Category Archives: Salvation

Red and white road sign altered to read 'NO WAY' next to curved forest road
Acceptance, Bible, Israel, Rejection, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

MAY IT NEVER BE!

ROMANS 11:1

“I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? Far from it! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.”

Some things in life are just absolutes. For instance, I will NEVER eat brussel sprouts again, lol. I will NEVER cheer for the Florida Gators! I will NEVER stop loving Jesus. I could say with Paul, “May it never be!” Paul loves to use this expression. Just look at similar words in these passages in Romans: Romans 3:4, 6, 31; 6:2, 15; 7:7, 13. I may start saying that more when I know something is totally against the truth of God’s word. May it never be!

In chapter 11 Paul picks up where he left off in chapter 10 and further discusses the fate of the Jewish nation. The entirety of chapter 11 is dedicated to showing that although the Jewish nation as a whole had rejected Jesus, there were some who had believed (himself included). Therefore, God was not done with them yet. He would restore the remnant. We’ll spend the next month or so looking at this discussion in depth. Hang on!

APPLICATION

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges says this about Paul’s words in chapter 11 of Romans. “…he turns to state the happier side; and this in two main aspects. First, he reiterates the truth of the Divine Election, but now in its positive aspect—the existence always of a believing Israel within the unbelieving mass. Secondly, he predicts a time when even in the mass Israel should turn to the true Messiah, be restored to the Church, and become thus an influence of vast good for the world.” God is not done with Israel yet. Paul tells us to not believe that lie. God still has a plan of redemption for His chosen people.

God’s promises are always true, right? Look at Psalm 94:14. “For the LORD will not abandon His people, nor will He abandon His inheritance.” How about Deuteronomy 31:6? “‘Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.’” 

Those promises hold true for us, as well. One of my favorites is Isaiah 41:10. “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” And the final words of our Lord in Matthew 28:20 tell us, “‘…and surely I am with your always, even to the end of the age.’” Hallelujah, what a Savior! Will He leave us or abandon us? May it never be!

Thank You, Father, that Your promises to Israel and to us are true and undeniable.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Multiple raised hands of different skin tones reaching up towards a colorful sunset sky
Bible, Gospel, Hand, Isaiah, Jesus, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

OUTSTRETCHED HANDS

ROMANS 10:21

“But as for Israel, He says, ‘I HAVE SPREAD OUT MY HANDS ALL DAY LONG TO A DISOBEDIENT AND OBSTINATE PEOPLE.’”

We come to the end of chapter 10 of Romans with today’s verse. Once again, Paul turns to Isaiah 65, this time from verse 2 which says, “‘I have spread out My hands all day long to a rebellious people, who walk in the way which is not good, following their own thoughts,’” But let me encourage you to take a minute and go to Isaiah 65 and read verses 1-7 to get the full picture of what the Lord is saying.

But look closely at what the Lord spoke to Isaiah about the Jewish nation. Even though they were disobedient and obstinate, He still says, “I have spread out My hands all day long.” God still was entreating them to return to Him. He loved His chosen people. He still wants to see them redeemed. Paul is telling us in today’s verse that this is still true in his day. God sent His Son to His children first, who spurned and rejected Him. Still, He desires to see them saved.

APPLICATION

Barnes sums up the past several verses with these observations:

  • The pagan world is in danger without the gospel.
  • The provisions of the gospel are ample for them.
  • The command of Jesus Christ remains still the same, to preach the gospel to every creature.
  • If the gospel is to be preached everywhere, people must be sent forth into the vast field.
  • The church should be training young men for the ministry.
  • God will withdraw His favors from those nations that are disobedient and rebellious.

What are we to do with this? We must be about our Father’s business of reaching the lost for Christ. There’s not a moment to spare. His return is imminent. It could happen today. And there are billions who will face the fiery flames of hell if they do not bow the knee to Jesus.

The image of outstretched hands is one we can see clearly in the cross. Jesus stretched out His hands and died for us. He allowed His hands to be pierced with the nails of the cross on our behalf. And when we turn to Him, those drops of blood cover us. We must share that with others as often as we can. Stretch out your hands today and share the good news of God’s redemption plan for the world.

Father, I praise You for giving Your Own Son Who stretched out His hands for me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Yellow triangle warning sign with black border and exclamation mark
Bible, Deuteronomy, Gospel, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

THEY WERE TOLD

ROMANS 10:19

“But I say, surely Israel did not know, did they? First Moses says, ‘I WILL MAKE YOU JEALOUS WITH THOSE WHO ARE NOT A NATION, WITH A FOOLISH NATION I WILL ANGER YOU.’”

