Romans 10.5-13 Two ways to be made righteous .pdf

Two Ways to be made Righteous. Romans 10:5-13 12/1/02 #42
I. Introduction
A. There are only two ways to attain righteousness.
1. The way of the law: human effort. Comes naturally. Many people attend church
to hear sermons on morality > encourage to try harder. > make it.
2. The way of grace. Trusting what God has done. Hard for people to understand.
Paul has to keep pounding it into our heads.
B. Context: Why has Israel rejected their Messiah?
1. Israel has tried to establish their own righteousness by keeping the law.
2. They have rejected God’s way of righteousness: Faith in Christ.
C. Again, notice how Moses quotes the Old Testament.
1. Infallible authority of Scripture.
2. The Old Testament points to God’s way of salvation in Christ. READ
II. If you try to make yourself righteous by law keeping, you will fail. v. 5 quickly
A. The person who keeps the law perfectly shall live. Lev. 18:5 Ezek. 20:11,13,21
Quotes Lev. 18:5 No room for doubt or confusion.
B. The problem is that none of us can keep the perfect standard set in the law. Mt. 5:48
Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.
1. If you break even one part of the law, you are a lawbreaker. Js. 2:10 For whoever
keeps the whole law, & yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all
a. We tend to think: I kept 7 of 10 commandments today (so far) > good person.
b. Must keep all or guilty: illus pane of glass: break part > broken; 1 sin > sinner.
c. Even if you were to start keeping the law perfectly today, it would be too late.
Have you ever told a lie? Taken something, not yours.
2. The requirement of the law is not merely external, but inward, spiritual, and
comprehensive. Mark 12:29f
a. The Jews tried to lower God’s standard by adding their traditions. Lu. 16:15
b. They prided themselves in keeping the law outwardly, while they were in
gross violation of the law’s true inward meaning. Mt. 5:20f
(1) Rich Young Ruler: imagined he had kept the law from his youth.
(2) Jesus asked him one question: Proved covetous.
(3) Sermon on the Mount: Lust > adultery; anger/hatred/mean words > murder
c. The law demands a complete commitment to love. God & neighbor: “ All”
3. Many today think they can be justified by law keeping.
a. Think they can be made righteous before God w/a little human morality.
b. Religion: keep rules: pay with penance when fail.
4. None of us will be justified by the law. 3:20
5. God never intended us to seek salvation by law keeping. Rather, the law was
given to show us our need of His way of salvation. Gal. 3:24
1

C. Those who break God’s law are under a curse. Gal. 3:10 Deut. 27:26 Cursed is he
who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them.
D. Jesus alone kept the law perfectly (for us). 8:4 3:31 Ps. 24:3-4 51:6
1. He met the law’s demand for perfect righteousness. Gal. 3:12 I Pe. 1:19 Heb. 5:9
a. New way of salvation does not completely cast aside the law.
b. Jesus fulfilled the requirement of the law for us. 8:4 3:31
2. He satisfies the law’s demand that sin be punished. Gal. 3:13
Summary: The 1st way: righteousness: simple: Just keep the whole law & you will be saved
The second way is as clear as the law. JC came to save all sinners who believe in Him.
III. God offers you a righteousness which is received by faith. v. 6-8
A. What point is Paul trying to make from Deuteronomy 30:11-14?
1. He is not saying that the law was easy to keep.
2. Rather, he is talking about the nearness (accessibility) of God’s law.
a. The Jews didn’t have to send a rocket to heaven or a ship across the seas to
get God’s law.
b. The LORD has delivered the law to them through Moses: Stone tablets.
c. They don’t need to seek new revelation. All they need is at hand.
3. Just as God plainly revealed Himself in the Law of Moses,, He has made the way
of salvation accessible in the New Covenant through Christ. John 1:17 Heb. 1:1f
a. Christ replaces the law as the focus of God’s revelatory Word. Heb. 1:1f
b. For the Law was given through Moses. Grace & truth were realized through JC
B. God has already done all that is necessary for you to receive His righteousness. v. 6-7
1. God the Son has already come down from heaven. John 1:1,14 Ga. 4:4
a. God Himself entered our world when we were unfit to ascend to His.
b. Came into human reach by incarnation: Became a true man. Near us.
