Calling
on the Name of the Lord
Introduction:
Romans 10:13 - Salvation is available to
everyone – both Jew & Gentile. If I were to ask you what it meant to
call on the name of the Lord, what would you say? Is it a simple
acknowledgement of Jesus as Lord, or is there more to it? Unfortunately,
doctrines of men have made 10:13 a source of confusion. Many are given over to
a false sense of security. Others: left wondering if they are truly saved. What
is the biblical concept of calling on the name of the Lord?
I. Righteousness
is not brought about by law.
A.
10:5 – those that try to live by law
will find they are judged by that law.
1.
No one but Jesus ever kept that law
perfectly.
2.
Should impress upon us that if we are trying
to find justification based solely on the deeds we do – we will NOT
obtain it.
a)
Justification by law brings a curse. Deut.
27:26; Gal. 3:10
3.
Eph. 2:8-9 – without God’s grace we
have no hope.
B.
God & our dependence upon Him for
salvation.
1.
Rom. 3:23-25a
a)
Propitiation – Jesus was the offering
that turns away wrath.
b)
Salvation is God’s free gift to man.
II. What does
righteousness say?
A.
10:8 – righteousness established in
faith rests where? The word.
B.
How is salvation brought about?
1.
10:9a – confession as Jesus as Lord.
2.
10:9b – belief in God as raising Him
from the dead.
3.
10:9c – these two things working
together produce salvation.
a)
10:10a – our hearts produce belief (an
understanding & acceptance of fact.)
b)
10:10b – confession is where the mouth
verbally puts forth what the heart knows to be true. This results in salvation.
C.
If we were to derive a formula for salvation
here, what would it be?
1.
10:9: confession + belief = salvation.
2.
Acts 2:38: repentance + baptism = salvation.
3.
Mark 16:16: belief + baptism = salvation.
4.
All are commanded. All are necessary. All
are prerequisites to justification.
D.
10:12-13 – there is no one who does
not have an opportunity to be saved.
III. How do we
call on the name of the Lord?
A.
It is more than a simple calling out the
name of Jesus.
B.
10:14-15. Do you see a progression here?
1.
Teaching – how can someone be saved if
no one sent?
2.
Belief – how can someone belief if
they do not hear?
3.
Salvation – how can someone call on
the Lord if they do not believe?
C.
10:17 – we call on the name of the
Lord when we respond in faith to the teachings of His word.
1.
Scripture says:
a)
Hear – Romans 10:17; Believe –
John 3:16
b)
Repent – Luke 13:3; Confess –
Romans 10:10
c)
Be baptized – 1 Peter 3:21
d)
These things do not cause God to “owe” us
salvation. We respond in trust.
Conclusion:
A.
We are able to call on the name of the Lord
when we obey His will.
B. Will you call on the name of the
Lord today?