Romans Chapter 10

BIBLE PASSAGE

ROMANS CHAPTER 10

1 Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

The Message of Salvation to All

5 For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

18 But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for

“Their voice has gone out to all the earth,

and their words to the ends of the world.”

19 But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says,

“I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation;

with a foolish nation I will make you angry.”

20 Then Isaiah is so bold as to say,

“I have been found by those who did not seek me;

I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.”

21 But of Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”

SYNOPSIS

Romans 10 focuses on the relationship between God's righteousness and Israel's rejection of Christ. Paul expresses a deep concern for his fellow Jews, praying for their salvation. The chapter highlights Israel's zeal for God, but notes that it is misguided, as they seek to establish their own righteousness rather than accepting God's. Paul emphasizes that Christ is the fulfillment of the law for righteousness to all who believe. The apostle stresses the importance of both confessing Jesus as Lord with one's mouth and believing in one's heart that God raised Him from the dead for salvation. This message of salvation by faith is presented as universally available to both Jews and Gentiles. Paul addresses the question of whether the Jews have had the opportunity to hear this message, affirming that they indeed have, but have largely rejected it. The chapter concludes by referencing several Old Testament prophecies that foreshadow this rejection.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

1. Paul emphasizes that salvation comes through faith in Jesus, not by establishing our own righteousness (v. 3). Are there areas in your life where you still try to earn God’s approval instead of resting in His grace?

2. Romans 10:9-10 speaks of confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection. How does this truth shape your understanding of what it means to follow Christ?

3. Paul stresses the importance of sharing the gospel (v. 14). How can you be intentional about sharing your faith with someone this week?

PRAYER SUGGESTION

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for making salvation available to all who believe in Jesus. I confess that at times, I try to rely on my own efforts instead of fully trusting in Your grace. Help me to rest in the righteousness that comes through faith alone.

Lord, let my heart and my words reflect the truth that Jesus is my Savior. Strengthen my faith so that I boldly confess You before others and live in the confidence of Your promises.

Give me a heart for those who do not yet know You. Show me opportunities to share Your gospel, and give me the courage to speak of Your love and salvation. May my life be a witness to Your grace and truth.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.