What steps can we take to trust God as our "Savior and Lord"? Our Foundation Verse “that if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9 Why This Verse Matters • It unites two inseparable truths—Jesus saves and Jesus rules. • It gives a clear pathway: confession + belief = salvation. • It shows trust involves both heart and lips, inner faith and outward allegiance. Step 1: Admit Our Need for a Savior • Romans 3:23 reminds us: “all have sinned.” • Acknowledging sin removes self-reliance and drives us to Christ alone. • Acts 4:12 reinforces: “There is no other name under heaven…by which we must be saved.” Step 2: Believe from the Heart • “Believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead” (Romans 10:9). – Heart belief is more than mental assent; it’s entrusting our whole being to the risen Lord. • 1 Corinthians 15:17—without the resurrection, faith is futile. • This belief produces assurance: John 5:24, we have “passed from death to life.” Step 3: Confess Jesus as Lord • Confession means open identification with Christ, not secret admiration. • Lord (Greek: kurios) declares His absolute authority—see Matthew 28:18. • Luke 6:46 warns against lip service without obedience; confession calls for allegiance. Step 4: Rely on God’s Promise • “You will be saved” (Romans 10:9) is God’s guarantee, not hopeful guesswork. • Titus 1:2 says God “cannot lie.” • Salvation rests on His unchanging word, giving unshakeable confidence. Step 5: Grow Daily in Submission • Colossians 2:6—“As you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him.” • Trust matures through: – Regular Scripture intake (Psalm 119:105) – Prayerful dependence (Philippians 4:6-7) – Obedient living (James 1:22) Step 6: Join a Faithful Community • Hebrews 10:24-25 urges gathering for encouragement. • Fellowship strengthens trust by shared worship, teaching, and accountability. Step 7: Remember the Gospel Continually • 2 Peter 1:9 warns forgetfulness weakens faith. • Rehearse the cross and resurrection often—communion, worship songs, personal reflection—to keep trust fresh and vibrant. Putting It All Together Admit sin, believe in the risen Christ, confess Him openly, rest on His promise, submit daily, connect with His people, and rehearse the gospel continually. Each step springs from God’s Word, enabling us to trust Him fully as our Savior and Lord. |
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