Romans 10:13-14
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The incredible power of this verse lies in the word "whosoever," a simple term that throws open the doors wide to everyone. It's not about who you are or where you're from; if you call on the Lord, salvation is yours, mirroring the Old Testament promise that God's mercy isn't limited to one group.
Paul is building a case for the inclusivity of God's salvation, showing that faith in Christ bridges the gap between Jews and Gentiles. He's just argued that there's no distinction between them because the same Lord is rich and generous to all who call on Him. This verse directly supports that claim by quoting the prophet Joel to assure that anyone, regardless of background, who calls out to the Lord will be saved.
Ever wonder if God's salvation is for everyone? This verse has a powerful, simple answer.
Paul’s quote from Joel isn't just a nice thought; it's a declaration of God's boundless grace. The word "whosoever" is key here. It deliberately casts a wide net, removing any barriers of nationality, background, or past mistakes.
No Exceptions
This isn't a limited offer. "Whosoever" means just that – anyone who calls on the Lord. The original text emphasizes this inclusivity, ensuring that no one feels excluded from God’s saving mercy. It's a testament to God's character: He doesn’t play favorites. His salvation is available to all who turn to Him.
What does it truly mean to 'call on the name of the Lord'?
This phrase isn't just about reciting words. To 'call on the name of the Lord' involves a deep reliance and acknowledgment of who He is. It's about recognizing Jesus Christ not just as a historical figure, but as Lord – the divine Savior who has the power to save.
A Plea of Dependence
It signifies a humble confession of our need for salvation, an admission that we cannot save ourselves. When we call on His name, we are placing our trust in Him, acknowledging His authority, and entrusting our eternal destiny to His hands. This act is rooted in faith and expresses a willingness to receive His offered salvation.
The promise is clear: 'will be saved.' But saved from what?
This verse offers the incredible promise of salvation, and it's crucial to understand its scope. The salvation Paul speaks of here is not merely temporal rescue or a temporary fix for life's problems. It refers to a complete and eternal deliverance.
Eternal Rescue
Understand the original words
sōthēsetai · Greek Verb
The state of being delivered from the penalty, power, and ultimately the presence of sin, through the grace of God and faith in Jesus Christ.
onoma · Greek Noun
The person and character of God as revealed to His people; invoking this name is an act of recognizing His identity and authority as Savior.
kērussontos · Greek Verb
To proclaim, herald, or announce publicly; specifically used for the proclamation of the Christian gospel as a divine mandate to bring others to faith.
This verse echoes a promise made centuries earlier by the prophet Joel, a passage that Peter had already applied to the early church at Pentecost. Paul uses it to underscore that salvation through faith in Jesus is available to everyone, Jew or Gentile, who calls on His name.
c. 8th century BC
Prophet Joel's Vision
The prophet Joel delivers a message of judgment and hope, prophesying that 'whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered' in the context of God's future restoration.
c. AD 30-33
Pentecost Celebration in Jerusalem
Following Jesus' ascension, the Holy Spirit is poured out on the disciples. Peter preaches, quoting Joel's prophecy, applying it to Jesus and the salvation offered through faith in Him.
c. AD 57-58— this verse
Paul Writes to the Romans
Paul, likely in Corinth or Ephesus, writes his letter to the church in Rome. He is explaining God's plan of salvation for both Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing faith in Christ.
This verse is a direct quotation from the Old Testament prophet Joel, showing that this promise of salvation through calling on the Lord has been true since ancient times.
Acts 2:21Peter quotes the same passage from Joel during his sermon on Pentecost, applying it directly to Jesus and demonstrating its fulfillment in the early church.
Psalm 20:1This Psalm speaks of calling on 'the name of the God of Jacob' for deliverance, highlighting the concept of invoking God's name for salvation that is echoed in Romans.
1 Corinthians 1:2Paul uses a similar phrase, 'those who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,' emphasizing that calling on Jesus' name is the way to salvation.
barnesRomans 10:13: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
For whosoever shall call ... - This sentiment is found substantially in Joel 2:32 , "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered." This is expressly applied to the times of the gospel, by Peter, in Acts 2:21 ; see the note on that place. To call on the name of the Lord is the same as to call on the Lord himself. The word "name" is often used in this manner. "The…
cambridgeRomans 10:13: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
13 . For whosoever , &c.] “ Whosoever ” refers back to “all” in Romans 10:12 . St Paul here quotes (almost verbatim with LXX.) Joel 2:32 ; (Heb., 4:5;) where the whole prediction is distinctly Messianic, and includes a reference to “the remnant whom the Lord calleth.” See Acts 2:21 for a closely parallel use by St Peter of that passage.
The incredible power of this verse lies in the word "whosoever," a simple term that throws open the doors wide to everyone. It's not about who you are or where you're from; if you call on the Lord, salvation is yours, mirroring the Old Testament promise that God's mercy isn't limited to one group.
Paul is building a case for the inclusivity of God's salvation, showing that faith in Christ bridges the gap between Jews and Gentiles. He's just argued that there's no distinction between them because the same Lord is rich and generous to all who call on Him. This verse directly supports that claim by quoting the prophet Joel to assure that anyone, regardless of background, who calls out to the Lord will be saved.
Paul is building a case for the inclusivity of God's salvation, showing that faith in Christ bridges the gap between Jews and Gentiles. He's just argued that there's no distinction between them because the same Lord is rich and generous to all who call on Him. This verse directly supports that claim by quoting the prophet Joel to assure that anyone, regardless of background, who calls out to the Lord will be saved.
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This salvation is from the penalty and power of sin, and ultimately, from eternal separation from God. It's a transformation that begins now and is completed in eternity. By calling on the Lord, individuals are brought into a right relationship with God, receiving forgiveness for their sins and the gift of eternal life through Christ.
"For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preac…" — The incredible power of this verse lies in the word "whosoever," a simple term that throws open the doors wide to everyone. It's not about who you are or where you're from; if you call on the Lord, s…
