Romans Chapter 10 — The Righteousness of Faith
Paul explains that righteousness comes through faith in Christ rather than the law and emphasizes that salvation is available to everyone who calls on God.
1Brothers, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God is for Israel, that they may be saved.
2For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.
3For being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they didn’t subject themselves to the righteousness of God.
4For Christ is the fulfillment*or, completion, or end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
5For Moses writes about the righteousness of the law, “The one who does them will live by them.”✡Leviticus 18:5
6But the righteousness which is of faith says this, “Don’t say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’✡Deuteronomy 30:12 (that is, to bring Christ down);
7or, ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’✡Deuteronomy 30:13 (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead.)”
8But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart;”✡Deuteronomy 30:14 that is, the word of faith which we preach:
9that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10For with the heart one believes resulting in righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made resulting in salvation.
11For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.”✡Isaiah 28:16
12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich to all who call on him.
13For, “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”✡Joel 2:32
14How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher?
15And how will they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:
16But they didn’t all listen to the glad news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?”✡Isaiah 53:1
17So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
18But I say, didn’t they hear? Yes, most certainly,
19But I ask, didn’t Israel know? First Moses says,
20Isaiah is very bold and says,
21But about Israel he says, “All day long I stretched out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”✡Isaiah 65:2
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Romans 10:9
“that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
This verse provides a clear and concise summary of the essential requirements for salvation through faith.
Romans 10:13
“For, “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.””
It emphasizes the universal accessibility of God's grace to anyone who seeks Him.
Romans 10:17
“So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
This verse highlights the critical role of scripture and preaching in the development of personal faith.
Chapter Summary
In Romans 10, Paul expresses his profound desire for the salvation of Israel, noting that while they possess a zeal for God, it lacks the true knowledge of God's righteousness. He explains that Christ is the fulfillment of the law, offering righteousness to all who believe. Paul contrasts the righteousness of the law, which requires perfect performance, with the righteousness of faith, which is accessible and near. He specifies that salvation results from confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection. This message is universal, removing the distinction between Jew and Greek because the same Lord is rich toward all who call upon Him. Paul underscores the necessity of the gospel being preached, stating that faith comes through hearing the word of God. He concludes by referencing prophetic scriptures that illustrate how the message was sent to a disobedient people.
Frequently Asked Questions
It teaches that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ rather than through following the law. It specifically states that if a person confesses Jesus as Lord and believes in their heart that God raised Him from the dead, they will be saved.
Paul expresses a deep desire for their salvation, acknowledging their zeal for God but noting they have tried to establish their own righteousness through the law. He emphasizes that the promise of salvation is available to both Jews and Greeks without distinction.
Paul explains that for people to believe in the Lord, they must first hear about Him, and to hear about Him, someone must be sent to preach. He concludes that faith is a direct result of hearing the word of God.
Study Note
Paul's argument in this chapter relies heavily on a series of rhetorical questions and Old Testament citations to demonstrate that the gospel was always intended to be heard and believed.
Related Chapters
Deuteronomy 30
Paul quotes from this chapter to explain that the word of faith is near and accessible.
Joel 2
The promise that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved is originally found in Joel's prophecy.
Isaiah 52
Paul references Isaiah when speaking about the beautiful feet of those who bring good news.
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