The Word Is Near You (Romans 10:1–10)
Gerald Largent
“The Word Is Near You”
(Romans 10:1–10)
In the Epistle reading for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, Saint Paul opens his heart with remarkable tenderness: “My heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.” Before teaching theology, he demonstrates love.
Saint Paul acknowledges that many possess zeal for God, but “not according to knowledge.” They sought righteousness through their own efforts while failing to recognize that true righteousness is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
This passage speaks directly to Christians today. It is possible to be religious, active, and enthusiastic about faith while still missing its center. Christianity is not primarily about proving ourselves righteous. It is about receiving the righteousness that God freely offers through union with Christ.
Saint Paul declares that “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” Christ fulfills the purpose of the Law and grants the grace necessary to live according to God's will.
One of the most beautiful themes in this reading is the nearness of salvation. “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.” Humanity does not need to ascend into heaven to bring Christ down, nor descend into the depths to raise Him up. Christ has already come. He has already died and risen. Salvation has been made accessible through His Incarnation, Cross, and Resurrection.
The Christian life is not an attempt to reach an inaccessible God. Rather, God has drawn near to us. Through prayer, the Holy Mysteries, and the life of repentance, we encounter the living Christ who is already near.
The Apostle then speaks of confession and belief: “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” In the Orthodox understanding, confession and belief encompass an entire way of life. To confess Christ is to live as His disciple. To believe in the Resurrection is to allow the reality of the Risen Lord to shape every thought, word, and action.
Let us pray for the salvation of others, seek the righteousness of Christ, and remember that the Lord is near. Above all, let us confess with both heart and life that Jesus Christ is Lord, crucified and risen for the salvation of the world.
From the St. Panteleimon Orthodox Christian Outreach bulletin for July 5, 2026.