Confessing Jesus – Romans 10:9-10
People often try to make salvation harder to get than it really is. Faith alone in Christ alone is the clear teaching of the Bible. But a few verses in the Book of Romans seem to suggest that you must also confess Christ openly if you really want to be saved. What does it mean to “confess” Jesus and why is it important? Once again, the context is our friend!
Discussion Questions
Romans 10:9-10 is often used to suggest that belief alone is not enough to get justified before God. Do you have to say something (confess with your mouth) before God declares you righteous?
The man-made technique of the modern altar call is less than 200 years old. Is it possible to get saved without walking forward? (Look at John 8:30) In what ways might an altar call actually create confusion between belief and commitment—between justification and sanctification?
Why is it reasonable to understand “salvation” in Romans 10:9-10 as a salvation from God’s temporal wrath (compare Joel 2:32 quoted in Romans 10:13)? Why is it important to look at the Old (Testament) when it’s quoted in the New (Testament)?
While we don’t have to “say anything” to become a Christian, “confessing” Jesus is to be a normal practice for anyone wanting to follow Christ. In what practical ways can you confess Jesus as you go through every day?
Is it possible to be a believer and not “confess” Christ? Read John 12:42. Why did these believing rulers choose not to confess Christ? What kinds of things prevent believers from confessing Christ in a public way? Why might you be hesitant to take a public stand for Jesus?
Hot or Cold? – Revelation 3:14-22
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Perfect Judgment – Matthew 7:1-12
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Hope and Change – Exodus 32:9-14
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Max Impact: Gifts, Roles, and Contributions – Genesis 2:15, 18
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Falling From Grace – Gal. 5:4
Sometimes we might assume we understand certain passages in the Bible. Maybe it’s a famous or familiar verse. Or maybe we once heard a sermon that gives us confidence we know the meaning of a particular passage of Scripture. But when we look a little deeper, there’s a...