Romans 10:13 is one of the more beloved verses of the Bible. “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Before Paul sent these words in an epistle, Joel declared these words as prophecy. Joel 2:32 “And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Precious, powerful truths are revealed as this OT promise is now a NT reality. First, the day to come in Joel is today! Just as Paul quotes Joel in Romans, so does Peter in Acts 2 while delivering his Pentecost sermon. Peter announces Joel’s prophecy is fulfilled (Acts 2:16).
Second, Paul clarifies who the “everyone” of Joel is. Just before quoting Joel in Rom 10:13, Paul says in Rom 10:12, “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing His riches on all who call on Him.” “Everyone” means the Gospel is not exclusive to one ethnicity but rather is extended to every tribe and language! Even though the Messiah is a Jew, His salvation is for “everyone,” that is, the Gospel is not restricted by lineage, gender, or social standing (Gal 3:28)!
Third, Paul equates “Jesus” in Rom 10:13 with “the Lord (Yahweh)” of Joel 2:32. There is no doubt that Joel is referring to Yahweh in Joel 2. In like manner, Paul is clearly means Jesus when he says “Lord” in Rom 10! Rom 10:9,13 “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord (that is, that Jesus is Yahweh!) . . . you will be saved . . . For (that is, now comes the explanation) everyone who calls on the name of the Lord (that is, Jesus) will be saved!”
Fourth, today is then the day of salvation for EVERYONE who will believe, worship, and follow the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Cor 6:2)!
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