour out grace? do you humbly receive the truth of your salvation through faith? are you dependent on Him every moment of every day? following His Way from a heart of grateful love?

"How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"

Romans 10:15

Don't stumble over the Truth. Be saved by faith.

Lord Jesus, open my eyes to the places I still practice salvation through works,

stumbling over Your grace and mercy. I want people to be glad to see me coming.

I want to have Your Good News ready on my lips and flowing from my heart.

I do not want to stumble through life. I want to live wholly saved by faith.

I call on You, Jesus.

Amen.