Isn’t it frustrating when you have to repeat yourself? Telling the same thing over and over gets tiring. When your children were little, you found yourself, I am sure, repeating things to them. But you kept telling them with the hopes that they would eventually get it. And for the most part they did, didn’t they? Repetition is necessary at times.

Paul quotes from Deuteronomy 32:21 which says, “‘They have made Me jealous with what is not God; They have provoked Me to anger with their idols. So I will make them jealous with those who are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation,’” God warned the Jewish nation hundreds of years ago through Moses that He would use the Gentiles to show them His salvation is for everyone. Wow! That had plenty of warning, but they never seemed to get it.

APPLICATION

I don’t normally use a long quote from a commentator, but Matthew Henry has some great words of wisdom on this passage and the ones that follow that bear repeating. Read it more than once. “Did not the Jews know that the Gentiles were to be called in? They might have known it from Moses and Isaiah. Isaiah speaks plainly of the grace and favour of God, as going before in the receiving of the Gentiles. Was not this our own case? Did not God begin in love, and make himself known to us when we did not ask after him? The patience of God towards provoking sinners is wonderful. The time of God’s patience is called a day, light as day, and fit for work and business; but limited as a day, and there is a night at the end of it. God’s patience makes man’s disobedience worse, and renders that the more sinful. We may wonder at the mercy of God, that his goodness is not overcome by man’s badness; we may wonder at the wickedness of man, that his badness is not overcome by God’s goodness. And it is a matter of joy to think that God has sent the message of grace to so many millions, by the wide spread of his gospel.”

I love how he applies this to Gentiles as well as the Jews. We all have been told the story in one way or another. We have all heard or seen the Gospel message. Therefore, we cannot give excuses for not believing. No Jew could and no Gentile could. That still applies today. Especially with the technology we have around the world, the Gospel is presented in thousands of dialects and in just about every spot on the globe.

But we still have work to do. God will judge mankind one day, and if someone has not believed in the name of the Son of God and turned to Him for salvation, they will face an eternal hell. Let’s get busy for the kingdom. Today could be our last day on earth. Jesus could return tomorrow to take His bride away. Be diligent.

Father, You have warned us time and time again. You will judge us all one day. I am thankful I know I am Yours.

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Close-up of feet with multiple dark spots and uneven skin tone
Bible, Feet, Gospel, Isaiah, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

BEAUTIFUL FEET? REALLY?

ROMANS 10:15

“But how are they to preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written: ‘HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!’”

My wife and I were just having a discussion about feet the other night. Some commercial on tv had shown some rather ugly feet to try to sell a product, and we both remarked how ugly most feet are. Now, you may disagree. You may think they are pretty. Well, you haven’t seen mine, lol. I was kissing my granddaughter’s feet the other day, much to her delight. I would agree that her feet are cute, but they still have that baby smell.

Paul reverts back to Isaiah again in today’s verse, this time to Isaiah 52:7. He leaves out some of the imagery of the Hebrew text, so I thought I would give you the whole verse. “How delightful on the mountains are the feet of one who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, and says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” One scholarly source says this about Paul’s use of this passage. “The whole chapter of Isaiah from which this is taken, and the three that follow, are so richly Messianic, that there can be no doubt ‘the glad tidings’ there spoken of announce a more glorious release than of Judah from the Babylonish captivity, and the very feet of its preachers are called ‘beautiful’ for the sake of their message.” (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary)

APPLICATION

Can you just picture the scene of a distant runner bringing news from the battlefront? Of course, they couldn’t see the runner’s feet. What made the feet so beautiful was the message they were carrying. Jesus’ feet were nail-scarred, but oh, how beautiful they were. Those feet represented God’s promise of redemption to all mankind through the life and death of Jesus, His Son.

Now, we are entrusted with that same message of redemption. Our feet will be deemed beautiful, not because of the lack of bunions or callouses. They will be beautiful feet because they carry the message of the cross. Ephesians 6:15 mentions our feet in the armor of God passage. “and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace;” And look at Nahum 1:15, “Behold, on the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace! Celebrate your feasts, Judah, Pay your vows. For never again will the wicked one pass through you; He is eliminated completely.”

