But the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down), or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).” But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”— that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. Romans 10:6-10
I think all of us wonder… Who goes to heaven and who goes to hell? Paul addresses the question in a round-a-bout manner here. He says be careful about how you answer. Some will answer in a way that ‘brings Christ down’… meaning they lower the standard God has set which is righteousness (we are to be perfect as He is perfect). Others want to make their own rules about what ‘damns a person to hell’. Of course, the answer is close, in our very mouth, and within our heart. Its is faith alone that saves. Jesus paid the penalty for our sins and made a way for us to enter into fellowship with God now, and His abode, heaven, then. Apart from faith in Him, people are destined for ‘The Other Place’.
When did I first confess with my mouth Jesus as Lord? Am I living out my belief in an undeniable way?
God, thank you for Jesus Christ, my goal and my source. Help me walk today in a way that pleases You. May my heavenly citizenship be evident as I dwell here on earth. And when its time to go up, may I be a little more like Him in word, thought and deed. Please be close to Bill today as he faces his surgery, heal Carol and restore her breath and strength. Continue to give my mom energy and to put on weight. I look forward to all You have for me today.