2. God the Father has already raised Him from the dead. 1:4 4:25 Acts 2:24,27
a. Assumes: Jesus’ death for our sin. Jesus did go down to the abyss.
b. The power of death could not hold Him.
3. Most religions are man’s quest to seek God.
a. Pilgrimage: Mecca, Rome, Guru on top of mountain.
b. Seeking hidden mysteries: mystical quest: monastery, philosophical study.
c. Trying to climb to heaven on ladder of their own merit and effort.
d. Might as well try to climb to the moon on a ladder of sand.
e. Some seek new revelation: Secret ways: aspire supernatural: fasting, praying:
f. Revelation: complete. He. 1:2 We don’t need an additional Word from God.
Religion of signs & wonders tries to bring God’s power down.
4. In Christianity, God has sought man. I Jo. 4:10
2

a. God has done what is impossible for you to do.
b. It was not our effort which brought Christ into the world & raised Him from
the dead. God has done it.
c. Righteousness does not come from any superhuman accomplishment of men.
C. The way to receive God’s righteousness is simple: Believe God’s Word. v. 8
1. God’s Word is near. Mt. 11:28-30
a. You can’t claim you didn’t know God’s will. Look no further than the gospel
b. There are no hidden things in Christianity (like other religions: Only for
initiated: different levels). The greatest truths are accessible to all.
2. Simply believe the gospel. 10:13 Acts 16:30-31
a. Illus: try to solve a problem: complex answer: when simple answer under nose.
b. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ & you shall be saved.
3. Sadly, just as the Jews failed to properly comprehend the law, they have failed to
recognize God’s way of salvation through faith in the Messiah.
a. Took what is simple and complicated it.
4. People today have the same problem. Mark 10:17
a. Want to do some great deed: > earn salvation. Gospel too simple. Too easy.
b. Like Rich Young Ruler: “What shall I DO to inherit eternal life.”
c. Try to approach God by human effort: Claim Jesus is far away: heaven: RCC
use Mary: co-mediatrix. I Ti. 2:5 Jesus is nearer to you than Mary.
Summary: 2 ways of justification: Both simple: DO this and live: versus believe.
IV. Believe in your heart and confess with your mouth. v. 9-10 develops v.8
A. What is the relationship between believing and confessing?
1. We are justified by faith which takes place in the heart. Jo. 20:31 8:12 Acts 16:31
a. Saving faith is a work of God. Eph. 2:8 Acts 16:14 John 6:44 1:13 Phil. 1:29
born again
b. Not mere intellectual assent. Js. 2:19 Demons monotheists, know Jesus raised
c. Not saying confession is the means by which we are saved: contradict 1 st 9 chapters
2. Saving faith produces an outward confession with the lips. I John 4:15 Whoever
confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him & he in God.
a. Why does Paul put confession first in verse 9? Follows order in Deuteronomy.
b. The two are closely tied together. Water under surface: bubbles up: fountain
Spurgeon: What God has joined, let no man put asunder.
3. A mere outward confession does not save, if it does not express sincere faith in the
heart. Mt. 7:22-23 15:8 Isa. 29:13 Titus 1:16 Js. 2:19
a. Confession without believing is mere hypocrisy.
b. Not salvation by slogan, or by the human work of speech. Lip service
c. Assumption: confession: from heart. I Co. 12:3 People honor Me w/their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
d. Problem in church history: People just had to agree. Mass “ conversions” w/o
heart agreement. Similar problem today.
3

e. Concern people today: external confession: Walk forward, even baptized: but
No change heart or life. They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny
Him, being detestable & disobedient & worthless for any good deed.
4. If someone refuses to confess his faith in Christ, the reality of his faith is
questionable. Luke 12:8-9 Mt. 10:32-33 John 12:42 9:22 I John 2:23 Everyone
who confesses Me before men, the Son of Man will confess him also before the angels
of God; but he who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God.
a. There is a kind of faith which does not save. John 2:23-24 12:42
b. True faith produces works. Js. 2:14f I Jo. 2:3f On of the works: Confession.
Faith speaks. It is not dumb...If a man has faith, it will break forth at the mouth.
c. Are you ashamed to be called a child of God, a Christian? Illus: visit sons:
college: unashamed to introduce me to friends?
d. Early church: could be costly to confess Jesus as Lord. Mt. 10:22 You will be
hated by all because of My name.
(1) Jews: blasphemy > disowned.
(2) Romans: Lord = title for Caesar.
