One God, One Covenant, One People In Christ

“For Moses writes about the righteousness that is by the law: “The one who does these things will live by them. 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) or “Who will descend into the abyss?” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 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 preach), 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 thus has righteousness and with the mouth one confesses and thus has salvation. For the scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between the Jew and the Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all, who richly blesses all who call on him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:5-13 NET

Paul intricately cites several references from the Old Testament, particularly from the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, to vividly illustrate the profound nature of righteousness. He highlights Moses, a revered figure who received the divine law yet could only perceive it in its most rudimentary form. While Moses was a friend and held a deep relationship with God, he understood that the law was merely a shadow of a magnificent promise yet to be revealed. This law, though rich in spiritual intent, was ultimately limited in its capacity to be fully realized or practiced through human effort alone. Although Moses glimpsed the deeper meanings embedded within the law, he lacked the complete revelation of Christ, who brings fullness to its purpose.

In stark contrast, Paul stands at a pivotal moment in history, benefiting from the illumination provided by the advent of Jesus Christ—the Messiah who embodies the ultimate fulfillment of the law. He carefully articulates that the essence of the law transcends mere obedience and ritualistic performance; instead, it resides within the hearts of believers, taking root in the transformative presence of Christ through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Thus, righteousness is not a product of our individual actions or self-improvement efforts but is exclusively grounded in the monumental work accomplished by Jesus on the cross.

This enriched understanding of righteousness reveals that it seeks to manifest itself through the life of Christ Jesus, emphasizing that the quest for self-betterment through strict adherence to the law is no longer adequate. Instead, it invites believers to experience the radical transformation that occurs when Christ’s life is fully integrated within us. The Word, which personifies Christ, is not an abstract concept far removed from our lives; it is dynamic and immediate, vitally present within our daily experiences. By allowing this Word to deeply inhabit our minds and hearts, we embark on a profound journey of transformation, reshaping our thoughts and actions to reflect the very mind of Christ and manifesting His love and grace in every aspect of our lives.

Paul states, “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.” The word “near” carries a profound significance; it signifies something that is not just distant, but rather in close proximity, as if it is right before you, ready to be engaged with. This is where the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role, serving as the conduit through which Christ is intimately made known to each of us. The presence of the Holy Spirit is unmistakable—though not intrusive—allowing us to encounter Christ in ways that are immediate and tangible.

Rather than imposing Christ upon us, the Holy Spirit gently invites us to acknowledge His influence in our hearts and minds. When we consciously open ourselves to this spiritual world, we embark on a profound journey of transformation. Our thoughts and perspectives begin to shift as we are molded into the likeness of Christ. This transformative experience enables us to cultivate a deeper relationship with God, enriching our understanding of His infinite love and His purposeful plan for our lives. Through this relationship, we not only become more attuned to His guidance but also learn to reflect His light and grace to the world around us, participating in the divine mission of bringing the message of hope and love to others.

Paul offers two profound insights that enrich our understanding of life in faith. First, he emphasizes that through our believing loyalty in Jesus Christ, we are not merely saved but divinely preserved for the unique and original purpose God has crafted for our lives before the world began. This salvific act signifies that we are empowered to fulfill the specific days and divine mission entrusted to us during our time on this earth. Our primary calling is to radiate and share the love of God to those around us, actively reflecting His immense grace, compassion, and kindness in our everyday interactions. This journey culminates in the joyous anticipation of being welcomed into the Lord’s eternal presence, where we will experience a breathtaking reality of complete communion with Him.

Secondly, Paul emphasizes that our confession of faith in Christ is what makes us righteous in the sight of God. This righteousness is not derived from our own self-improvement efforts or moral achievements but is a result of Christ’s own righteousness residing within us. It is essential to recognize that this divine righteousness transforms us from within, enabling us to live in accordance with God’s will. Hence, as we navigate our lives, we are encouraged to rely on Christ’s strength and grace, rather than solely on our capabilities, to lead us in becoming the people He has called us to be.

In his compelling writings, Paul passionately articulates that there is no distinction between Jews and Gentiles; both are embraced as beloved children of God, united under the same divine purpose and calling. He emphasizes that within the expansive and diverse kingdom of God, elitism has no place—no race, culture, or individual can claim superiority over another. This foundational truth fosters a deep sense of unity and belonging among believers from diverse backgrounds.

The Lord, who reigns supreme over all creation, generously dispenses His grace, showering blessings upon those who earnestly call out to Him in faith. As the scripture profoundly declares, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,” a powerful affirmation of the universal availability of redemption and divine love to all who seek a genuine relationship with Him.

This transformative message of inclusivity and abundant grace stands as a cornerstone of Paul’s teachings, inviting both Jews and Gentiles to embrace their shared identity in Christ, encouraging a spirit of fellowship and collaboration that transcends cultural and societal boundaries, and makes us one in Christ.

Stephen Barnett