Romans 10:13: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

This pivotal verse encapsulates the essence of salvation in the Christian faith. It emphasizes that anyone, regardless of their background or sins, can be saved by calling on the name of Jesus Christ.

Meaning and Interpretation

The verse presents a universal promise for salvation, suggesting that the act of calling upon God is the key that unlocks grace and forgiveness. Insights from notable public domain commentaries highlight several dimensions of this scripture:

• Matthew Henry: He stresses that the term "whosoever" indicates that the offer of salvation is open to all people, regardless of their past. It reflects the inclusive nature of God's grace.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes interprets this verse as a clear declaration of faith's necessity, where calling on the Lord represents a sincere plea for help and acknowledgment of one’s need for divine intervention.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke draws attention to the significance of "calling upon the name of the Lord," suggesting that it involves not only a verbal confession but also a deep inner conviction and trust in God's ability to save.

Cross-References to Romans 10:13

Understanding Romans 10:13 can be enhanced through cross-referencing with related Bible verses. Here are several key references that provide deeper insights and thematic connections:

• Joel 2:32: "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered." This Old Testament prophecy directly connects to the promise made in Romans 10:13.
• Acts 2:21: "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Peter reiterates this message during his sermon on Pentecost, emphasizing its New Testament importance.
• John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." This verse highlights belief as part of the process of salvation.
• Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." The gospel is central to understanding the call for salvation.
• 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This verse connects confession with the promise of forgiveness.
• Philippians 2:10-11: "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow... and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." This points towards the authority and importance of calling on Jesus' name.
• Galatians 3:26: "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." It connects faith and sonship, emphasizing inclusivity in salvation.

Thematic Connections and Analysis

Romans 10:13 serves as a critical component in the broader narrative of salvation throughout the Scriptures. The notion of calling on the Lord reflects the overarching biblical theme of God's love and redemption. This verse engages in an inter-Biblical dialogue with other scriptures, illustrating how salvation is available to all who earnestly seek God.

Tools for Further Study

Engaging deeply with this verse can be facilitated using a variety of tools for Bible cross-referencing, such as:

• Bible concordance: A helpful resource for locating specific words and themes across the Bible.
• Bible cross-reference guide: Guides that show connections between verses and themes.
• Cross-reference Bible study: Incorporating parallel scriptures can deepen understanding.

Conclusion

Romans 10:13 not only captures the essence of the Gospel but also invites extensive thematic exploration through its connections with other biblical texts. The promise of salvation shared here underscores the fundamental Christian belief that calling on the name of the Lord is a powerful act of faith that results in deliverance and eternal life.