In many ways, salvation is a great mystery, and in other ways it is extremely simple.  If you study different denominations within the Christian community, you will hear different descriptions and methods of obtaining salvation.  It can become confusing! Yet in his letter to the Roman church, Paul describes salvation in an easy and simple manner.  If you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus died on the cross for your sins and as a result is Lord of your life, you will be saved.  Still, even in this simple statement, there are important elements that need to be understood.

When Paul states that Jesus is “Lord,” he is using the same word that the Jews called God.  Therefore, we do not believe that Jesus is only a great prophet, or a great teacher used by God.  The disciples of Jesus and the early church identified Jesus as God.  If you place your faith in Jesus Christ as only a man, then you have missed an important element of Salvation.  The only way to obtain salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ as “Lord” of your life.  Some groups attempt to place doubt on the fact that Jesus is the Son of God and therefore God.  Don’t be fooled!  Scripture and the early writings within the church describe Jesus as fully God and fully human.

The other element that is very clear in this passage is that salvation is the result of faith.  Following the commands of God does not earn your salvation.  Even within the Baptist church, where baptism by immersion is emphasized, we understand that baptism is not required for salvation.  We are baptized out of obedience after we confess our faith in Jesus Christ.  Other Christian groups may require specific elements for entry into their Christian community.  But to enter God’s kingdom, it only requires a confession of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We cannot be righteous enough through our own efforts, instead we recognize that because we will never be good enough, we submit to God and His plan of salvation for our lives.

Read Romans 9:30 – 10:13