What a powerful and foundational truth we find in Romans 10:13, where the apostle Paul declares, *"For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."* This verse is not merely a promise but a divine invitation—one that transcends all human divisions, extending God’s grace to every soul willing to turn to Him in faith. Yet, as we reflect on this truth, we must also recognize the depth of what it means to truly *"call on the name of the Lord."*
This calling is not a mere repetition of words or a superficial acknowledgment of God’s existence. It is an act of surrender, a cry of the heart that acknowledges Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. As the verse itself is rooted in Joel 2:32, we see the consistency of God’s promise across the ages: salvation is for *everyone*—Jew and Gentile, rich and poor, the morally upright and the broken sinner. No one is beyond the reach of His mercy, but the call must be genuine, born of repentance and faith in Christ alone.
Yet, we must also heed the sobering questions that follow in Romans 10:14-15: *"How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him of whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher?"* This reminds us that salvation, while available to all, is not automatic. It requires the proclamation of the Gospel—the good news that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). Without the preaching of Christ, there can be no saving faith.
We also note that this verse does not stand alone in Scripture. Jesus Himself declared in John 14:6, *"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me."* There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). This is why we emphasize the name of Jesus Christ in all things—because salvation is found in Him alone. To call on the Lord is to call on *Jesus*, the only mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5).
If there are those reading this who have never truly called on the name of the Lord, we urge you to do so now. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you *will* be saved (Romans 10:9). Turn from your sins, place your faith in Christ, and receive the gift of eternal life. Do not delay, for *"now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation"* (2 Corinthians 6:2).
For those of us who have already placed our faith in Christ, let this verse stir us to action. We are called to be ambassadors of this reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:20), sharing the Gospel with urgency and love. How many around us are perishing without Christ simply because no one has told them? Let us pray for boldness to proclaim the name of Jesus, that others may call on Him and be saved.
**Our Prayer:**
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the indescribable gift of salvation, available to all who call on the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Lord, we confess that we often take this truth for granted or fail to share it with those who are lost. Forgive us for our silence and stir our hearts with a fresh burden for the unsaved. Give us opportunities to speak Your truth in love, that many may turn to You and be saved.
For those reading this who do not yet know You, we pray that You would open their eyes to see their need for a Savior. Draw them to Yourself, Lord, and grant them repentance leading to life. May they call on Your name today and find the forgiveness and eternal life that only You can give.
Strengthen Your church, Father, to stand firm on the truth of Your Word. Help us to never compromise the exclusivity of Christ as the only way to salvation. Fill us with Your Spirit, that we may live as lights in this dark world, pointing others to Jesus.
We ask all this in the mighty and saving name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
