There have been so many times in history when just one word could have changed the course of the entire world! Could the same be said for a spiritual path today? Is it possible that by grasping one word we can understanding that All our Peace, Hope, Joy and Love are Freely available but only by what has already been completed?
“For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” – Romans 10:10-11
Justified! What a Beautiful word! What a Beautiful state and relationship to have with God! All made possible by Jesus Christ Alone!
To get a full and honest view of why this passage is so important we need to look at what the conditions of life were like at this time. Keep in mind this was a world steeped in religion, religion that like religion today brought shame and condemnation and was the moralistic code but certainly not a Relationship with The God Who Is Love!
This is why Paul declared:
“I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.” – Acts 20:21
He said this by the way after deciding to go back to Jerusalem where he knew many of the followers were Not happy with him due to his association with us nasty gentiles and teaching Grace and Not law for righteousness!
You see Paul have a Very clear concept that Grace was, is and always will be The Only path to God, Peace and a life worth living. A life free from condemnation, shame, guilt and the religious stick that everyone had just above their heads ready to beat them down at the slightest forgetful moment of whatever gods or deities they followed. Yes this was also The God of Abraham that most then like now follow religiously and Not Grace-Fully!
One of the most common problems in the early churches due to the way society was and the way people were indoctrinated into their world was people going back to “doing” religion even once they had accepted Christ “by Faith!”
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
It happened then and it still happens today! Why? Because one of the devils greatest tools to get you unrestful and destroy The Peace that passes All understanding in your life is to get you to doubt the Finished work Christ Alone did on the cross which Must be accepted by Faith! This Faith Is what Jesus meant when He said pick up your cross “Daily” as Jesus knew satans greatest tool against you is to doubt what Faith in Him Alone and Not your works, has completed!
