8 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 preach):
8 But what does it say?
Paul alluded to Deuteronomy 30:14 in verse eight. He used the language of Deuteronomy to achieve his point. This is not a direct quotation.
“The word [of faith] is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”
Alluding to Deuteronomy 30:11 and 14, Paul said that revelation was near the Jews of his day. Jesus was available to them.
The word “word” in this sentence is the spoken word. God spoke His word to Paul’s generation; it was accessible to them right then. It is the message that the Roman church heard.
The word “near you” is truth contemplated and demanded by the Word of God. The gospel speaks for itself. Faith is at hand if we are positive to God’s message to us. Therefore, journey to extensive lengths is not necessary to become a Christian. All that is necessary is the faith to believe what God says.
The idea of this verse is developed in Romans 10: 9-10.
(that is [namely], the word of faith which we preach):
“The Greek word for “word” was what stimulated belief or trust. It is always the Word of God that evokes faith:
Ro 10:17, So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
When a person hears the message of the gospel, all that God requires is to respond to it by faith. Faith is believing the message sent from God.
Faith here stands in contrast to works (9:32). We find the source of salvation not in our works but in the saving work of Christ.
PRINCIPLE:
There is no need for extraordinary means to discover who and what Christ is.
APPLICATION:
God clearly gave us the message of salvation in the gospel. There is no need for a miracle or any other extraordinary means for a person to become a Christian. On occasion God will use extraordinary means as an exception, but His normal means is through the gospel and the Bible.
The message is simple. It is a different kind of righteousness. Righteousness by faith is very different from righteousness that comes from keeping the law. The plan of salvation does not require us to do what is impossible to do. That would be necessary if we attempted to keep the law for salvation. The gospel is attainable by faith.
Then if Romans 10: 9-13 is true about salvation not by works. Then, would repentance or repenting at time of salvation, be considered as by works. Meaning in order for a soul to be saved, is it Christ plus nothing?
Thanks
GOD’S BEST
Al, The Greek word for repentance means to change the mind (it does not imply turning from sins in itself). It comes from two words: 1) to change and 2) the mind. Thus, repentance is a change of mind from not trusting Christ to save our souls to trust him for salvation.