Romans 10:9-10 (NIV) “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”
DECLARE defined: To state emphatically or authoritatively.
BELIEVE defined: To accept as true or real.
SAVED defined: To rescue from harm, danger, or loss; to set free from the consequences of sin; redeem.
JUSTIFIED defined: To declare free of blame; absolve.
PROFESS defined: To affirm openly; declare or claim.
Defining our terms is important, in that we now understand, without question, what God is telling up through the writer of Romans. This is what the Amplified version of the Bible does. For example, …
“If you (state emphatically or authoritatively) with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’, and (accept this as true or real) in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be (rescued from harm, danger or loss; set free from the consequences of sin; redeemed). For it is with your heart that you (accept as true or real) and are (declared free from blame; absolved), and it is with your mouth that you (affirm openly; declare or claim) your faith and are (rescued from harm, danger or loss; set free from the consequences of sin; redeemed).”
At times, a verse or verses written in such a manner can add incredible clarity to its’ meaning. Now, on to what it is saying to us as believers. To be set free from the consequences of sin one must state clearly and boldly that Jesus is Lord and accept the account of His death, burial and resurrection in your heart. Notice that it does not say believe in your mind. For out of your mouth come the issues of the heart, not of the mind. People speak their minds all the time, but the real deep issues that people speak of come from the heart. It is where your conviction regarding important matters resides.
It stands to reason that while an unbeliever may give lip service to the issues of faith as a means of getting certain people to leave them alone regarding spiritual matters, this is not what we are speaking of. I also believe that something should be added to the sentiment in these verses. Professing one’s faith is very important. But allowing the Holy Spirit to teach you and guide you into all truth is vital to a prolonged, sustained and productive walk with Christ. It is not just speaking out. I have known people, and I can tend to be one of these people myself, that says little, however, strives to live my life as a Christ-like example to those around me. The phrase “actions speak louder than words” comes to mind.
I see many Christians every day who proclaim to be believers and yet their lives don’t show the fruit to back up such a proclamation. It can be a struggle. We are buffeted about constantly by things contrary to the word of God. Making the right decisions depends on how closely to stick to God and listen to His Spirit. His desire for you is one of spiritual prosperity.
3 John 1:2 (NKJV) “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”
As your soul prospers, so shall you prosper, but I wouldn’t necessarily assume that prosperity is speaking of monetary riches. It could, but doesn’t have to. If God knows you can handle riches and use it effectively to advance His kingdom, then He just may bless you in that manner. I know people that have been blessed in such a way and have done great things in the name of the Lord.
Our focus doesn’t need to be on ‘things’, but rather on how healthy our relationship with our Heavenly Father is. Cultivate that relationship first and everything else will begin to fall into place. God wants to bless you. He also wants to use you. He gives all His children special gifts. Find out yours and use it for the Kingdom. It is not all about YOU. It IS all about HIM and OTHERS.
WALK WITH THE KING TODAY AND BE A BLESSING!!
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