Category Archives: Salvation

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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Bible, Hosea, Living, Restoration, Romans, Salvation, Scripture, Witnessing

CHILDREN OF THE LIVING GOD

ROMANS 9:26

“‘AND IT SHALL BE THAT IN THE PLACE WHERE IT WAS SAID TO THEM, “YOU ARE NOT MY PEOPLE,” THERE THEY SHALL BE CALLED SONS OF THE LIVING GOD.’”

When my mom and dad were alive, my relationship with them was very different than it is now. My mom has been with Jesus for over 15 years now and my dad just over 10. Hard to believe. I am still their son, but they are my late parents. They are no longer alive in this world. Our view of being alive differs greatly from God’s view. Let’s see what Paul says today about this.

Paul quotes again from Hosea 1:10. You have to remember that Israel’s great sin was forfeiting their worship of the living God for dead idols. They forsook their birthright as His children and pursued other gods who did not exist and had no power. They had witnessed firsthand His mighty acts on behalf of their nation, but that did not matter. The term “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence” fits them perfectly. Why did Paul quote from Hosea here?

APPLICATION

Because just as God restored a fallen Israel, He has restored a fallen mankind through His Son Jesus. We just have to turn to Him, believe in Him and follow. Then we too have that relationship as children of the Living God. John 1:12 tells us, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name,…” It really is that simple. Why can’t we believe that?

When Paul and Barnabas said these words to the people in Lystra, they were urging them to turn to the living God. “‘Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them,’” (Acts 14:15) Aren’t we doing the same today? Aren’t we urging those chasing manmade idols like money, power and success to do the same? They need the living God!

Psalm 42:2 cries out with the same desire. “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God?” Psalm 84:2 speaks the same. “My soul longed and even yearned for the courtyards of the LORD; My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.” Is this your desire? Do you long to be in the presence of the living God? Well, you can. Every day! Just lean into Him. He is there, waiting for you. He was and is and will always be!

I am so thankful I serve a living God Who reigns eternally.

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, Family, Jesus, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

A NEW FAMILY LINE

ROMANS 9:24

“namely us, whom He also called, not only from among Jews, but also from among Gentiles,”

When I look at my grandchildren, I am amazed how the Lord takes different family trees and combines them. For instance, my wife comes from the Barker tree, and I come from the Willis tree. My children have both trees within them. Then when they had their own children they come from the Willis tree, Barker tree and the trees of their spouse’s family. Now, we are getting more like a bush, right? Lol.

God has expanded His family to include all mankind, not just the Jewish nation. Barnes says it well. He says, “Christians, selected from both Jews and Gentiles. This proves that he did not refer to nations primarily, but to individuals chosen out of nations. Two things are established here.

(1) that the grace of God was not confined to the Jewish people, as they supposed, so that it could be conferred on no others.

(2) that God was not bound to confer grace on all the descendants of Abraham, as he bestowed it on those selected from the mass, according to his own will, and not of necessity ‘on the mass’ itself.”

APPLICATION

Paul goes into more detail about this in Romans 11. Look at what he writes in 11:17-18. “17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you.” God didn’t disregard the Jewish nation. They are still His chosen people, but we have been “grafted” into that tree.

I am sure that God has His plan for the Jewish nation to this day. How He does that is beyond my knowledge, but I believe He will redeem His people one day when they bow to their Messiah, Jesus Christ. Until that day, we must continue to hold fast to that tree in which we have been grafted. We must pray for the peace of Israel. I am not getting political. I’m just stating what His Word says.

God’s family was designed to include all who call on His name. That includes all nations. Some people believe that America has been blessed because it was founded on Christian principles. Sadly, we see our country drifting further from that truth. Our responsibility as followers of Jesus is to proclaim His Gospel to all. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) tells us to go to all nations. Are you doing that? I don’t mean are you traveling all over the world. But are you reaching across the street? Are you telling the Good News? Let’s invite everyone we meet to get in this family tree. There’s one way – Jesus. He will graft them in.

Father, I am thankful that You grafted me into Your family tree.

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, Longsuffering, Patience, Power, Romans, Salvation, Scripture, Wrath

LONGSUFFERING OF GOD

ROMANS 9:22

“What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with great patience objects of wrath prepared for destruction?”

I have had to put up with some things before in my life, particularly some other people. I recall one such individual with whom I worked. Every morning this individual did the same thing without consideration for the rest of us in the office. They were a little self-centered and intent on taking care of numero uno. We all tolerated them, even the boss, who could have fired them. Why he didn’t, I’ll never understand. He was much more longsuffering than me.

But my o my, isn’t our God longsuffering? The actual Greek word translated as “patience” in our verse today is makrothymia The Topical Lexicon says it “describes a God-centered restraint that endures provocation without surrendering to resentment or retaliation. Rather than mere passivity, it is a purposeful waiting that preserves righteousness and seeks the good of others.” That’s our God. That’s why makrothymia is one of the fruits of the Spirit. He knew we were going to need that.

APPLICATION 

In reference to this verse, Albert Barnes writes, “He suffered them to live while they deserved to die. God bears with all sinners with much patience; he spares them amid all their provocations, to give them opportunity of repentance; and though they are suited for destruction, yet he prolongs their lives, and offers them pardon, and loads them with benefits.” God is a just God, and just because He doesn’t zap these “objects of wrath” right away, that should never be interpreted as Him condoning their behaviors.

