Theme: Salvation

Text: Romans 10:1-10

Introduction: Paul saw the need of salvation for his fellow man; he knew they were following the wrong path. Even though they knew about God and his promised Messiah they had chosen a life of works, attempting to justify themselves by the Law. Having knowledge of Christ and knowing Christ is two entirely different things. Look with me as we see the difference between Knowing the Lord, and Knowing about the Lord.

Vv. 1: Burden for men

Need of Salvation

APP. We should have a burden for our fellow man as Paul had for his.

Vv.2: Condition of men

Having a zeal but no knowledge

Zeal-Passionate ardor in the pursuit of any thing. In general, zeal is an eagerness of desire to accomplish or obtain some object, and it may be manifested either in favor of any person or thing, or in opposition to it, and in a good or bad cause.

App. Having zeal doesn’t mean salvation.

Vv.3: Confusion of men

Ignorant of Gods way, trying to do things their own way.

App. Salvation can’t be bought, earned, inherited or transferred. People don’t know, we are required to tell them, e.g. evangelism

Vv.4: Conclusion for men

Christ ends the Law

a. End has two definitions, both apply: 1-termination, 2-goal

b. Christ ended the Law, not by destroying it but by fulfilling it. The function of the law is terminated.

c. Justification can only be achieved by faith

App. Just because the law has ended doesn’t forgive obedience or responsibility, no license.

Vv.5: Continued practice of the Law is dead

a. Rom. 3:23

b. Outside Christ nobody can succeed.

App. We are saved for works, not by them.

Vv.6-8: Saved by faith

What God has to offer doesn’t require anything.

It’s not too high or deep.

The tools are already in place, the mouth and heart.

App. All we have to do is come, God has already done everything.

Vv.9-10: How it’s accomplished

Confession is made with the mouth

Confession-The acknowledgment of a crime, fault or something to one's disadvantage; open declaration of guilt, failure, debt, accusation.

Confess what? The fact of sin and the need of a savior.

Believe with the heart

Believe-To have firm persuasion.

Both have to take place for salvation to be complete. They must take place by faith in Jesus Christ.

App. Eternal life is a reality, its heaven or hell, obedience or disobedience, prayer and acknowledgment.

Conclusion: Our society today gives many opportunities, which lead us to believe we can make our own salvation. Such as, if we worship the same God it really doesn’t matter whom we do it through. We have television preachers telling us health and wealth, gloom and doom or miracle healing, this along with scandals and bending Gods word to fit the need of certain social groups, salvation can appear to have many roads. I hope you have seen tonight that it doesn’t, there’s only one road. Straight is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, few there be that will find it, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the only way. Would everyone please bow your head, Is there someone here tonight who doesn’t know Christ as their personal savior, or someone who will slip up their hand saying pray for me. If the lord is dealing with you will you come? End with prayer!

Chapel Hill Baptist Church

Sunday, August 10, 2003