Romans 10 Bible Study: Faith Comes by Hearing
Welcome back to our Romans Bible Study here on Living for the Christ!
In Romans 9, we looked at God’s sovereign choice and His mercy. Now in Romans 10, Paul shifts his focus to human responsibility. While God is sovereign, we also must respond in faith. This chapter clearly shows how people are saved — not by works, but by believing in Jesus and calling on His name.
Let’s walk through this important and practical chapter together.
Key Themes in Romans 10
- Salvation is by faith, not works
- Christ is the end of the law
- The gospel is for everyone
- Confess and believe to be saved
- Faith comes through hearing the Word
Romans 10:1–4 – Zeal Without Knowledge
“Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.” – Romans 10:1
Paul is still deeply burdened for Israel. They have zeal for God, but they’re trying to be made right with Him through their own efforts — not through Jesus.
“For being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.” – Romans 10:3
They missed the truth that Jesus is the fulfillment of the law.
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4
Romans 10:5–13 – Salvation Through Faith Alone
Paul contrasts two ways of living:
Trying to gain righteousness through the law vs. receiving righteousness by faith in Christ.
“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.” – Romans 10:9
This is one of the clearest gospel verses in the whole Bible. It shows us how simple and powerful salvation is.
“For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” – Romans 10:10
Salvation isn’t earned. It’s received by faith — believing and confessing. And it’s available to all.
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” – Romans 10:13
Romans 10:14–17 – Faith Comes by Hearing
Paul then asks a series of important questions:
- How can people call on Jesus if they don’t believe in Him?
- How can they believe if they haven’t heard?
- How will they hear unless someone tells them?
“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” – Romans 10:15
We are called to share the gospel. Faith begins when people hear the Word of Christ.
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” – Romans 10:17
This is a powerful reminder that God’s Word is what brings life. That’s why teaching, preaching, and sharing the Bible matters so much.
Romans 10:18–21 – Israel’s Rejection
Paul ends the chapter by addressing why Israel hasn’t responded to the gospel. He quotes the Old Testament to show that:
- The message has gone out
- Many have heard
- But many still refuse to believe
“All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.” – Romans 10:21
God’s heart is still open. His invitation is still extended — even to those who reject Him.
Key Takeaways from Romans 10
| Truth | Verse | Encouragement |
|---|---|---|
| Salvation is by faith | Romans 10:9 | You don’t need to earn it — believe and receive |
| Christ fulfilled the law | Romans 10:4 | Rest in His finished work |
| The gospel is for everyone | Romans 10:13 | No one is too far gone |
| We are called to share | Romans 10:15 | Your voice could lead someone to Christ |
| Faith comes from hearing | Romans 10:17 | Stay rooted in God’s Word daily |
Final Thoughts
Romans 10 reminds us that salvation is simple — it’s not about what you do, but who you trust.
Jesus did everything necessary. All we must do is believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths.
And for those who already believe, we have a mission: to share the gospel so others can hear, believe, and be saved.
Let your feet be beautiful. Bring the good news to someone today.
Let’s Talk!
💬 What does it mean to you that “everyone who calls on the Lord will be saved”?
🗣️ Have you ever shared your faith with someone? What was that like?
👇 Join the conversation in the comments or on social media using #LivingForTheChrist
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