Aleph, as the first letter, can symbolize the primacy of God and the beginning of wisdom. It’s often associated with the teaching that understanding and wisdom begin with a knowledge and respect for God and His precepts, statutes, and decrees.
Beth literally means “house” in Hebrew. Symbolically, it can represent the idea of a dwelling place or a foundation. In the context of Psalm 119, this could symbolize the dwelling place of God’s Word in the believer’s heart, indicating that one’s life should be built upon and inhabited by the teachings and commandments of God.
Daleth literally means “door” in Hebrew. This can symbolize an entryway or pathway, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for the entry into understanding and the pathway to deeper knowledge and relationship with God through His Word.
Focus Scripture:
Psalm 119:31 “I cling to your testimonies; Oh Lord, do not put me to shame.”
- Reflection: Expressing a firm adherence to God’s testimonies, the psalmist seeks assurance that this commitment will not lead to shame. This reflects a trust in God’s word as a source of honor and dignity.
- Cross-reference:Romans 10:11 – “As Scripture says, ‘Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.’
The Message
Romans 10:5-13
In the Old TestamentMoses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by them.”
Romans 10:5 NIV Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by them.”
Paul begins by referencing the righteousness that is based on the law, quoting
- Leviticus 18:5 NIV Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them. I am the Lord.
- He explains that those who live by the laws toachieve righteousness.
- This sets up a contrast with the righteousness obtained through faith.
Romans 10:6-8: But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down) [7] “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). [8] But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim:
These verses quote from
- Deuteronomy 30:12-14, where Paul uses the scripture to describe the righteousness that comes from faith. He emphasizes that this righteousness does not require impossible feats, like ascending to heaven or descending into the abyss, to bring Christ down or up. Instead, it is near and accessible, centered on the word of faith that Paul and other apostles are preaching.
Romans 10:9-10: 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. [10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
- Paul outlines the simplicity and accessibility of the Christian message of salvation. 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 Paul, the heart’s belief leads to righteousness, and the mouth’s confession leads to salvation.
- This indicates a personal and internal acceptance of Christ’s lordship and resurrection, resulting in a rightrelationship with God and assurance of salvation.
Note: The core message Romans 10:5-10ity is:
- The distinction between trying to achieve righteousness through one’s own effort by adhering to law (which is impossible to do perfectly) and receiving righteousness through faith in Christ.ion.
- Paul emphasizes that salvation is Jesus Christ,e to all who believe in internal regardless of their ability to follow religious laws perfectly.
- This passage is central to Christian doctrine, highlighting the importance of faith in Jesus as the pathway to righteousness and salvation.
Romans 10:11: “For the Scripture says, ‘Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.'”
- This verse quotes Isaiah 28:16, reinforcing the message that belief in Jesus Christ leads to salvation without disappointment or shame. It highlights the reliability and trustworthiness of God’s promise of salvation to those who have faith.
Romans 10:12: “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.”
- Here, Paul emphasizes the inclusivity of the gospel message. The distinction between Jew and Greek (or Gentile) is irrelevant when it comes to salvation. God’s lordship and the offer of salvation extend to all people, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background.
- The “riches” mentioned here refer to the blessings and benefits of salvation, including righteousness, peace, and eternal life.
Romans 10:13: “For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'”
- This verse quotes Joel 2:32, further underscoring the universal offer of salvation.
- To “call on the name of the Lord” means to appeal to God for salvation, recognizing Jesus as Lord and Savior. This promise asserts that anyone who turns to God in faith will receive salvation.
- These verses collectively highlight a central theme of Paul’s theology: the universality of the gospel.
- Salvation is not limited by ethnic, cultural, or social boundaries but is available to all who believe in Jesus Christ.
- This passage is crucial for understanding the inclusive nature of Christian salvation, affirming that faith in Christ is the sole requirement for being saved, thus eliminating any grounds for boasting in one’s heritage or adherence to the law.