No Shame

March 11, 2022

'For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' Romans 10:13

No Shame

By Ellen Ceely

“But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 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. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, ‘Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.’ For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” – Romans 10:8–11, 13

This week, we’ve reflected on the temptations that Jesus faced in the wilderness and the trials that believers face in a fallen world. We’ve also seen the promise that God will be with us and provide for us no matter what. As we close out the week, I’m so thankful this passage from Romans is included. This verse links the faithful promises of God to undeserving sinners like you and me.

Salvation is not something we can earn or improve. The destiny of our souls is not uncertain. We can rely on Jesus and his perfect sacrifice. All we need do is confess him as Lord and believe that God raised him from the dead. There’s nothing special we need to do, no special performance or act that we must perform. Jesus is enough. Our confession and belief in him are enough—not only for our salvation but also for our ongoing spiritual growth.

We are not perfect. Sometimes we might like to believe we are—or at least that we’re better than others. But we are all made in God’s image; we are equal in God’s eyes. Without Christ, we are all sinners; not one of us is good (Romans 3:11). Without Christ, we are all lost. But salvation is available to all through faith in Christ Jesus. Christians may have different opinions on secondary issues, but the gospel is clear: we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone. All believers will all enjoy eternity with God.

Temptation will come and go. We will face difficult circumstances and trying times. But through it all, we can trust that God loves us and will see us through life. We will no longer be put to shame. His love is generous to all of us who call on his name. His compassion and forgiveness are unending. Shame has no place in the lives of those who believe in him.

Reflection:

Spend some time meditating on these verses today. What comes to mind as you read them? How does God’s perspective challenge you to see Christians you disagree with? How does God’s view challenge your daily habits? Write out your thoughts and live out the truths of this passage.We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

In our six-week small group Bible study on the book of 1 John, you are invited to live and celebrate true life in Christ. Throughout his first letter, John wrestles with the assurance of salvation. How do we know that we are genuine Christians, and how can we recognize authentic faith in others? The Apostle John taught that you can enjoy full assurance through believing in the incarnate Son of God, walking in the light of obedience, and loving God and his children. Embark on this study with us today!