Confess

"But what does it say?  The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." Romans 10:8-10 ESV

Explanation for Romans 10:8-10 from the MacArthur Study Bible, page 1668.

"10:8 The word is near you.  Quoted from Deut. 30:14.  The journey of Rom. 10:6-7 is unnecessary because God has clearly revealed the way of salvation: it is by faith.  word of faith.  The message of faith is the way to God.

10:9 Confess. . .Jesus is Lord.  Not a simple acknowledgment that he is God and the Lord of the universe, since even demons acknowledge that to be true (James 2:19).  This is the deep personal conviction, without reservation, that Jesus is that person's own master or sovereign.  This phrase includes repenting from sin, trusting in Jesus for salvation, and submitting to him as Lord.  This is the volitional element of faith (see note on Rom. 1:16) believe in your heart.  See note on 1:16.  God raised him from the dead.  Christ's resurrection was the supreme validation of his ministry (cf. John 2:18-21).  Belief in it is necessary for salvation because it proved that Christ is who he claimed to be and that the Father had accepted his sacrifice in the place of sinners (Rom. 4:24; cf. Acts 13:32-33; 1Peter 1:3-4).  Without the resurrection, there is no salvation (1 Cor. 15:14-17). See note on Rom. 1:4. will be saved. See note on 1:16

10:10 confesses.  This Greek word basically means to say the same thing or to be in agreement with someone.  The person who confesses Jesus as Lord (v.9) agrees with the Father's declaration that Jesus is Savior and Lord."

Let's pray:  Dear Lord Jesus, I lift up to You those reading this devotional today.  Thank You Lord for saving us.  I pray that those who are unsaved will confess Jesus as Lord and Savior, and accept the loving gift of salvation.  I say this in Jesus' name. Amen.

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