(3) Our day: foolish fundamentalist, Jesus freak.
e. Refusal to confess shows you fear man and not God. John 12:42 Many even of
the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing
Him for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue.
f. No secret discipleship. Boice: Either secrecy kills discipleship or vice versa.
Illus: Our culture: popular idea: “come out” (expose one’s shameful activity).
How much more should we be willing to come out and declare ourselves Xns.
B. What is the content of faith? Not just faith in faith, or in whatever higher power you
choose: Saving faith has definite content. II Jo. 1:7 Not mere doctrine, but a person.
Some evangelism: not enough content to save sinners: People don’t know why they are
coming forward: Troubled $, health: Don’t’ know gospel.
1. Jesus is Lord. Acts 2:36 I Co. 12:3 II Co. 4:5 Early Christian creed.
a. His Deity. 9:5 10:13 Jo. 20:28 1:1f Phil. 2:11 Ps. 110:1 Lu. 20:42-44 Re. 19:16
(1) OT: YHWH: translated Greek: Kurios: Lord. > Thomas’ confession.
(2) Not merely a great teacher, but God Incarnate. Shares Name, Nature,
Holiness, authority, power, majesty, eternity.
(3) Call upon Him: Prayer/salvation. v. 13
b. His sovereignty. Recognize & submit to His Lordship. Right to rule you.
c. Is it possible to believe in Jesus as Savior without receiving Him as Lord?
People who view Christ: means to forgiveness w/no repentance: desire holiness
> lost Jesus’ call to discipleship: “Follow Me”. When born again >follow.
2. God raised Him from the dead. 1:4 4:24-25 5:10 6:4-5,9-10 I Co. 15:14f I Pe. 1:3-4
a. The resurrection is at the heart of the gospel. If Christ is not raised, we have
no hope.. Much publicity: James’ bones: No problem: Won’t find Jesus’ bones!
b. The resurrection implies His atoning sacrificial death was successful.
c. The resurrection declares Jesus’ Lordship. Eph. 1:20-23
d. You cannot be a Christian if you deny the resurrection.
C. How should you confess your faith in Christ. Ps. 107:2 I Ti. 6:12 Let the redeemed of
the LORD say so.. Not just once, but ongoing.
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1. Confess your faith through the ordinances.
a. Baptism. Acts 2:38 8:36 I Pe. 3:21 Declare union w/Christ. Separation: world
(1) Pattern: immediately upon believing. Public profession of faith.
(2) Eager: Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized!
(3) Some of you are denying Christ by your refusal to be baptized. May God
help you to hear His voice today.
b. Communion. What?. Faith: incarnation, atonement, ress., 2 nd coming.
2. Confess your faith through public worship. Heb. 10:25 Some neglect
a. Declare faith: hymns, prayer.
b. Spoke to someone recently: admonished for not attending: Ch: “I don’t have to
attend church to be saved.” True, but if saved will want to!
3. Confess your faith through identifying yourself with Christ’s people. Acts 2:47
a. Often risky/costly: My friend Nigeria: building burned down. Muslim mobs
murder any Xn they can find < Xn. Temptation: hide faith: convert: Islam.
b. Also costly: unbelieving family members: resent your religion, time at church.
c. We invite new members: give testimony of faith
4. Bear witness to others. Acts 4:20 For we cannot stop speaking about what we have
seen & heard. Tell others what God has done for you.
a. Do you find yourself trying to conceal you are a Xn in certain circles?
5. Defend the faith. I Pe. 3:15
6. Bear witness by how you live.
a. At work. I Pe. 2:12, 18-20
b. As a citizen. I Pet. 2:13-17
c. When facing temptation. Gen. 39:9
d. When facing persecution. Luke 21:12-15 Acts 5:27-32 Daniel, S, M, A.
Polycarp 86 years He has done me no wrong: How can I blaspheme my Lord now
e. Even in death. Acts 7:60
Summary: God’s way: Faith expressed in open confession
V. The Scripture confirms: Believe and you will be saved. v. 11-13 Paul quotes 3 texts OT:
shows this is not a new fangled idea Paul made up.
A. Believe in the Lord and you will not be disappointed (ashamed). v. 11 9:33b
1. Paul repeats the promise of Isa. 28:16.
a. Build on Christ and you will be safe.
b. He will help you in the day of trouble. Polycarp:
c. Not ashamed in the day of judgment. Those who reject Him: crushed: terror
Jesus has taken away our shame.
