“’The word is near you…’” Romans 10:8b

Borrowing the words from Moses’ farewell to Israel, Paul used them in the same manner by directing the Roman Christians to allow God’s Spirit to write the law in their hearts as well. As they immersed their lives in the sacred texts, The Spirit would enable the word to be ready in their mouths for encouragement in holy living:

“Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is to bring Christ down) or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’ (that is to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? ‘The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,’ that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming.” (vv. 6 – 8, Deuteronomy 30)

There is no need for one to search for salvation in the heavens or in the depths of the earth. We cannot bring Christ back from the dead, for He has already risen. Neither can we bring Him down from heaven, for He Himself came down to earth, giving Himself as the final sacrifice for the sins of man. Many seeking God are convinced there is something one must do to earn right standing before God. However, the truth is Jesus did everything necessary for meriting favor with The Father.

Salvation is always as close as the mention of His name. Jesus avails Himself to all who call upon His name to receive His gift of abundant life on earth and eternal life in Heaven. Paul described this transaction in the following way:

“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, ‘Anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.’ For there is now difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for ‘Everyone who calls on the name of The Lord will be saved.” (vv. 9 – 13; Isaiah 28:16; Joel 2:32).

Does your heart cry out for relief? Are you sure of your life after this earthly life? If not, pray about the inspired words above and allow God to become real to you.

The word is near you…