When I pray for my grandchildren each day, I always pray for their future spouses and families. I also always add “if the Lord tarries His coming.” I know the Lord will return one day. Right now, He is tarrying, waiting on the Father’s command. That doesn’t lessen my desire for His return. Longsuffering and patience are attributes of our Father which we need to learn to imitate in our own lives.

Is there someone in your life whom you need to be a little more longsuffering with? I don’t mean you need to be treated like a doormat or that you have to put up with behaviors that affect you personally. But our longsuffering toward someone may be just the thing that draws them to the love our Master. When they ask you why you put up with them, you can tell them it’s because of Jesus. Let Jesus do the talking for you. Be like Him.

Lord, I know all I deserve myself is hell, yet You showed Your longsuffering toward me which resulted in my day of salvation. I praise You for that.

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, Childbirth, Children, Family, Romans, Salvation, Scripture, Witnessing

YOU’RE GOING TO HAVE A BABY

ROMANS 9:9

“For this is the word of promise: ‘AT THIS TIME I WILL COME, AND SARAH WILL HAVE A SON.’”

When a couple is in a loving, healthy relationship, the words “I’m pregnant” bring shouts of joy and jubilation. For many those words may come after years of trying to get pregnant. Others have this happen quickly. Whether it is a surprise or a planned pregnancy, the relationship determines the response. I was blessed to hear this a few times from my wife. Not all those pregnancies ended as we wanted. We lost one child at birth and experienced a couple of miscarriages. But each time we found out we were expecting, we were thankful.

Can you imagine how Sarah and Abraham felt when they discovered she was pregnant with the long-awaited son, Isaac? Even though God had promised this child years earlier, they were probably a little taken back when it finally happened. After all, the Word says Abraham was “as good as dead.” The odds were against them. But God…

APPLICATION

Now, we get to hear these words from God, “Welcome to the family!” He has birthed us into His family. We are the sons and daughters of God. Those words should give us reason to shout for joy. I know He and all the angels in heaven rejoice every time a new soul is saved. Angels don’t really understand this. They have not experienced salvation. They have always been in God’s presence. But we are new to this. We get to celebrate with all the heavenly hosts.

Paul writes in Galatians 4:28, “And you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise.” Keep in mind that Paul was not writing to a Jewish audience there. He was writing to mostly Gentile believers. Just like most of us, they had no direct ties to the Jewish nation. Yet Paul tells them they children of promise. And so we are. You are a child of the King.

Now that you are a child of promise you need to share with others how they also can join the family. May I share a really good app with you? It’s called “Share Your Faith.” Check it out in the App Store or wherever you find apps for your phone. It will walk you through how to share the gospel utilizing the Bridge Illustration. This app is so simple even a child could use it. Don’t let the enemy stop you from sharing our “family secret.” We want to grow our family one soul at a time.

I give You praise, O God, for birthing me into Your kingdom. I am so thankful for my sonship.

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, Gospel, Romans, Sacrifice, Salvation, Scripture, Suffering

WILLING TO SUFFER FOR OTHERS

ROMANS 9:3

“For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my countrymen, my kinsmen according to the flesh,”

What would you be willing to endure to ensure the safety and well-being of your family? Interesting thought, huh? As I sit here and write these thoughts, I can say I would do anything to protect mine. My wife, children, their spouses and grandchildren mean the world to me. If they were threatened by anything, I would jump in to protect them. Even if they did not want my protection, I would lay down my life for them.

Today’s passage has been hotly contested by the best of scholars. Paul is not saying he wishes he could be damned in order to save his countrymen. That would negate everything he has been teaching thus far in this letter. The whole point he is making hinges on the word translated “accursed.” That is the Greek word anathema which means something that has been pledged or devoted for destruction. It is used six times in the New Testament (Acts 23:14; Romans 9:3; 1 Corinthians 12:3; 16:22; Galatians 1:9 and 1:9).

APPLICATION

Albert Barnes explains this verse this way. “And the apostle evidently means to say that he would be willing to suffer the bitterest evils, to forego all pleasure, to endure any privation and toil, nay, to offer his life, so that he might be wholly devoted to sufferings, as an offering, if he might be the means of benefiting and saving the nation.” And that he did. Just read 2 Corinthians 11:23-33 for a full list of his sufferings for Christ.

Although Paul’s calling from God was to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, he was still Jewish and had a heart for his people. It is kind of like how I feel about my small hometown of Pelham, GA. I have not lived there since 1979, but when I do get home (which is not often enough) I still have that kindred spirit with all my fellow Pelhamites. I will always be “from” there. Paul’s intense desire to see his countrymen come to Christ never faded.

So, let me ask you again. What would you do to save your family? What would you give up for them? You may have things in your life right now that are destroying your witness to them. Give those up. There may be a conflict still brewing between you and someone in your family. Do all you can to settle it. We should all have this intense desire. I am reminded of 1 Timothy 5:8. “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” Are you providing for the spiritual nourishment of your family?

O Lord, give me that kind of intense burden for my family. Give me avenues to share the Gospel with them.

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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