Devotion #4: The Word Is Near You

“For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. But the righteousness based on faith says, ‘Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’’ (that is, to bring Christ down) ‘or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim).” Romans 10:5-8 

I am not sure what it was about these verses, but for the longest time, I had no idea what Paul was talking about here. I have a highlight color in my Bible that I use when I come across a passage that confuses me, and this one sat in that color for quite a while until recently. Our wrestle with Scripture is often part of the beauty of it. When we do not understand something, it causes us to dig deeper into it where God can reveal awesome things that connect all across His Word, and that leads us into deeper awe of His beauty. 

Paul, in this passage, is breaking down the contrast between righteousness through the Law and righteousness through faith. Paul, being a former Pharisee, uses the Old Testament to prove his points incredibly well throughout the New Testament. Part of my confusion about this passage was that I did not realize he was quoting the Old Testament. Paul quotes Deuteronomy 30:12-14, where Moses is talking to the Israelites, explaining to them that they have the Law in their grasp, and it is now up to them to follow it. 

Paul uses that illustration to drive out the fact that our faith is based on Jesus, who has come to fulfill the Law for us. Our faith is not in future questions yet to be answered, but in a risen Savior who is alive and active in our world today! John Stott, in his commentary on Romans, states that this passage is Paul’s way of saying, “There is no need for us to scale the heights or plumb the depths in search of Christ, for he has already come, died and risen, and is accessible to us.”  

Jesus has come, and He has given everyone who believes in Him full access to the Father. Romans 10:9 says, “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”  

Christ is near to you right now. You do not need to go out looking for Him. Take some time to acknowledge His presence and thank Him for all that He has done for us.