“that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
— Romans 10:9–10 (NKJV)
Grace Received by Faith, Truth Declared by Confession
Our Lent theme, Grace and Truth (John 1:16–17), reminds us that salvation is not earned—it is received. Grace makes salvation available; truth shows us how to receive it. In today’s passage, Apostle Paul reveals the simplicity and power of salvation: believe in your heart and confess with your mouth.
Salvation is not complicated, but it is not casual. It involves both inner conviction and outward declaration.
1. Believe in Your Heart
“For with the heart one believes unto righteousness…” (Romans 10:10a NKJV)
Believing in the heart goes beyond mental agreement. It means:
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Trusting fully in the finished work of Christ (John 19:30 NKJV).
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Accepting that God raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 10:9 NKJV).
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Depending on Him alone for righteousness (Philippians 3:9 NKJV).
The heart represents the center of our will, emotions, and decisions. True faith is not mere religion; it is a deep, personal trust in Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) reminds us:
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him…”
Grace has made righteousness available, but faith is the channel through which we receive it.
2. Confess with Your Mouth
“…and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:10b NKJV)
Confession is the outward expression of inward faith. When we declare “Jesus is Lord,” we are:
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Publicly identifying with Him (Matthew 10:32 NKJV).
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Submitting to His authority (Philippians 2:11 NKJV).
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Proclaiming the truth of His resurrection power.
Confession is not a magical formula; it is the natural overflow of a believing heart. Jesus said:
“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34 NKJV)
If grace lives in your heart, truth will flow from your mouth.
3. The Power of Grace and Truth in Salvation
John 1:17 (NKJV) says:
“For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
Under the law, righteousness required works. Under grace, righteousness is received by faith. The truth of the gospel declares that salvation is accessible to all who believe:
“For ‘whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.’” (Romans 10:13 NKJV)
Grace removes barriers. Truth clarifies the requirement. Faith receives it. Confession seals it.
4. A Call to Personal Examination
Today, reflect deeply:
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Do I truly believe in my heart that Jesus is risen and Lord?
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Does my daily confession reflect my faith?
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Is my mouth aligned with the truth of grace?
Faith is internal. Confession is external. Both are essential. A silent believer is incomplete, and an empty confession without heart-belief is powerless.
Pastor Ebenezer Adeyinka Daramola
Prayer Points
- Lord, I thank You for Your incredible gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for Your grace that saved me, even when I didn’t deserve it. Thank You for reconciling me to You in Jesus’ name. (Ephesians 2:8-9).
- Heavenly Father, I come before You seeking a heart that truly believes; remove any doubt or unbelief that may hinder my faith. Fill my heart with unwavering trust in Your promises, that I may boldly declare Your truth with confidence in Jesus’ name.
- Father, strengthen my faith and deepen my belief in Jesus as my Lord. Help me to have a heart that is fully convinced of the truth of the Gospel, established and trusting You in Jesus’ name. (Hebrews 11:1).
- Lord, grant me the courage to openly confess Jesus as my Lord in every situation. Give me opportunities to share my faith with others and to speak with boldness and clarity, so that they may know Your love in Jesus’ name. (Matthew 10:32).
- God, transform my heart and mind to align with Your will. Let my actions and words reflect my belief in Jesus Christ, so that I may live a life that honours You in all ways in Jesus’ name. (2 Corinthians 5:17).
- Jesus, I pray for those who have not yet believed in You. Open their hearts to the truth and send labourers into the harvest field to share the Gospel with them, that they may come to know You as I do in Jesus’ name. (Romans 10:14).
- Lord, help me overcome any doubts or fears that may hinder my faith. Give me a confident assurance of my salvation and eternal life, so that I may walk in peace and joy in Jesus’ name. (Mark 9:24).
- Father, I pray for unity among all believers. Help us to stand together in faith and proclaim the Gospel with one voice. Break down any barriers of division and promote love and understanding among us in Jesus’ name.
- God, give me the strength to persevere in my faith, even in the face of trials and challenges. Grant me endurance to continue confessing Jesus as my Lord until the end of my life, remaining steadfast in Your love in Jesus’ name. (Hebrews 10:36).
- Lord, may my life be a testimony to the power of the Gospel, impacting others for Your Kingdom. Use me as an instrument of Your love and grace in the world, that others may see You through me in Jesus’ name.
- Jesus, I seek Your guidance in discerning Your will and purpose for my life. Grant me wisdom to make decisions that honour You and advance Your kingdom. Direct my paths and lead me in Your truth in Jesus’ name. (Proverbs 3:5-6).
- Gracious God, unite my heart and mouth in perfect harmony, may my belief be reflected in my words, and may my word be a true expression of my faith. Let my life be a living testament to the power of Your love, that others may see You in me in Jesus’ name.
- Almighty God, I pray for boldness to proclaim your Gospel to all who will hear. Remove any fear or hesitation that may hold me back from sharing Your truth. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, that I may speak with clarity and conviction, leading others to salvation in Jesus’ name.
- Eternal spirit, I seek a faith that transforms my life and the lives of those around me. May my confession of Your name bring glory to Your kingdom and bring others to experience the power of Your saving grace in Jesus’ name.
- Lord, we appreciate and thank You that You have heard and answered our prayers tonight and granted our request in Jesus’ name. (Mark 11:24).
