Daily Reading: Romans 10
For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10.11-13)
Devotional Thought: We have watched political inquests when the question was asked: "What did you know, and when did you know it?" Both parts of the question have significance on the innocence or guilt of the "accused."
What strikes you in the verses above? Several phrases jump out at me: Everyone who believes… Lord of all… Bestowing his riches... All who call on him… These are very inclusive words, giving hope to whoever reads them. They bring hope to every human heart, for there is no one who is ineligible to believe in and receive Christ. The Apostle John wrote: "Whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3.15-16, emphasis mine).
I would point out that both Paul in Romans 10 and John in John 3 wrote about believing in the present tense. Following Jesus isn’t about a decision I made years ago. Instead, it is about believing him right now, trusting in him right now. The Bible speaks of those who once had faith but do so no longer. It presents the very real possibility that a person may wander from the faith and suffer the consequences.
Rather than squabbling about “eternal security”, however, the real hope in these verses is about today. Are you trusting in Jesus right now? If so, you will not be put to shame! Are you calling on him today? If so, you will be richly blessed, and you will be saved! Don't fret about theology - rejoice in Jesus' saving power!
What do you know? Jesus saves! When do you know it? Today!
Prayer: "My faith has found a resting place, not in device or creed. I trust the Ever-Living One. His wounds for me shall plead. I need no other argument. I need no other plea. It is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me." Amen!
Psalm of the Day: 25.14-22
14 The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.
15 My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for he will pluck my feet out of the net.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses.
18 Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.
19 Consider how many are my foes, and with what violent hatred they hate me.
20 Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.
22 Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
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