Our feet were made for walking. What better thing to carry on our walk than the Gospel message. Who can you deliver it to today? We all know someone who needs to hear it, don’t we? Let’s be about our Father’s business and use our feet for good. Amen?

Bless my feet today, O Lord, as I seek ways to deliver Your good news to others.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Woman standing on cliff edge shouting towards ship during stormy seas with lightning
Bible, Called, Calling, Joel, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

EVERYONE MEANS EVERY ONE

ROMANS 10:13

“for ‘EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.’”

There’s a little joke preachers throw around about the little Greek word pas which is translated in today’s verse as “everyone.” Preachers will say, “The Greek word for ‘all’ means ‘all.’” Hey, I didn’t say it was a funny joke. HELPS Word-studies says it “means ‘all’ in the sense of ‘each (every) part that applies.’ The emphasis of the total picture then is on ‘one piece at a time.’”

Paul seems to take this verse from Joel 2:32, “And it will come about that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD Will be saved;” The Hebrew word translated as “everyone” is asher which occurs over 5500 times in the Old Testament. It literally occurs on just about every page of the Old Testament where it is translated in numerous ways. I think that is significant. Just as salvation is for everyone, it is found everywhere in Scripture in some way.

APPLICATION

Once again, I am not going to get into a discussion about election or God’s sovereignty on this subject. I am simply sharing what Paul wrote here in Romans 10:13. I mentioned a few verses back about Romans containing the “Roman Road” of salvation (3:23; 5:8; 6:23; 10:9-10, 13). Here is the culminating verse in that list. We are plainly told that everyone or all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved. What does that imply? It means God is always listening for our plea for rescue.

I hope you can recall a point in your life when you cried out to Him. We are not born Christians. It isn’t something you just grow into. There has to come a point where you realize you are a sinner in need of a Savior. You realize the depth of your sin. For me, that was July 31, 1977. I am still in the process of being saved (sanctified), and one day will be glorified. I haven’t arrived yet. But I am not where I was almost fifty years ago.

One of my favorite passages in Psalm 18:10 which says, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe.” That’s what I did. I ran to that tower. I wanted to be secure. I wanted to be saved. I am still in that tower today and don’t plan to come out. No weapon can penetrate it. Satan has no tool to destroy it. I am the Lord’s. How about you? Are you part of that “everyone” Paul mentions in today’s verse? I pray you are.

Thank You, Father, for calling my name. Thank You for hearing my cry for salvation. 

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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A rescue worker assists a man through deep floodwaters with a helicopter and boat nearby.
Bible, Cross, Righteous, Righteousness, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

THE RESULTS

ROMANS 10:10

“for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”

Wouldn’t it be nice to know the long term results of every decision you made? If you marry this person, will you have children and grandchildren? If you take this job, will you stay with it for ten or twenty or even thirty years? If you… But there are no guarantees in life, are there? But wait, we see one today in verse 10 of Romans 10.

Paul continues his thought which he began back in verse 8. This time he goes past the conditions for salvation and tells us the results of being obedient in those conditions. We shall receive righteousness and salvation. Those are eternal things. They don’t wear out. And they aren’t given out to just anyone. A person has to confess with his mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in his heart that God raised Him from the dead. Then WHAMO! The Bible says you are saved by doing that very thing.

APPLICATION

So, what is righteousness? We throw that word around a lot, but do you understand what that is? The Greek word used here is dikaiosuné. HELPS Word-studies says it is “God’s judicial approval.” We didn’t do anything to get His approval (except the confession and believing part). His approval was bestowed on us because of our belief in His Son. Don’t you just love 2 Corinthians 5:21 which says, “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him”? Boy, I love that!

Then Paul says we receive salvation. What is that word? It’s the Greek word sótéria which carries with it the idea of a rescue, to deliver. I picture in my head the scene where rescue workers are retrieving someone who is injured from the bottom of a cliff or a rescue swimmer dropping into dangerous waters to bring someone to safety. I recall the Camp Mystic tragedy last year which claimed the lives of 23 young girls and staff due to a massive flood. One Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Scott Ruskin, rescued 165 people from that flood. The sad thing is that was just a physical salvation. These individuals who were rescued still need a spiritual salvation (I am sure many of those were believers).

So, what do we do with this righteous and salvation? We proclaim it. We live it. We share it. We tell as many people as we can about this righteousness sharing, rescuing God of ours. It is still their decision. You can’t drag them in. They have to confess and believe on their own. But you can lead them to the point of salvation. Let’s all do our part to bring as many as we can to the throne before He returns.