2. Paul adds a new emphasis: “ Whoever”.
a. The gospel is offered and accessible for all people, both Jew and Gentiles.
b. Faith is equally necessary for all.
B. God’s riches are offered to Jews and Gentiles without distinction. v. 12 3:21-22 1:16
Acts 10:34-36 Unpacks “whoever”
1. There is One Lord who is over all of us. We are all creatures needing mercy.
5

2. All of us equally need salvation. 3:22
3. All are saved in the same way.
a. No racial barrier to salvation.
b. Anyone who is saved is saved by faith, not merito or works.
4. Those who are saved enjoy all of God’s riches. Ga. 3:29 Eph. 3:8 1:7 2:7 Jo. 1:16
II Co. 8:9 9:8 Col. 1:27 Rev. 5:12 Is. 55:1 Not material but spiritual riches in Christ.
Upsetting to Jews.
C. Whoever will call upon the Name of the Lord will be saved. v. 13 Joel. 2:32 Acts 2:21
1. What does it mean to call upon the Name of the Lord? Ge. 4:26 12:8 13:4
Ps. 105:1 Acts 9:14,21 22:16 I Co. 1:2 II Ti. 2:22b I Ki. 18:24 Psa. 116:12-13
a. Prayer, worship.
b. Recognize your need: that you cannot save yourself that He can. Cry for help.
Ask God to save you. Acts 22:16
2. The blessing of the New Covenant offers salvation to all people. Gen. 12:3
a. Inclusion of Gentiles was God’s plan all along. Gen. 12:3
b. Salvation is possible for anyone < God’s work.
3. Which leads to the charge to bring this good news to all. v. 14f Acts 1:8 Mt. 28:19
VI.
Concluding applications.
A. You have only two choices. Illus: Take exam or write paper > credit.
1. You can try to make yourself righteous by keeping the law (perfectly).
a. Simple: Just fulfill the whole law and you will be saved.
b. Spurgeon: It will be a sorry business if we have been trusting in our good temper,
our charity, our patriotism, our courage, or our honesty, & when we come to die
shall be made that these cannot satisfy the claims of divine justice... How sad to
see robes turn to rags..
c. Such leaves us in a state of despair: hopeless.
2. Or you can believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and receive the righteousness of God.
B. Satan will tempt you.
1. To try to achieve salvation on your own.
2. To give up because it is out of your reach.
C. The gospel is freely offered to all. John 3:16 6:37 Acts 16:30-31
1. A wide open door.
2. No matter what race, religious background.
3. No matter what you have done: Christ has saved those who were involved in every
kind of immorality, murder, abortion, lies, backsliding.
4. Call upon Him and He will save you. God commands you to come.
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Discussion Questions for Family Worship
1. What are the two ways that a person could be made righteous?
2. What is the condition of being made righteous by the law?
3. Who has gained life by keeping the law?
4. What is Paul saying about God’s way of righteousness in verses 6-8?
5. Which comes first faith or confession?
6. Is it possible to have a kind of faith which does not save?
7. Is it possible to make a confession of faith without being saved?
8. Why is confession of faith important?
9. What is the content of the confession of faith one must make?
10. What is the significance of the word whoever in verses 11 and 13?
11. Have you called upon the Name of the Lord?
Have you confessed your faith in Him?
Read: Deut. 30
Sing: Just as I am.
Lu. 10:25-37 (What good thing do). John 1:17 (Contrast Moses & Christ).
Concl: Illus: 2 choices: Take exam or write a paper.
Say not in your heart. Deut. 9:4 Don’t think you have earned. Deut. 30:6f circ heart
Illus: Hercules, Naaman
Can’t mix 2 ways of salvation: Ga. 5:2 law & faith: Dark & light.
Polycarp: p. 1196 Boice.
Shame: Garden.
Shame for unbelievers at the judgment. All will stand before Him.
Illus: Edmund Fitzgerald: Holding our own” > Sunk.
Unbelief slurs Christ.
Illus; some people in our culture make a big deal about coming out.
Faith is not a natural endowment we have:
Our day: Admit Jesus is Lord > fool. Contrary to modern thought.
We are accustomed to no pain, no gain.
Our day people don’t know shame. Jer.
