3-1-98........What is the Way?.........Rom. 10

by Ronald E. George Jr.

Salvation Series: What is the truth about Salvation? 1/5 sermons

What makes you a real Christian?

How can you know that you are going to go to Heaven?

Scripture Text: Romans 10:8- 13

Roma 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, [even] in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 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. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Some common myths about what is a Christian?(Luis Palau)

Myth #1: Being Born in America Makes You a Christian

I've met people who have told me, "I was born in America, so of course I am a Christian. What do you take me to be, a heathen?" The truth is that they could be a lot of things.

Others have said: "I've been a Christian all my life; I was born in a Christian home" or "in the church." But since when does where you're born determine what you are? As one of my friends quipped, someone may be born in a stable, but that doesn't make him a horse. Nor does being born in an airport make someone an airplane. Be thankful for where you were born and for the family and church in which you were reared. But don't assume that automatically makes you a Christian. God has no grandchildren.

Myth #2: Thinking Positively Makes You a Christian

Some people also think that if you give a hearty handshake, pat others on the back, smile, and ask, "How are you doing?" that you're somehow a Christian. So thinking positively about life in general and about yourself in particular doesn't automatically make you a Christian.

Myth #3: Living a Good Life Makes You a Christian

And, then, living a clean and moral life doesn't make anyone a Christian. Many atheists live a decent, straight life. Anyway, how good is "good"? That is the real issue. Most people have a warped idea of the true standard against which our goodness should be measured.

Myth #4: Going to Church Makes You a Christian

Last Sunday four out of ten Americans went to church. But does that mean that all these people are Christians? Of course not. Even some thieves go to church. Some people go to church because it's a social habit. Others attend because their family makes them go. At the encouragement of a minister, they may even go to special classes for confirmation or membership.

Myth #5: Giving to Others Makes You a Christian

Many of us were taught since childhood to give a portion of our income to charity or to the church. Whether rich or poor, we feel it's our "Christian" duty. Even Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, says he feels a "duty to do something" so that "in some way I can make life a little less stinking for some people." So he donates part of his wealth to worthy causes. And that's commendable. But that's not what makes somebody a Christian.

Myth #6: Receiving a Sacrament Makes You a Christian

Maybe you were baptized as a child or young adult. That doesn't necessarily mean you're a Christian. Many violent inmates in penitentiaries were baptized years ago. But few people would consider these inmates Christians. Or maybe you take Communion every Sunday. If you're a Christian, that's great. But I've had someone tell me, "Mr. Palau, I'm confused. I take Communion every week, but I don't know what it means to be a Christian." You see, both baptism and Communion are biblical. God commands Christians to observe these ordinances. But receiving either one won't make you a Christian.

Myth #7: Believing in God Makes You a Christian

Eight out of ten people in America say they believe God exists. But are they all Christians? Colonel James Irwin, remembered for his Apollo 15 moon mission, told me that while he was in the Middle East, a Muslim leader said to him, "You talk about God so much--why aren't you a Muslim?" I have a good friend who believes in exercise. But he never does any. He is forty-five pounds overweight and hopelessly out of shape. I know countless small boys who believe in soap. But they are not a shade cleaner in spite of their belief. Belief, on its own, makes no difference. That is why belief, by itself, doesn't make someone a Christian.

Myth #8: Talking about Jesus Christ Makes You a Christian

Many people talk about Jesus Christ and even speak well of Him. They may be teachers, ministers, church leaders, or "just plain folk." But they may not even believe that the Bible's message about Jesus is true. Some actually have a distorted view of Jesus that fits their own way of thinking, rather than seeing the Jesus of history and the Bible. And that disqualifies them from calling themselves real Christians.

Myth #9: Praying Makes You a Christian

Certainly Christians pray. But someone can pray and still not be a Christian. Hindus pray all the time. Muslims pray five times a day.

Myth #10: Reading the Bible Makes You a Christian

Of course Christians love the Bible. Some of us read it daily. But just reading the Bible doesn't mean you are a Christian. Read the Bible all you can. It explains how to settle this issue once and for all. Since it's God's Word, not man's, we can trust it completely. But remember just reading the Bible won't make you a Christian.

What is the Way?

John 14:6 (KJS) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

What are the two things that Paul says signifies that Jesus has came into your life?

Key Verse: 9 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.

This is the Way to receive God’s Gift of Salvation through His only Son Jesus the Christ.

1. Confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus:

Matt 10:32 (KJS) Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

The whole Christian life is a confession. This is the test of our faith and this is the faith of the inner being becomeing validated (ratified and approved).

11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

What does it mean to confess?

It means to say the same thing as another. To say the same thing as God says about you and He. This is our outward expression of our inward faith of the heart. To agree with to concede: to acknowledge that we are sinners. To declare openly, speak out freely: to tell others that you and Jesus agree. It means not to deny not to refuse, but to promise. To praise and to celebrate the fact that He is your God.

Have we agreed with the Lord concerning your life? Have we allowed the Lord to place us into the family of God? Have we agreed with God? Openly confessing Him as our Lord before the world and following Him as He leads us is the sign of receiving Him as your Savior. Confession to a Jew meant that he was outwardly following the Christ the Messiah that came from Jehovah to save them. Confession to the Gentile meant that he was following the Holy Jesus and not the pagan gods that the world followed.

"Since we have confessed to God and agree with Him concerning ourselves then we devote to Him our souls and our bodies: our souls in believing with the heart and our bodies in confessing with the mouth."( Matthew Henry).

2. And believe in thy heart that God has raised Him from the dead…

Jame 2:19 (KJS) Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

The belief that Paul talks about is the belief in the heart that transforms the whole person. The heart was believed then to be the center of all your being. The devils believe in God but that is all they believe in. Going that way is not far enough for the Lord to fill you with Himself. This faith in the heart is a life changing belief in the power of God to raise His Son from the dead. Thus, believing in the resurrection assures the believer of an eternal life experienced now in Christ.

What is the definition of believe?

It means to be committed to. To be committed to one’s trust. To think to be true, to be persuaded of , place confidence in, the conviction and trust to which a man is impelled by a certain inner and higher prerogative and law of soul.

Have we believed in our hearts that God has raised Him, Jesus, from the dead? Has that belief been revealed in the transformation that has taken place in our soul and life?

3. This Shows that you are being Saved in Christ:

12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Christ has come this morning to speak to us concerning our lives. He wants you to know that He loves you so much that He died for you. He wants you to recognize Him as your Savior and you God. Will you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead? Will you come to give your life to Christ, because He gave his life for you? You can go to heaven. He is the Way…