Romans 10:9

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.

Study Bible

if you confess with your mouth
The Greek word for "confess" is "homologeō," which means to agree or to acknowledge openly. In the context of the early church, confession was a public declaration of faith, often made in the face of persecution. The phrase emphasizes the importance of verbal acknowledgment of faith, which was a bold and courageous act in a time when Christians faced severe opposition. The mouth, as a symbol of communication, signifies the outward expression of an inward belief, aligning with the biblical principle that faith without works is dead (James 2:26).

Jesus is Lord
The declaration "Jesus is Lord" is profound, as "Lord" (Greek: "Kyrios") was a title used for God in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament. By using this title, early Christians were affirming the divinity of Jesus, equating Him with Yahweh, the God of Israel. This confession was counter-cultural, especially in the Roman Empire, where Caesar was often hailed as "lord." The statement is a recognition of Jesus' authority and sovereignty over all creation, a central tenet of Christian faith.

and believe in your heart
The heart (Greek: "kardia") in biblical terms is the center of human emotion, thought, and will. To "believe in your heart" goes beyond intellectual assent; it involves a deep, personal trust and commitment. This belief is not superficial but transformative, affecting one's entire being and lifestyle. The heart, as the seat of faith, underscores the sincerity and depth required in the Christian walk.

that God raised Him from the dead
The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith. The Greek word for "raised" is "egeirō," which means to awaken or to lift up. This event is not just a historical fact but a divine act that validates Jesus' claims and His victory over sin and death. The resurrection is a testament to God's power and a promise of eternal life for believers. It is the ultimate proof of Jesus' identity as the Son of God and the assurance of the believer's future resurrection.

you will be saved
The promise of salvation (Greek: "sōzō") encompasses deliverance from sin, reconciliation with God, and the hope of eternal life. Salvation is both a present reality and a future hope, initiated by faith and confession. This assurance is not based on human merit but on God's grace, accessible to all who believe. The certainty of salvation is a source of comfort and motivation for Christians to live out their faith boldly and confidently.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.

2. The Roman Church
The recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers living in the heart of the Roman Empire.

3. Jesus Christ
Central to this verse, Jesus is acknowledged as Lord and the one whom God raised from the dead, affirming His divinity and the power of His resurrection.

4. God the Father
The one who raised Jesus from the dead, highlighting the divine power and authority behind the resurrection.

5. Confession and Belief
Key actions mentioned in the verse, emphasizing the importance of both verbal confession and heartfelt belief in the process of salvation.

Teaching Points

Confession as a Public Declaration
Confessing "Jesus is Lord" is not just a private belief but a public declaration of allegiance to Christ.

Heartfelt Belief
True belief goes beyond intellectual assent; it involves trusting in the resurrection power of God and the lordship of Christ.

The Simplicity of Salvation
Salvation is accessible to all who confess and believe, emphasizing the grace of God rather than human effort.

The Power of the Resurrection
Belief in the resurrection is foundational to the Christian faith, affirming Jesus' victory over sin and death.

Unity in Confession
This confession unites believers across diverse backgrounds, forming a community centered on the lordship of Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does it mean to confess "Jesus is Lord" in your daily life, and how can this confession impact your interactions with others?

2. How does believing in the resurrection of Jesus shape your understanding of life, death, and eternity?

3. In what ways can you publicly declare your faith in Jesus in your community or workplace?

4. How do the concepts of confession and belief in Romans 10:9 relate to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20?

5. Reflect on a time when your belief in the resurrection provided hope or strength. How can you share this hope with someone else?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Philippians 2:11
This verse also emphasizes the confession that "Jesus is Lord," showing the universal acknowledgment of Christ's lordship.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4
These verses provide a summary of the gospel, including the death and resurrection of Jesus, which is central to the belief mentioned in Romans 10:9.

John 11:25-26
Jesus speaks of Himself as the resurrection and the life, reinforcing the belief in His resurrection as essential for eternal life.