Illus: faith in wrong object.
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Two Ways to be made Righteous. Romans 10:5-13 12/1/02 #42
I. Introduction
A. There are only two ways to attain righteousness.
1. The way of the law: human effort. Comes naturally. Many people attend church
to hear sermons on morality > encourage to try harder. > make it.
2. The way of grace. Trusting what God has done. Hard for people to understand.
Paul has to keep pounding it into our heads.
B. Context: Why has Israel rejected their Messiah?
1. Israel has tried to establish their own righteousness by keeping the law.
2. They have rejected God’s way of righteousness: Faith in Christ.
C. Again, notice how Moses quotes the Old Testament.
1. Infallible authority of Scripture.
2. The Old Testament points to God’s way of salvation in Christ. READ
II. If you try to make yourself righteous by law keeping, you will fail. v. 5 quickly
A. The person who keeps the law perfectly shall live. Lev. 18:5 Ezek. 20:11,13,21
Quotes Lev. 18:5 No room for doubt or confusion.
B. The problem is that none of us can keep the perfect standard set in the law. Mt. 5:48
Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.
1. If you break even one part of the law, you are a lawbreaker. Js. 2:10 For whoever
keeps the whole law, & yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all
a. We tend to think: I kept 7 of 10 commandments today (so far) > good person.
b. Must keep all or guilty: illus pane of glass: break part > broken; 1 sin > sinner.
c. Even if you were to start keeping the law perfectly today, it would be too late.
Have you ever told a lie? Taken something, not yours.
2. The requirement of the law is not merely external, but inward, spiritual, and
comprehensive. Mark 12:29f
a. The Jews tried to lower God’s standard by adding their traditions. Lu. 16:15
b. They prided themselves in keeping the law outwardly, while they were in
gross violation of the law’s true inward meaning. Mt. 5:20f
(1) Rich Young Ruler: imagined he had kept the law from his youth.
(2) Jesus asked him one question: Proved covetous.
(3) Sermon on the Mount: Lust > adultery; anger/hatred/mean words > murder
c. The law demands a complete commitment to love. God & neighbor: “ All”
3. Many today think they can be justified by law keeping.
a. Think they can be made righteous before God w/a little human morality.
b. Religion: keep rules: pay with penance when fail.
4. None of us will be justified by the law. 3:20
5. God never intended us to seek salvation by law keeping. Rather, the law was
given to show us our need of His way of salvation. Gal. 3:24
1

C. Those who break God’s law are under a curse. Gal. 3:10 Deut. 27:26 Cursed is he
who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them.
D. Jesus alone kept the law perfectly (for us). 8:4 3:31 Ps. 24:3-4 51:6
1. He met the law’s demand for perfect righteousness. Gal. 3:12 I Pe. 1:19 Heb. 5:9
a. New way of salvation does not completely cast aside the law.
b. Jesus fulfilled the requirement of the law for us. 8:4 3:31
2. He satisfies the law’s demand that sin be punished. Gal. 3:13
Summary: The 1st way: righteousness: simple: Just keep the whole law & you will be saved
The second way is as clear as the law. JC came to save all sinners who believe in Him.
III. God offers you a righteousness which is received by faith. v. 6-8
A. What point is Paul trying to make from Deuteronomy 30:11-14?
1. He is not saying that the law was easy to keep.
2. Rather, he is talking about the nearness (accessibility) of God’s law.
a. The Jews didn’t have to send a rocket to heaven or a ship across the seas to
get God’s law.
b. The LORD has delivered the law to them through Moses: Stone tablets.
c. They don’t need to seek new revelation. All they need is at hand.
3. Just as God plainly revealed Himself in the Law of Moses,, He has made the way
of salvation accessible in the New Covenant through Christ. John 1:17 Heb. 1:1f
a. Christ replaces the law as the focus of God’s revelatory Word. Heb. 1:1f
b. For the Law was given through Moses. Grace & truth were realized through JC
B. God has already done all that is necessary for you to receive His righteousness. v. 6-7
1. God the Son has already come down from heaven. John 1:1,14 Ga. 4:4
a. God Himself entered our world when we were unfit to ascend to His.
b. Came into human reach by incarnation: Became a true man. Near us.
2. God the Father has already raised Him from the dead. 1:4 4:25 Acts 2:24,27
a. Assumes: Jesus’ death for our sin. Jesus did go down to the abyss.
b. The power of death could not hold Him.
