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bigmike

Romans 10:13 (NKJV) 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
As Jesus spoke to the thief on the cross, His words would echo down through the centuries; a simple, yet deeply profound truth that has seemingly gotten lost in deep theology and human logic (today you will be with Me in Paradise).
Yesterday, we ended our devotional with a question; “how can we reconcile what happened on the cross with what we have been told is required for someone to be saved?”
In short, we can’t. Or at least not without doing a lot of dancing around to make it seem like it works.
It seems that some believers not only become confused but become angry with this topic because it flies in the face of our beloved long-believed theology.
To this, let us ask this question; how can we argue with God’s word?
In the verses shared over the last few days, it is abundantly clear that salvation is very simple.
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved (Acts 16:31).
I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise (Luke 23:43).
Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13).
Those three verses alone speak very plainly as to what is required.
Now, man has managed to add many other pieces to this “puzzle” that it seems were never intended.
But that’s OK, because if we go to God’s word, we can see through those layers, and we can peel them away to see the foundational truth.
Romans 10:13 states that if we call on the name of the Lord, we shall be saved.
The thief on the cross called on the name of Jesus. And Jesus answered; today you will be with Me in paradise.
This is the simplest piece of evidence in the entirety of God’s word that shows us what is required to be saved.
Acts 16:31 says, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.
The thief on the cross believed. He was saved. The words of Jesus prove it beyond any doubt.
Who are we to argue with Jesus? How can we justify putting so many requirements or stipulations on the salvation of a human soul?
Now, should our lives change after being saved? Yes! But that comes after.
When we call on the name of the Lord, He saves us. Plain and simple.
There is much that comes afterward. This is all part of our new life as a believer.
We repent. We allow God to change our heart and our ways. We seek God more deeply. We learn of Him. We draw nearer to Him.
And we do that all in faith; the same faith that caused us to call out to Him.
He is faithful to answer us. And our relationship with Him grows. Over time, as we pursue Him wholeheartedly, that relationship flourishes.
And we spend the remainder of our lifetime growing as a child of God.
But it all started with calling to Him in trust; a simple act of faith with no ceremony, no fanfare, and no special requirements except to call on His name.
Does this mean that walking an aisle, reciting a specific prayer, etc. is meaningless? Not necessarily. But in the end, it all comes down to our heart.
What must we do to be saved? Call on the name of the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.
Amen
Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

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