Salvation is the greatest gift anyone can receive, and it is made available through faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 10:9 is a foundational verse that clearly explains what a person must do to be saved:
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” (Romans 10:9, KJV)
This verse reveals two simple but powerful actions that lead to salvation:
1. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord.
2. Believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead.
Let’s explore what this means and how it leads to what is commonly known as the Sinner’s Prayer.
1. Confession with the Mouth
Confession means more than just speaking words—it’s about acknowledging and proclaiming the truth about Jesus. When a person confesses that Jesus is Lord, they are agreeing that He is the Son of God, the Savior, and the rightful ruler of their life. This is a public declaration that they are no longer living for themselves but for Christ.
2. Belief in the Heart
Belief in the resurrection of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. To believe that God raised Jesus from the dead is to accept His victory over sin and death. This faith is not just intellectual agreement, but a heartfelt trust in Jesus as the only way to be reconciled with God.
When someone confesses Jesus as Lord and believes in His resurrection, they are born again—they receive forgiveness, spiritual rebirth, and eternal life. This is the essence of the gospel.
What Is the Sinner’s Prayer?
The Sinner’s Prayer is a personal prayer of repentance and faith, based on Romans 10:9 and similar scriptures. It is not a formula, but a heartfelt expression of a person turning from sin and turning to Jesus. It is often prayed by someone who desires to begin a new life in Christ.
Sample Sinner’s Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come to You today, knowing that I am a sinner. I have done things that have separated me from You, and I need Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus is Your Son and that He died for my sins and rose again. I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord, and I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead. I ask You to come into my heart, change me, and be the Lord of my life. Thank You for saving me and giving me eternal life. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
The Power of This Prayer
When someone prays this prayer sincerely, heaven rejoices (Luke 15:7). Salvation is not based on works or religious rituals, but on faith in Jesus and what He has done. Romans 10:13 affirms, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” This promise is for everyone, regardless of their past.
Next Steps After Salvation
After receiving Jesus, the new believer is encouraged to:
● Read the Bible daily.
Pray regularly, developing a personal relationship with God.
● Join a Bible-believing church for fellowship and growth.
● Get baptized, as a public testimony of faith.
● Live a changed life, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Romans 10:9 summarizes the beautiful simplicity of the gospel: confess and believe. The Sinner’s Prayer, rooted in this verse, is a doorway to a transformed life. Anyone—no matter their past—can come to Jesus, receive forgiveness, and begin a new journey with God today.
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