3. Most religions are man’s quest to seek God.
a. Pilgrimage: Mecca, Rome, Guru on top of mountain.
b. Seeking hidden mysteries: mystical quest: monastery, philosophical study.
c. Trying to climb to heaven on ladder of their own merit and effort.
d. Might as well try to climb to the moon on a ladder of sand.
e. Some seek new revelation: Secret ways: aspire supernatural: fasting, praying:
f. Revelation: complete. He. 1:2 We don’t need an additional Word from God.
Religion of signs & wonders tries to bring God’s power down.
4. In Christianity, God has sought man. I Jo. 4:10
2

a. God has done what is impossible for you to do.
b. It was not our effort which brought Christ into the world & raised Him from
the dead. God has done it.
c. Righteousness does not come from any superhuman accomplishment of men.
C. The way to receive God’s righteousness is simple: Believe God’s Word. v. 8
1. God’s Word is near. Mt. 11:28-30
a. You can’t claim you didn’t know God’s will. Look no further than the gospel
b. There are no hidden things in Christianity (like other religions: Only for
initiated: different levels). The greatest truths are accessible to all.
2. Simply believe the gospel. 10:13 Acts 16:30-31
a. Illus: try to solve a problem: complex answer: when simple answer under nose.
b. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ & you shall be saved.
3. Sadly, just as the Jews failed to properly comprehend the law, they have failed to
recognize God’s way of salvation through faith in the Messiah.
a. Took what is simple and complicated it.
4. People today have the same problem. Mark 10:17
a. Want to do some great deed: > earn salvation. Gospel too simple. Too easy.
b. Like Rich Young Ruler: “What shall I DO to inherit eternal life.”
c. Try to approach God by human effort: Claim Jesus is far away: heaven: RCC
use Mary: co-mediatrix. I Ti. 2:5 Jesus is nearer to you than Mary.
Summary: 2 ways of justification: Both simple: DO this and live: versus believe.
IV. Believe in your heart and confess with your mouth. v. 9-10 develops v.8
A. What is the relationship between believing and confessing?
1. We are justified by faith which takes place in the heart. Jo. 20:31 8:12 Acts 16:31
a. Saving faith is a work of God. Eph. 2:8 Acts 16:14 John 6:44 1:13 Phil. 1:29
born again
b. Not mere intellectual assent. Js. 2:19 Demons monotheists, know Jesus raised
c. Not saying confession is the means by which we are saved: contradict 1 st 9 chapters
2. Saving faith produces an outward confession with the lips. I John 4:15 Whoever
confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him & he in God.
a. Why does Paul put confession first in verse 9? Follows order in Deuteronomy.
b. The two are closely tied together. Water under surface: bubbles up: fountain
Spurgeon: What God has joined, let no man put asunder.
3. A mere outward confession does not save, if it does not express sincere faith in the
heart. Mt. 7:22-23 15:8 Isa. 29:13 Titus 1:16 Js. 2:19
a. Confession without believing is mere hypocrisy.
b. Not salvation by slogan, or by the human work of speech. Lip service
c. Assumption: confession: from heart. I Co. 12:3 People honor Me w/their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
d. Problem in church history: People just had to agree. Mass “ conversions” w/o
heart agreement. Similar problem today.
3

e. Concern people today: external confession: Walk forward, even baptized: but
No change heart or life. They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny
Him, being detestable & disobedient & worthless for any good deed.
4. If someone refuses to confess his faith in Christ, the reality of his faith is
questionable. Luke 12:8-9 Mt. 10:32-33 John 12:42 9:22 I John 2:23 Everyone
who confesses Me before men, the Son of Man will confess him also before the angels
of God; but he who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God.
a. There is a kind of faith which does not save. John 2:23-24 12:42
b. True faith produces works. Js. 2:14f I Jo. 2:3f On of the works: Confession.
Faith speaks. It is not dumb...If a man has faith, it will break forth at the mouth.
c. Are you ashamed to be called a child of God, a Christian? Illus: visit sons:
college: unashamed to introduce me to friends?
d. Early church: could be costly to confess Jesus as Lord. Mt. 10:22 You will be
hated by all because of My name.
(1) Jews: blasphemy > disowned.
(2) Romans: Lord = title for Caesar.
