As believers, our mission is to boldly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, standing firm in the truth of Scripture and calling all people to repentance and faith in Him. One of the clearest and most powerful verses in the New Testament about salvation is Romans 10:9:
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
This verse is often pointed to as the “simple” proclamation of salvation—and indeed, the Gospel is beautifully simple. But it is never shallow.
Too often, we isolate Romans 10:9 as if merely uttering the words “Jesus is Lord” guarantees salvation. But when we read Scripture carefully, we see that the confession must be matched by deep, heartfelt belief. Romans 10:10 follows up with this crucial clarification:
“For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”
Your heart is the key. Anyone can speak words, but not everyone means them. Examine your own life for a moment—have you always lived up to everything you’ve ever said? Of course not. None of us have. We know from experience that words can be hollow, promises can be broken, and declarations can be made without conviction. So how could a few words spoken at one time—if not grounded in the deepest part of your soul—truly represent saving faith?
This is why Jesus says in Matthew 10:32:
“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.”
This is not a one-time event—it’s a continual lifestyle. To acknowledge Christ before men means to live a life that boldly identifies with Him, to declare His Lordship not just with your lips but with your life. If you truly believe that Jesus is Lord, it changes everything. It compels you to speak of Him, to share His love, and to live out His truth no matter the cost.
We preach about what we love. We can’t help it. Whether it’s a hobby, a relationship, or a passion—we talk about the things that grip our hearts. So ask yourself: Do I proclaim the name of Jesus before others? Am I unashamed to be associated with Him in every sphere of my life?
Because if you aren’t preaching about Jesus Christ before men, can you truly claim to love Him?
Salvation is not a magical phrase. It’s the result of a transformed heart. When you truly believe in Jesus Christ—when your heart has been made alive by the Holy Spirit—your mouth will naturally confess Him, your life will reflect Him, and your words will have weight because they are born out of love.
Do not reduce salvation to a formula. See it for what it is: a miraculous, inward transformation that makes itself known outwardly.
Have you truly believed in your heart that Jesus is Lord? Does your life—your words, your love, your boldness—reflect that belief?
Let us be people who don’t just say His name, but who live it. Fearlessly. Faithfully. Forever.
