Verses 1-14
In order to be saved, we must pursue God with knowledge AND zeal. Just as Israel pursued God with works, and yet could not attain salvation, our works can never save us. It is not what we do, that can be seen by others, that declares our righteousness, but rather the belief of our heart and the confession of our lips declares our salvation.
Luke 6:45 says "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."
If we truly believe on Christ and in His resurrection, then it will be apparent from that which our mouth confesses. Many have taken this scripture to mean that if you confess or say that Jesus is your savior then you will be saved. To me this scripture is saying that you must believe in your heart and then your lips will reflect that belief.
Verses 14-21
Before we can believe in Him, we must first hear of Him and His death burial and resurrection. Therefore, He sends to us preachers to minister to our hearts. What a sacred gift we have in our pastors and preachers. They are the vehicles through which we come to know salvation!
However, once they deliver the Word, we must then take the initiative to believe the Word. We must guard against unbelief. God wil notl have a people who do believe in Him. Just as He revealed Himself to the Gentiles when the Israelites did not believe in their hearts, God will turn from us and reveal Himself to someone who does not even know enough to pursue Him. What a shame!
Men, we must pursue God with both zeal and knowledge. Let us believe in Him so that our mouths will be a testament to His saving power. Take the Word that is delivered to us by the ones sent of God and apply it (believe) to our hearts so that our words are a confession of Him!
Keith Mathews