(3) Our day: foolish fundamentalist, Jesus freak.
e. Refusal to confess shows you fear man and not God. John 12:42 Many even of
the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing
Him for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue.
f. No secret discipleship. Boice: Either secrecy kills discipleship or vice versa.
Illus: Our culture: popular idea: “come out” (expose one’s shameful activity).
How much more should we be willing to come out and declare ourselves Xns.
B. What is the content of faith? Not just faith in faith, or in whatever higher power you
choose: Saving faith has definite content. II Jo. 1:7 Not mere doctrine, but a person.
Some evangelism: not enough content to save sinners: People don’t know why they are
coming forward: Troubled $, health: Don’t’ know gospel.
1. Jesus is Lord. Acts 2:36 I Co. 12:3 II Co. 4:5 Early Christian creed.
a. His Deity. 9:5 10:13 Jo. 20:28 1:1f Phil. 2:11 Ps. 110:1 Lu. 20:42-44 Re. 19:16
(1) OT: YHWH: translated Greek: Kurios: Lord. > Thomas’ confession.
(2) Not merely a great teacher, but God Incarnate. Shares Name, Nature,
Holiness, authority, power, majesty, eternity.
(3) Call upon Him: Prayer/salvation. v. 13
b. His sovereignty. Recognize & submit to His Lordship. Right to rule you.
c. Is it possible to believe in Jesus as Savior without receiving Him as Lord?
People who view Christ: means to forgiveness w/no repentance: desire holiness
> lost Jesus’ call to discipleship: “Follow Me”. When born again >follow.
2. God raised Him from the dead. 1:4 4:24-25 5:10 6:4-5,9-10 I Co. 15:14f I Pe. 1:3-4
a. The resurrection is at the heart of the gospel. If Christ is not raised, we have
no hope.. Much publicity: James’ bones: No problem: Won’t find Jesus’ bones!
b. The resurrection implies His atoning sacrificial death was successful.
c. The resurrection declares Jesus’ Lordship. Eph. 1:20-23
d. You cannot be a Christian if you deny the resurrection.
C. How should you confess your faith in Christ. Ps. 107:2 I Ti. 6:12 Let the redeemed of
the LORD say so.. Not just once, but ongoing.
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1. Confess your faith through the ordinances.
a. Baptism. Acts 2:38 8:36 I Pe. 3:21 Declare union w/Christ. Separation: world
(1) Pattern: immediately upon believing. Public profession of faith.
(2) Eager: Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized!
(3) Some of you are denying Christ by your refusal to be baptized. May God
help you to hear His voice today.
b. Communion. What?. Faith: incarnation, atonement, ress., 2 nd coming.
2. Confess your faith through public worship. Heb. 10:25 Some neglect
a. Declare faith: hymns, prayer.
b. Spoke to someone recently: admonished for not attending: Ch: “I don’t have to
attend church to be saved.” True, but if saved will want to!
3. Confess your faith through identifying yourself with Christ’s people. Acts 2:47
a. Often risky/costly: My friend Nigeria: building burned down. Muslim mobs
murder any Xn they can find < Xn. Temptation: hide faith: convert: Islam.
b. Also costly: unbelieving family members: resent your religion, time at church.
c. We invite new members: give testimony of faith
4. Bear witness to others. Acts 4:20 For we cannot stop speaking about what we have
seen & heard. Tell others what God has done for you.
a. Do you find yourself trying to conceal you are a Xn in certain circles?
5. Defend the faith. I Pe. 3:15
6. Bear witness by how you live.
a. At work. I Pe. 2:12, 18-20
b. As a citizen. I Pet. 2:13-17
c. When facing temptation. Gen. 39:9
d. When facing persecution. Luke 21:12-15 Acts 5:27-32 Daniel, S, M, A.
Polycarp 86 years He has done me no wrong: How can I blaspheme my Lord now
e. Even in death. Acts 7:60
Summary: God’s way: Faith expressed in open confession
V. The Scripture confirms: Believe and you will be saved. v. 11-13 Paul quotes 3 texts OT:
shows this is not a new fangled idea Paul made up.
A. Believe in the Lord and you will not be disappointed (ashamed). v. 11 9:33b
1. Paul repeats the promise of Isa. 28:16.
a. Build on Christ and you will be safe.
b. He will help you in the day of trouble. Polycarp:
c. Not ashamed in the day of judgment. Those who reject Him: crushed: terror
Jesus has taken away our shame.
