Romans 10:9-13 - Do 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. 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. As it is written: 'Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.' For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'

This passage from Paul's letter to the Romans teaches us the simple yet profound truth of how we can be saved. Salvation comes through confessing with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in our heart that God raised him from the dead. It is not about our own works or righteousness, but placing our faith in Christ alone. Paul emphasizes that there is no distinction - whether Jew or Gentile, all people can be saved through faith in Jesus. Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. This salvation is available to all through faith in Christ.

There is a comfort in knowing that salvation is so simple - that it comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. And yet, in another way it is profoundly challenging. It means we cannot rely on our own works or righteousness to save us. We must cast aside any pride in who we are or what we have done and place our full trust in Jesus and what he has done for us through his death and resurrection. This runs counter to human nature, which wants to earn salvation or feel that we have something to boast about. But the gospel tears down all human boasting and says we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone. This also means that salvation is available to all - regardless of nationality, background, or status in life. The same Lord who offers salvation richly blesses all who call on him. What a beautiful truth that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. And yet it also lays a responsibility on us to share this simple yet profound message with others so that they too may be saved through faith in Christ.

Lord, thank you for the beautiful simplicity of the gospel - that salvation comes through placing our faith in you and what you accomplished through your life, death and resurrection. Forgive us for ever thinking we could earn salvation or that our own works or righteousness could save us. Help us to cast all our pride and boasting aside and trust fully in you alone. May your Spirit work in us to more fully surrender to you each day. And Lord, fill us with boldness to share this message with others so that through hearing the word, they too may be saved. May your name be praised for your gracious gift of salvation made available to all through faith in Jesus. Amen.