Father God, thank You for Your righteousness which You bestow on me and thank You for rescuing me from the pit of hell.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Jesus rising from an open stone tomb while Roman soldiers lie on the ground.
Bible, Death, Life, Resurrection, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

THE CONDITIONS FOR SALVATION

ROMANS 10:9

“that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;”

Most all important decisions we make in our lives are marked with conditions. Some are placed upon us by others while some come from us. For instance, accepting a new job can have both. The employer has conditions for hiring you, expectations from you once you are onboard. You have conditions such as salary and benefits to provide for your family. Conditions are important, as long as they are good conditions and achievable.

In today’s verse (and tomorrow’s verse) we have the blueprint for salvation. These two verses are part of what has been called the Roman Road (3:23; 5:8; 6:23; 10:9-10, 13) which lays out the path for salvation. In today’s verse Paul shows us clearly what the conditions are for salvation – confession and belief. Let’s spend some time looking at these two conditions.

APPLICATION

You know I have to throw out a little Albert Barnes here. Regarding the verb “confess” he say, “confession or profession expresses our ‘agreement or concord with what God holds to be true, and what he declares to be true.’” We confess or profess that Jesus is truly Lord. We agree with God that this is true. We acknowledge with our tongue that Jesus is Lord and gave His life for our sins. That’s not hard, is it? Then why are so many people unwilling to confess that? The forces of darkness do not want us to confess that. That’s why!

Then Paul gives us the second condition for salvation. You must believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. What?! You mean just saying you believe is not enough? Nope! You have to truly believe. There are a lot of “Christians” in name only. They say they believe, but their actions speak differently. Going back to Barnes, he says this belief means you “shalt sincerely and truly believe this, so that the external profession shall correspond with the real, internal feelings.” 

As we approach Easter Sunday, this belief in His resurrection is before us more so than most weeks. Why is this belief so important? Matthew Poole says, “This article of the resurrection of Christ presupposeth all the rest, and fasteneth together, as by a link, all the antecedents and consequents of it; his ascension, session at the right hand of God, and intercession, which followed after.” So, believe in your heart and confess with your lips. Then what happens? Paul says, “you will be saved;” Amen! Praise the Lord!

I am so very thankful for the assurance of my salvation based on the fact that I believe in His resurrection and have confessed Him as Lord.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Heaven, Reaching, Righteousness, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

UNREACHABLE?

ROMANS 10:6

“But the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: ‘DO NOT SAY IN YOUR HEART, “WHO WILL GO UP INTO HEAVEN?”’ (that is, to bring Christ down),”

Wow, what a verse. When I first read this, I was thinking, Paul, what in the world are you saying? That’s why it is always good to look at context and background of verses. Otherwise, you may establish a belief that is contrary to Scripture. Let’s dig into this verse and see the meaning behind it. I know you won’t be surprised in the end.

Paul quotes part of a passage from Deuteronomy 30:11-14. This verse comes at the end of Moses’ leadership of the Israelites. He is giving them some last words before he leaves them. Paul applies these verses to our Christians faith, even though he knows full well Moses’ intentions for these words. I believe it is important for you to see the full passage, so here it is.

“11 ‘For this commandment which I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it far away. 12 It is not in heaven, that you could say, “Who will go up to heaven for us and get it for us, and proclaim it to us, so that we may follow it?” 13 Nor is it beyond the sea, that you could say, “Who will cross the sea for us and get it for us and proclaim it to us, so that we may follow it?” 14 On the contrary, the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may follow it.’”

APPLICATION

Moses was basically saying God was not out of their reach. Many thought God was way out there and beyond their reach. This thought was portrayed in Job, when Zophar the Naamathite responded to Job in Job 11:7 “‘Can you discover the depths of God? Can you discover the limits of the Almighty?’” He was rebuking Job’s last remarks in chapter 10. This was the prevalent thought among the Jews. God was not easily accessible.

I love how Paul applies this to our Christian faith. The last words of the verse which are in parenthesis needs a little explanation. When Paul writes, “(that is, to bring Christ down),” he is saying we didn’t need to go up to heaven and bring the Messiah down. He came willingly. God came to us. Emmanuel, God with us. It wasn’t our efforts that brought the Savior. God willingly gave us His Son.

