Him We Preach

For with the mouth one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  For the scripture says, "Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame."  For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.  For "Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."  How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed?  And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?  And how shall they hear without a preacher?  And how shall they preach unless they are sent?  As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!"  But they have not all obeyed the gospel.  For Isaiah says, "LORD, who has believed our report?"  So then faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10: 10-16 NKJV

There is a scripture tucked away inside the book of Romans.  This passage holds the promise that "Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."  I used to believe that all I  needed to do to be saved from the certain death of hell was to believe that Jesus died on the cross for me.  My mother never lost an opportunity to let me know that God loved me.  In this I am fortunate.  From a young age my heart was guided to the truth of the Lord.  However, what of those today who are lost?  What of those who have not received the truth which I have within my heart?  Is their fate now sealed?

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."
John 3: 16-17 NKJV

Most everyone knows the scripture of john 3:16 by heart, for they have seen it displayed everywhere from rallies to sporting events.  Those wishing to spread our Lords gospel are fond of this very passage.  To me, most people miss one more truth of this passage, which occurs in verse 17.  Yes, our Lord did send His only Son into the world to become our very sin, out of His love for us.  This He did "That the world through Him might be saved."  It was not Gods intention to leave anyone behind, but that all would have the opportunity to receive the gospel of His son.  So what of those who, unlike myself, have never even heard of the gospel of Christ?  Sure, they know of Jesus, but do they know His truth?  Jesus is a very recognized name, and almost everyone knows His historical value, but He is so much more than that!  Jesus is much more than good versus evil.  Jesus is much more than heaven and hell.  For it is Jesus who became sin FOR US on the cross, taking the penalty upon  Himself that we so rightly deserved.

The mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints.  To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of Glory.  Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
Colossions 1: 26-28 NKJV

It is the apostle Paul who refered to this truth of Jesus as "This mystery among the gentiles."  I can attest that it is indeed a mystery, for despite my knowing Jesus from a young age, I did not discover this truth until later in life.  I'm sure those in Pauls day thought of it as a mystery as I once did.  So, what of those who have not known of this mystery?  As Paul claims in Colossions 1, "HIM WE PREACH!"  Paul did not make the claim that "Him I preach."  It is in Romans 10 that Paul gives encouragement to we who would bring the gospel of Jesus unto others.  I like to refer to this passage in Romans 10 as "If not me, then who?"  For if indeed all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved, who will teach them the name of the Lord?  If whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame, who will show them this man Jesus who we know?  For we who know Jesus have a unique opportunity before us, revealing this "Mystery among the gentiles" to those who will listen.  To each man we give hope.  To each we reveal that what was laid upon our hearts.  Him we preach!

~Scott~