In the sermon titled "Righteousness for All," Don Bell addresses the doctrine of salvation by faith, emphasizing that righteousness is not contingent on one's ethnic or cultural background but is freely available to all who call upon the name of the Lord. He argues that the character of God is inclusive, asserting that there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, as affirmed in Romans 10:12-13, where it states, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." The sermon points to the necessity of hearing the gospel as the means through which faith comes, referencing Isaiah and the call for preachers to declare the salvation found in Christ. The significance of this doctrine within the Reformed tradition highlights divine sovereignty in salvation and the universal offer of grace to all who believe, stressing the importance of preaching for the realization of faith and salvation.
Key Quotes
“Whosoever believes on Him... the righteousness of faith speaks this way.”
“The same Lord, over all, is rich unto all that call upon Him.”
“If you ever start calling on the Lord, you never stop.”
“We wasn't seeking the Lord, but He found us.”
The Bible teaches that righteousness is attained by faith in Christ, not by works or the law (Romans 10:12-13).
Romans 10 highlights that righteousness is not achieved through law or works, but through faith in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul contrasts righteousness by the law, where one must perform to live, with righteousness by faith, which declares that anyone who believes on Him will not be put to shame. In this context, Paul emphasizes that God is rich in mercy and grace, granting salvation to all who call upon Him without distinction (Romans 10:12-13). This universal offer is rooted in the understanding that faith, rather than merit, justifies a person before God.
Romans 10:11-13
Calling upon the name of the Lord is essential for salvation because it acknowledges Him as the sole source of redemption (Romans 10:13).
In Romans 10:13, Paul declares, 'For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.' This calling signifies a recognition of our need for God’s mercy and grace to redeem us from sin. It is through calling on the Lord that individuals express their faith and reliance on His power to save. This concept is vital as it emphasizes the need for a personal response to God's invitation for salvation. When one calls upon the Lord, they acknowledge His authority and sovereignty, thus aligning themselves with the truth of the gospel that offers peace and restoration through Christ.
Romans 10:13
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).
Romans 10:17 states that 'faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.' This verse helps to articulate the necessity of preaching the gospel, as it is through the proclamation of God's Word that individuals receive the message of salvation. The process underscores that true belief requires understanding the gospel message, which is why the role of the preacher is emphasized. The preacher communicates the truths of Scripture, enabling listeners to encounter Christ and the call to faith, thus facilitating the gift of belief that leads to salvation.
Romans 10:17
'Whosoever' signifies that salvation is available to everyone who calls upon the Lord, regardless of background (Romans 10:12).
The term 'whosoever' in Romans 10 emphasizes the inclusive nature of the gospel. It highlights that salvation is not limited by ethnicity, heritage, or previous actions; rather, it is an open invitation to all who acknowledge their need for God. The Apostle Paul reaffirms that there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, reinforcing that God's grace extends universally, and that anyone, regardless of past sin or status, can receive His mercy through faith in Christ. This aspect of salvation fortifies the doctrine of sovereign grace, affirming that redemption is a gift from God to all who believe.
Romans 10:12
Comments
Your comment has been submitted and is awaiting moderation. Once approved, it will appear on this page.
Be the first to comment!