2. Paul adds a new emphasis: “ Whoever”.
a. The gospel is offered and accessible for all people, both Jew and Gentiles.
b. Faith is equally necessary for all.
B. God’s riches are offered to Jews and Gentiles without distinction. v. 12 3:21-22 1:16
Acts 10:34-36 Unpacks “whoever”
1. There is One Lord who is over all of us. We are all creatures needing mercy.
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2. All of us equally need salvation. 3:22
3. All are saved in the same way.
a. No racial barrier to salvation.
b. Anyone who is saved is saved by faith, not merito or works.
4. Those who are saved enjoy all of God’s riches. Ga. 3:29 Eph. 3:8 1:7 2:7 Jo. 1:16
II Co. 8:9 9:8 Col. 1:27 Rev. 5:12 Is. 55:1 Not material but spiritual riches in Christ.
Upsetting to Jews.
C. Whoever will call upon the Name of the Lord will be saved. v. 13 Joel. 2:32 Acts 2:21
1. What does it mean to call upon the Name of the Lord? Ge. 4:26 12:8 13:4
Ps. 105:1 Acts 9:14,21 22:16 I Co. 1:2 II Ti. 2:22b I Ki. 18:24 Psa. 116:12-13
a. Prayer, worship.
b. Recognize your need: that you cannot save yourself that He can. Cry for help.
Ask God to save you. Acts 22:16
2. The blessing of the New Covenant offers salvation to all people. Gen. 12:3
a. Inclusion of Gentiles was God’s plan all along. Gen. 12:3
b. Salvation is possible for anyone < God’s work.
3. Which leads to the charge to bring this good news to all. v. 14f Acts 1:8 Mt. 28:19
VI.
Concluding applications.
A. You have only two choices. Illus: Take exam or write paper > credit.
1. You can try to make yourself righteous by keeping the law (perfectly).
a. Simple: Just fulfill the whole law and you will be saved.
b. Spurgeon: It will be a sorry business if we have been trusting in our good temper,
our charity, our patriotism, our courage, or our honesty, & when we come to die
shall be made that these cannot satisfy the claims of divine justice... How sad to
see robes turn to rags..
c. Such leaves us in a state of despair: hopeless.
2. Or you can believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and receive the righteousness of God.
B. Satan will tempt you.
1. To try to achieve salvation on your own.
2. To give up because it is out of your reach.
C. The gospel is freely offered to all. John 3:16 6:37 Acts 16:30-31
1. A wide open door.
2. No matter what race, religious background.
3. No matter what you have done: Christ has saved those who were involved in every
kind of immorality, murder, abortion, lies, backsliding.
4. Call upon Him and He will save you. God commands you to come.
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Discussion Questions for Family Worship
1. What are the two ways that a person could be made righteous?
2. What is the condition of being made righteous by the law?
3. Who has gained life by keeping the law?
4. What is Paul saying about God’s way of righteousness in verses 6-8?
5. Which comes first faith or confession?
6. Is it possible to have a kind of faith which does not save?
7. Is it possible to make a confession of faith without being saved?
8. Why is confession of faith important?
9. What is the content of the confession of faith one must make?
10. What is the significance of the word whoever in verses 11 and 13?
11. Have you called upon the Name of the Lord?
Have you confessed your faith in Him?
Read: Deut. 30
Sing: Just as I am.
Lu. 10:25-37 (What good thing do). John 1:17 (Contrast Moses & Christ).
Concl: Illus: 2 choices: Take exam or write a paper.
Say not in your heart. Deut. 9:4 Don’t think you have earned. Deut. 30:6f circ heart
Illus: Hercules, Naaman
Can’t mix 2 ways of salvation: Ga. 5:2 law & faith: Dark & light.
Polycarp: p. 1196 Boice.
Shame: Garden.
Shame for unbelievers at the judgment. All will stand before Him.
Illus: Edmund Fitzgerald: Holding our own” > Sunk.
Unbelief slurs Christ.
Illus; some people in our culture make a big deal about coming out.
Faith is not a natural endowment we have:
Our day: Admit Jesus is Lord > fool. Contrary to modern thought.
We are accustomed to no pain, no gain.
Our day people don’t know shame. Jer.
Illus: faith in wrong object.
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