What does Romans 10:9 mean?

Explanation

Romans 10:9 is a pivotal verse in Christian soteriology, the study of salvation.

At its simplest, this verse lays out a two-part formula for achieving salvation: confession and belief.

To "confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus" means to openly acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord, implying a recognition of his authority and divinity.

The phrase "believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead" expresses the requirement of a deep, sincere faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Together, these acts form the basis of Christian conversion and faith.

Historical Context

The epistle to the Romans was written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 57, addressing both Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome.

The early Christian community grappled with understanding how the teachings of Jesus and Jewish traditions fit together.

Romans 10:9 must be viewed within the context of this complex religious environment, where questions of faith, law, and salvation were keenly debated.

Paul's intent was to unify the Christians in Rome around a common understanding of faith in Christ.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse is seminal in defining what it means to be a Christian. It captures the Pauline emphasis on faith and the belief in the resurrection as foundational. Different Christian traditions might interpret the verse in various ways:

• Evangelical: Frequently cites this verse to encapsulate the 'sinner's prayer,' emphasizing the need for an explicit verbal confession.
• Catholic: While acknowledging the essential nature of confession and belief, also emphasizes the role of sacraments and the church in the Christian life.
• Orthodox: Emphasizes the transformative nature of faith and confession as part of a larger spiritual, liturgical, and sacramental life.
• Liberal Protestants: Might interpret the verse metaphorically, valuing the existential commitment to living as Jesus lived over literal belief in the resurrection.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse serves as a guiding principle for Christians who seek to live out their faith.

Confessing Jesus as Lord might inspire a life dedicated to prayer, service, and evangelism, while believing in the resurrection provides hope and encourages a moral life in accordance with Christian teachings.

Cross-References

• John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
• Acts 16:31: "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:"

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of this verse are:

• Confess (ὁμολογέω, homologeō): To agree, admit, or declare openly.

It's a public acknowledgment, not merely private acceptance.

• Lord (Κύριος, Kyrios): A title for God in the Old Testament and used for Jesus in the New Testament, denoting divine authority.
• Believe (πιστεύω, pisteuō): To trust in, rely on, or have faith.

It implies a deep personal trust beyond intellectual assent.

• Raised (ἐγείρω, egeirō): To awaken or arouse.

In this context, it refers to the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This verse conveys the Christian belief in Jesus' resurrection as unique compared to ancient myths that often depicted gods dying and rising symbolically with the seasons.

Unlike these myths, the resurrection of Jesus is proclaimed as a historical and transformative event that imparts salvation to believers.

Scientific Perspectives

The belief in resurrection from a scientific viewpoint challenges empirical evidence as it rests on faith in a supernatural event.

No scientific verification for resurrection exists, and the concept is generally seen as a matter of religious belief, not scientific inquiry.

Commentaries

Commentators vary in their perspective:

• John Stott: Stott saw this verse as central, encapsulating the personal response of faith essential to Christian experience.
• **N.T.

Wright**: Wright emphasizes the historical belief in the resurrection as transformative and foundational to Christian identity.

• Martin Luther: For Luther, this verse supported the doctrine of justification by faith alone, with confession and belief being key markers of Protestant thought.
• Catholic Catechism: Teaches that while confession and belief are vital, they must also be accompanied by the grace given through the sacraments.