Salvation is a question that has echoed through history and across cultures. Deep down, most of us sense we need saving—from sin, from brokenness, from ourselves. But how? And from what?
Thankfully, the Bible gives us a clear answer. In Romans 10:4–13, Paul lays out a roadmap to salvation. It’s simple, yet profound. Let’s unpack this together.
The Foundation: Christ is the Fulfillment
Paul starts by declaring, “Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes” (Romans 10:4, NIV).
What does that mean? It means Jesus is the goal and fulfillment of the law. For centuries, the Israelites tried (and failed) to achieve righteousness by keeping the law perfectly. And if we’re honest, we’re not much different. Whether it’s religious rules or cultural expectations, we often try to earn our way into being “good enough.” But here’s the thing—none of us can. We were all born into sin (Romans 3:23, 5:12). Sin is when we do anything that doesn’t measure up to God’s standard. Take the Ten Commandments for example. While not an exhaustive list of God’s standards, it can be a good measure of how God wants us to live. While most of us would easily be able to say we’ve never killed anyone, we’ve most certainly lied before, or desired to have something that wasn’t ours. The fact is, because of our sin, we cannot measure up to God’s standard. The good news is that God knew that, and made a way for us to be rescued and freed from our sin.
Jesus came to do what we couldn’t. He lived a sinless life, fulfilling the law’s requirements, and then took our punishment on Himself at the cross. He became the bridge between our brokenness and God’s holiness.
Salvation isn’t about what you do; it’s about what He’s done.
The Simplicity of Faith
Paul continues, “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart” (Romans 10:8). Salvation isn’t distant or complicated. You don’t need a theology degree or a perfect life to reach God. He’s near, inviting you to believe.
Paul makes it beautifully clear: “If you declare 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).
Notice the two parts:
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- Belief in your heart: This is about trusting that Jesus’ death and resurrection are enough to save you.
- Confession with your mouth: This is about declaring Jesus as Lord—acknowledging His authority over your life.
Faith isn’t just intellectual agreement; it’s a heart-deep trust that changes everything.
Salvation is for Everyone
One of the most freeing truths in this passage is that salvation is for everyone.
Paul writes, “There is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him” (Romans 10:12).
It doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what you’ve done, or who you are. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is enough for every sin, every failure, and every person.
In a world that often divides us by status, race, or past mistakes, the gospel unites us. Paul drives the point home by quoting Joel 2:32: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).
Everyone. That includes you.
What Does Calling on the Lord Look Like?
“Calling on the Lord” isn’t about a fancy prayer or a rehearsed ritual. It’s about turning to Jesus with a sincere heart.
Imagine you’re drowning, and someone throws you a lifeline. You don’t overthink it—you grab hold and cry out for help. That’s what it means to call on Jesus. You recognize your need and trust Him to save you.
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
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- Admit your need for a Savior (Romans 3:23).
- Believe that Jesus died and rose again for you (Romans 10:9).
- Confess Him as Lord over your life (Romans 10:10).
What Happens When You’re Saved?
When you place your faith in Jesus, a few incredible things happen:
- You are forgiven. Every sin—past, present, and future—is wiped clean (1 John 1:9).
- You are made new. You’re no longer defined by your mistakes; you’re a child of God (2 Corinthians 5:17).
- You have eternal life. Salvation isn’t just about heaven later—it’s about abundant life now (John 10:10).
It’s not a temporary fix; it’s a total transformation.
A Simple Prayer
If you’re wondering how to take this step, here’s a simple prayer to guide you. Remember, it’s not the words that save you—it’s your faith in Jesus.
Jesus, I admit that I’m a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I confess You as Lord of my life. Thank You for saving me and making me new. Help me to follow You every day. Amen.
Next Steps
If you’ve placed your faith in Jesus, welcome to the family of God! I can’t encourage you enough to:
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- Tell someone. Share your decision with a trusted friend, pastor, or family member.
- Get connected. Join a Bible-believing church where you can grow in your faith.
- Start reading the Bible. A great place to begin is the book of John.
Salvation isn’t about what you can do for God; it’s about trusting what He’s already done for you. Jesus made the way—you just need to take the step.
As Romans 10:13 promises, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” That includes you, today, right where you are.
If you have questions or want to talk more, Someone at King’s Cross Church would love to talk with you. Let’s walk this journey together.
Can we pray for you?
Whether you are seeking answers about the Christian faith, or are looking for other believers to walk alongside you, we would love the opportunity to connect with you, pray for you, and help you on your journey in following Jesus. Click the link below to contact us. Click the other link to download a free 7 day devotional to learn more about Jesus.