(The following is the June 26 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Romans 10 and pay close attention to verses 9-13.)
“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (v. 13). This is fantastic news. Applying this truth to ourselves means that no past sin should keep us from God. If we call on Christ with sorrow for sin, trusting in what Christ did for us on the cross, he will forgive us, adopt us as his children, grant us eternal life, and indwell us through the Holy Spirit. Because of his grace, we can move from spiritual death to life by calling on his name.
Considering how this truth applies to others may bring hope or conviction. This promise gives us hope concerning the most wayward, lost family member, friend, work colleague, neighbor, classmate, or acquaintance. Perhaps someone you love adamantly opposes Christ, the Bible, and the church and avoids or fights all such references. Maybe you have prayed for some people for years and still see no positive movement toward Christ in them. Don’t give up. If they have life and breath, Christ can still save them if they surrender to him.
This promise may bring conviction when we consider some unsaved persons, especially those we think are enemies. Are there people so opposed to Christ that you believe them too far gone for salvation? Are there public figures or people in your daily life whom you despise so much that, if you are honest, you do not even care if they come to know Christ? Perhaps you would rather God judge them and cast them into Hell today. Beware. Such attitudes are far from Christ’s, who told us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matt. 5:44). We should pray that Christ replaces such hatred within us with loving concern for lost souls.
Rejoice that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Every lost person needs to hear this promise.
Next Step:
In your next gospel conversation with a non-Christian, include Romans 10:13 and invite the person to call on the name of the Lord.
