Bible Verse
Romans 10:9
Paul is explaining how both Jews and Gentiles can be saved through faith in Christ, contrasting the righteousness that comes by law with the righteousness that comes by faith.
"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 (NIV)
Go deeper with Radiate
Personalized wisdom, AI spiritual guides, and faith journaling.
Other Translations
"Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
— ESV
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
— KJV
"If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
— NLT
Understanding the Context
Book Context
Romans 10 focuses on Israel's rejection of the gospel and the accessibility of salvation to all who call on the Lord. This verse is a concise summary of the gospel response.
Historical Background
Written around 57 AD to explain that salvation doesn't require keeping the Mosaic law but comes through faith in Christ's death and resurrection.
Verse-by-Verse Breakdown
"If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord'"
'Declare' (Greek: homologeo) means to confess or acknowledge publicly. 'Jesus is Lord' was the earliest Christian creed, affirming Jesus' deity and authority. In a Roman context where Caesar was called lord, this was a bold, costly declaration.
"and believe in your heart"
'Heart' in Hebrew thought means the center of one's being—mind, will, and emotions. This isn't mere intellectual assent but deep, personal trust and conviction. Heart belief affects the whole person.
"that God raised him from the dead"
The resurrection is the foundational fact of Christianity. Believing it means accepting Jesus' identity, His completed work on the cross, and God's approval of His sacrifice. No resurrection, no Christianity (1 Cor 15:14).
"you will be saved"
Future tense but certain promise. 'Saved' (Greek: sozo) means rescued, delivered from sin's penalty and power. This is God's promise to all who genuinely believe and confess—salvation is certain.
Key Themes
Applying This Verse to Your Life
- 1
Ensure your faith has both internal belief and external confession—Christianity isn't private only.
- 2
Verbally declare Jesus as Lord in your life, submitting to His authority in decisions and lifestyle.
- 3
Ground your faith in the historical reality of Jesus' resurrection, not just moral teachings.
- 4
Share your faith openly, confessing Christ to others who need to hear the gospel.
- 5
Rest in the certainty that if you believe and confess, you WILL be saved—it's God's promise.
Questions for Reflection
- Have you both believed in your heart and confessed with your mouth that Jesus is Lord?
- Is Jesus truly Lord of your life, or just Savior in name only?
- How does the reality of the resurrection impact your daily faith and hope?
- When was the last time you publicly declared your faith in Christ to someone?
Related Scripture
Matthew 10:32-33
"Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven."
1 Corinthians 15:3-4
"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day."
Acts 16:31
"They replied, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.'"
Philippians 2:11
"And every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Continue Exploring
Related Themes
Take this verse with you
Get daily personalized wisdom, reflect with AI guides, and journal your spiritual growth.
Download Radiate Free