What does "do not say in your heart" warn against in Romans 10:6? Setting the Scene: Where the Phrase Appears Romans 10:6 introduces Paul’s contrast between “the righteousness that is by faith” and “the righteousness that is by the law.” He echoes Deuteronomy 30:12 – 14 to show that true righteousness does not demand super-human effort but trusts the gospel already near. Quoting the Passage “But the righteousness that is by faith says: ‘Do not say in your heart, “Who will ascend into heaven?” (that is, to bring Christ down) or “Who will descend into the Abyss?” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).’ ” (Romans 10:6-7) A Closer Look at “Do Not Say in Your Heart” • “Say in your heart” = a private, inner attitude, not merely spoken words (cf. Deuteronomy 8:17; Psalm 14:1). • Paul warns against an inward posture that questions or complicates God’s revealed plan of salvation. • The original Deuteronomy context cautioned Israel against believing the law was inaccessible; Paul applies it to the gospel. What the Warning Guards Us From • Self-reliance: Imagining we must “ascend” or “descend” to complete what Christ has finished. • Doubt of Christ’s sufficiency: Acting as if Jesus must be re-incarnated (“bring Christ down”) or re-resurrected (“bring Christ up”) for us to be saved. • Works-based thinking: Substituting personal effort for simple faith (cf. Galatians 3:3). • Spiritual elitism: Assuming salvation belongs only to those capable of extraordinary spiritual feats. • Unbelief disguised as questions: Internal objections that resist God’s plain word (cf. Luke 1:18 vs. 1:38). Connecting Threads Through Scripture • Deuteronomy 30:14 – “The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so that you may do it.” • John 19:30 – “It is finished.” No ascent or descent left for us. • Hebrews 4:14-16 – Because our great High Priest has already ascended, we “hold fast” and “approach” by faith, not by climbing. • Ephesians 2:8-9 – “By grace you have been saved through faith… not by works, so that no one may boast.” • Isaiah 45:19 – “I have not said… ‘Seek Me in vain.’ ” God speaks openly; He doesn’t hide salvation behind impossible tasks. Living It Out Today • Rest in Christ’s finished work instead of striving to earn favor. • Replace inner objections with confession of faith: “The word is near me; Jesus is enough.” • Share the gospel confidently, knowing it is accessible to every listener (Romans 10:8-10). • Examine heart attitudes that subtly question Scripture and submit them to God’s truth. |
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