Romans 10:9-10 is frequently used in Christendom to mean that both belief and confession are conditions for receiving eternal life. If we utilize the Analogy of Scripture technique, this view presents a problem as it is clear that this is not the case as belief is the only condition (Acts 16:31). Belief alone in Christ alone is the sole requirement for justification and eternal life (sola fide).
Belief is the Only Condition for Eternal Life
The Gospel of John repeatedly promises everlasting life to all who simply believe in Jesus Christ for it (John 3:16, 5:24, 6:47). Belief is being persuaded that something is true based on testimony. Other verses like Ephesians 2:8-9 confirm that faith alone, apart from works, is what saves. Confession is not a condition, but rather a result of the eternal life already received the moment one believes in the gift and the giver. It is a result, but not a requirement.
The Salvation Spoken of in Romans 10
Romans chapters 9-11 deal with the nation of Israel and their current state of unbelief. The salvation in view is deliverance from God’s temporal wrath and discipline that the Jews were experiencing because of rejecting their Messiah, not salvation from eternal condemnation. Confession of Jesus as Lord would bring that temporal deliverance from God’s temporal wrath and His subsequent blessing. It is not a requirement for regeneration and receiving eternal life, which are by faith alone (John 1:12-13, Romans 4:5).
The Meaning of the Key Terms
- Believe (pisteuo) means to be convinced that something is true as in John 3:36.
- Confess (homologeo) means to agree with or acknowledge that truth openly as in 1 John 4:15.
- Righteousness (dikaiosune) refers to the righteousness of God imputed to all who believe as in Romans 4:3-5.
- Justification (dikaiosis) is a one-time legal declaration at the moment of faith, not a process dependent on our works or confession as in Romans 5:1.
Conclusion
Romans 10:9-10 in its context does not contradict the clear promise of Scripture that whoever believes in Jesus has everlasting life (John 6:47) and can know they have it (1 John 5:13). Belief, in the sense of being convinced the gospel is true, is the sole condition for justification and eternal salvation. Confession is an evidence of that salvation, not a requirement for it. In the context of Romans 9-11, this confession would save the Jews from God’s temporal wrath.
