Romans 10

Christ, the end of the law

Christ — the Anointed One

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. Romans 10:4

The law of Moses was always aiming at Christ; He is its goal and completion. Righteousness now comes to everyone who believes in Him.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Galatians 3:24 — The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ.
• alludes to Alma 34:13-14 — The whole meaning of the law, every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice.
• alludes to 3 Nephi 15:4-5 — The law is fulfilled... I am the law.

Christ come down from above and brought up from the dead

But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Romans 10:6–8

Paul explains Moses' words in Deuteronomy 30 as being about Christ: nobody has to climb to heaven to bring Him down or dig into death to bring Him up, because He already came and already rose. The gospel of Him is right here, close enough to speak and believe.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• interprets Deuteronomy 30:12-14 — Who shall go up for us to heaven... over the sea... the word is very nigh unto thee.

Confess the Lord Jesus; believe God raised Him

Jesus — Jehovah saves; Lord — the divine title

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 10:9–10

Saving faith has two parts: openly declaring that Jesus is Lord and truly believing that God raised Him from the dead.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• the same title in 1 Corinthians 12:3 — No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
• alluded to by Philippians 2:11 — Every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

He on whom believers shall not be ashamed

For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Romans 10:11

Paul quotes Isaiah's stone prophecy again; 'him' is the Lord Jesus of verse 9. Whoever trusts Him will never be let down.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• interprets Isaiah 28:16 — The tried, precious corner stone in Zion.
• the same title in Romans 9:33 — The same quotation applied to Christ as the stone.

The name of the Lord (Joel's LORD applied to Jesus)

Jehovah — the covenant name rendered LORD in Joel 2:32

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. Romans 10:12–14

Joel promised that whoever calls on the name of the LORD (Jehovah) will be saved. Paul applies those words to the Lord Jesus he just named, showing that Jesus is Jehovah. The 'him' they must hear of and believe in is Christ.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• interprets Joel 2:32 — Whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered.
• the same title in Acts 2:21 — Peter quotes the same promise at Pentecost, then declares Jesus Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36).

The gospel of peace

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:15

Paul quotes Isaiah about messengers who bring good news. The good news is Christ; Abinadi explains that the Lord Himself is the founder of peace whose feet are most beautiful of all.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quotes Isaiah 52:7 — How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings.
• interpreted by Mosiah 15:14-18 — Abinadi explains these messengers publish peace, and the Lord is the founder of peace.

The report of the Suffering Servant

But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? Romans 10:16

These are the opening words of Isaiah 53, the great prophecy of the suffering Messiah. Paul uses them to show that many in Israel did not believe the message about Christ, just as Isaiah foresaw.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quotes Isaiah 53:1 — Who hath believed our report? The Servant chapter.
• the same title in John 12:37-38 — John quotes the same line of the unbelief toward Jesus.

Jehovah stretching forth His hands

But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. Romans 10:19–21

Paul quotes the LORD through Moses and Isaiah. Jehovah is found by Gentiles who were not looking, and all day He holds out His hands pleading with Israel — the same patient, outstretched arms of Christ.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quotes Deuteronomy 32:21 — I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people.
• quotes Isaiah 65:1-2 — I am sought of them that asked not for me... I have spread out my hands all the day.
• the same title in Jacob 6:4 — He stretches forth his hands unto them all the day long.