The Nearness of Salvation: Trusting Fully in Christ
Inspired by insights from the Grace and Truth Study Bible
"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."
— Romans 10:9
Paul’s heart aches for his fellow Israelites, longing for them to experience the salvation that is freely available in Christ. They were zealous for God, but their passion was misguided. They pursued righteousness through their own efforts, striving to earn favor through the law instead of receiving the righteousness freely given through faith in Jesus.
This contrast between self-effort and faith is at the core of Paul’s message. The Israelites missed the truth that Christ Himself is the fulfillment—the very goal—of the law. Trying to climb the mountain of God’s righteousness through human effort is like attempting to scale a towering peak with bare hands, only to find the summit was already brought down to us in Christ.
The beauty of the gospel is its simplicity and accessibility: the word is near. There’s no need for impossible journeys or exhausting efforts. Faith simply means confessing with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believing in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead. This promise is for everyone—Jew and Gentile alike. No barriers, no exclusions.
The Open Door of Grace
Imagine a grand banquet hall with an open door, and a lavish feast prepared inside. This feast represents the fullness of life and salvation in Christ. Many stand outside, hesitating to enter because they believe they must bring something worthy to offer at the table. Yet the host, Jesus, calls out, "Come in! Everything is ready."
Some still stand back, clutching small, self-made offerings, convinced they must contribute. But the table was prepared without their labor, and the invitation is not based on their worthiness but on the generosity of the host.
This is the gospel: we cannot earn our seat at the table—it’s already prepared. Our part is simply to believe and enter in.
Living from What’s Already Ours
Paul’s words remind us that we don’t need to strive for what God has already given us in Christ. Salvation, peace, righteousness—they are already ours. There is no need to plead for what God has abundantly provided.
Rather than exhausting ourselves by trying to "earn" God’s favor, we are invited to rest in His completed work. Just as Jesus declared, "It is finished" (John 19:30), we can live with the assurance that everything necessary for life and godliness has been fully given to us (2 Peter 1:3).
A Prayer of Trust and Assurance
Father,
Thank You that the gift of salvation is complete and freely given through Jesus Christ. You have brought Your righteousness near, leaving no barrier between us. We rest in the truth that we are secure in Your grace—not by our works, but by faith in Your Son. We walk in confidence, knowing that You have provided all we need for this life and for eternity. May our lives reflect the joy of those who have entered into Your presence, and may we boldly declare the goodness of the gospel to others. All glory belongs to You, now and forever. Amen.
Final Thought
The path to God is not uphill, steep, or distant. It is near—right where you are. Salvation is not a goal to be reached but a gift already given. Rest in the truth that Jesus has done it all, and confidently live from the fullness of what is already yours in Him.