As we approach Easter this week, I pray you will take some extra time to reflect on what Christ did for you. He allowed Himself to be scourged and crucified. He allowed His body to be buried in a borrowed tomb. But…then He burst through on Resurrection day. Don’t approach next Sunday lightly. We could not have manufactured our salvation. God produced His Son to pay the price for us. Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Thank You, God, that You are always within reach. I do not have to stretch too far because You are always near.

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Bible, Israel, Pharisees, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

A SIMPLE PRAYER

ROMANS 10:1

“Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation.”

Do you have people for whom you are praying for their salvation? I have several, many of them in my family. I would not name them because I love them. But I pray for them to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus, to discover the freedom they can have by coming to their Savior. Truly, I cannot think of a person that I wish would not be saved. God’s Word is plain. It says whosoever will.

Paul has been discussing thus far in Romans the problem the Jews had in receiving Jesus as their Messiah, their Lord. He can relate to them, being a Jew himself. He has tried in his missionary journeys to reach the Jews, even though God’s calling on his life was to the Gentiles. He says it is “my heart’s desire.” He longs for their salvation. The Greek word used there is eudokia which means Paul’s earnest and sincere wish.

APPLICATION

But then he goes a step further and says, “my prayer to God for them is for their salvation.” Paul didn’t just wish this. He sought God on their behalf. Probably, in his daily prayers he asked for his nation to come to Jesus. He probably called out names of Pharisees with whom he served. Perhaps he named certain Jewish towns or settlements. All we know for sure is he prayed to God for their salvation.

I have to be honest. There are certain people I pray for daily to come to Christ. Others I lift up on a weekly or monthly basis. I do that my calling out their names. I try not to throw out some blanket prayer about salvation for the world, even though that is fine. I want to put their name on the end of my tongue and deliver it up to God. I am thinking of one specific person right now (I just paused to pray for their salvation). You can do the same.

Make a list of people you want to see come to Jesus. And then make it a habit to lift them by name to Him. Ask for God to send His Holy Spirit to convict them and draw them to Himself. Ask God to reveal Himself to them in some specific way. Ask God to use you to speak truth to them and love them to Jesus. This is not rocket science. It’s pretty simple, but it’s hard to be committed to it. Make this part of your daily Quiet Time. I can’t wait to hear from you what happens.

Father, I lift up those for whom I have been praying for their salvation. May today be their day of salvation.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Isaiah, Remnant, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

THE REMNANT

ROMANS 9:27

“Isaiah cries out concerning Israel, ‘THOUGH THE NUMBER OF THE SONS OF ISRAEL MAY BE LIKE THE SAND OF THE SEA, ONLY  THE REMNANT WILL BE SAVED;’”

A remnant is defined as a small remaining quantity of something. If you are a seamstress, you may go to the fabric shop and buy some remnants of cloth that are left over from a bolt of cloth. Usually, these are smaller pieces that are not enough for a large project but are still useable. Question: Are leftovers considered remnants? Inquiring minds want to know.

Paul begins quoting from the prophet Isaiah in today’s verse and will continue doing so for the next two verses. Paul references Isaiah 10:22 in today’s verse, showing that only a small remnant of those Jews taken into captivity would be saved by God and returned to their homeland. Why is that important? Because they meant the larger percentage would not be saved. Compare the descriptions – “like the sand of the sea” and “only the remnant.” Two very different sizes.

APPLICATION

In 2 Kings 19:31 we read, “For out of Jerusalem will go a remnant, and survivors out of Mount Zion. The zeal of the LORD will perform this.” Is the Lord still rescuing the remnant today? Think about it. Billions of people are alive today on earth, but only a remnant will inherit His kingdom. That is truly a remnant, isn’t it? Take for example the population of Iran, who is at war with the U.S. and others right now. Out of approximately 92 million people there are about 400,000 Christians. Estimates range from just over 117,000 to 1 million. Still, that is just a remnant.

What is our role as part of that remnant of believers today? We are to spread the Gospel to as many as we can with the desire to see that remnant number increase. Isn’t this God’s Will? Just read 1 Timothy 2:3-6. “3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.”

Did you catch verse 6? Christ was given “as a ransom for all.” Not just the remnant. The sad truth, though, is that only a remnant of the entire population will accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Will you be diligent as long as you have breath to tell the world about Jesus? Let’s expand that remnant. There is room at the cross for all who believe.

I am thankful, Lord, that I am part of Your remnant having accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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