“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” – Romans 10:9-10
How does God the Father reveal to us who God the Son is? The same way He reveals the truth in our hearts and minds: through the third person of the Holy Trinity – the Holy Spirit! Only the Holy Spirit can impart truth into your heart.
That is what happened to Simon Peter in Matthew 16 when Jesus asked Him the question, “Who do you say that I am?” Matthew 16:16 tells us, “Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’”
Don’t miss this. In the heart, mind, and soul of Simon Peter, first came conviction, then came confession. The Holy Spirit convicted Peter of the truth, He convinced him of the truth, and then Peter confessed that truth. The Holy Spirit does the same thing today for you and me.
First comes conviction as the Holy Spirit CONVINCES you of the truth. He first must convince you that He alone is worthy of worship. Once you are convinced of the truth, then you are prepared to CONFESS the truth!
Romans 10:9-10 says, “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.”
What took place with the disciple Peter is the same thing that takes place in the lives of everyone who becomes a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. You must first be convinced that He is who He says He is. Then you know your need to confess your sins so that He can forgive you and save you to Himself. Are you convinced He is Lord? Have you confessed your sins to Him so that He can forgive you? If not, now is the time!