Christ is the culmination of the law(A) so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.(B)

Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by them.”[a](C) But the righteousness that is by faith(D) says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’”[b](E) (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’”[c](F) (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).(G) But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,”[d](H) that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare(I) with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,”(J) and believe(K) in your heart that God raised him from the dead,(L) you will be saved.(M) 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. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”[e](N) 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile(O)—the same Lord is Lord of all(P) and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord(Q) will be saved.”[f](R)

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 10:5 Lev. 18:5
  2. Romans 10:6 Deut. 30:12
  3. Romans 10:7 Deut. 30:13
  4. Romans 10:8 Deut. 30:14
  5. Romans 10:11 Isaiah 28:16 (see Septuagint)
  6. Romans 10:13 Joel 2:32

For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given.[a] As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God.

Salvation Is for Everyone

For Moses writes that the law’s way of making a person right with God requires obedience to all of its commands.[b] But faith’s way of getting right with God says, “Don’t say in your heart, ‘Who will go up to heaven?’ (to bring Christ down to earth). And don’t say, ‘Who will go down to the place of the dead?’ (to bring Christ back to life again).” In fact, it says,

“The message is very close at hand;
    it is on your lips and in your heart.”[c]

And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. 11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”[d] 12 Jew and Gentile[e] are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. 13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”[f]

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Footnotes

  1. 10:4 Or For Christ is the end of the law.
  2. 10:5 See Lev 18:5.
  3. 10:6-8 Deut 30:12-14.
  4. 10:11 Isa 28:16 (Greek version).
  5. 10:12 Greek and Greek.
  6. 10:13 Joel 2:32.

Christ has fulfilled everything the law was meant to do. So now everyone who believes can be right with God.

Moses writes about how the law could help a person do what God requires. He writes, “The person who does these things will live by them.” (Leviticus 18:5) But the way to do what God requires must begin by having faith in him. Scripture says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will go up into heaven?’ ” (Deuteronomy 30:12) That means to go up into heaven and bring Christ down. “And do not say, ‘Who will go down into the grave?’ ” (Deuteronomy 30:13) That means to bring Christ up from the dead. But what does it say? “The message is near you. It’s in your mouth and in your heart.” (Deuteronomy 30:14) This means the message about faith that we are preaching. Say with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord.” Believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead. Then you will be saved. 10 With your heart you believe and are made right with God. With your mouth you say what you believe. And so you are saved. 11 Scripture says, “The one who believes in him will never be put to shame.” (Isaiah 28:16) 12 There is no difference between those who are Jews and those who are not. The same Lord is Lord of all. He richly blesses everyone who calls on him. 13 Scripture says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Joel 2:32)

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