First Sunday in Lent
March 9, 2025
(Romans 10:9–17, NIV) “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. 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. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”
As we begin the season of Lent, which leads us up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, it is important to remember what it all means.
If you make confession, that is, if “you declare with your mouth” and believe in your heart that “Jesus is Lord,” “you will be saved.” That believing, that faith, makes the justification which Jesus Christ earned your very own possession.
Confession follows faith. You must learn about something before you can believe it. And believing that God raised Jesus from the dead, Scripture assures us of salvation – everlasting salvation.
Your salvation is such a great gift, such a great blessing that you will want to share it. And because it is words, Words from God that the Holy Spirit has used to put faith into your heart, it is words which will let you share that gift, that blessing with anyone who will listen.
Prayer
Blessed Lord, who has caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning, grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn and ponder them, that by patience and comfort of Thy holy Word we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, now and forever. Amen.
