(comp. with Romans 10:6-13).—
The word of faith.
No Christian preacher is likely ever to deal with these words of Moses without setting by the side thereof the words of the Apostle Paul respecting them, in which, indeed, we have the best possible exposition of and commentary upon them. We propose to give an outline Homily thereupon.
I. THERE IS A "WORD OF FAITH" WHICH, THOUGH ANTICIPATED IN THE OLDEN TIME, IS NOW MADE THE BURDEN OF CHRISTIAN PREACHING.
1. There is a grand thesis to be maintained throughout all time, viz. that Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 12:3; Philippians 2:11).
2. There is a twofold duty required with reference thereto.
(a) letting the faith cherished in the heart become a practical power in the life;
(b) letting the tongue speak for him;
(c) letting the noblest energy be spent for him.
We see why these two and just these are named. Believing is the attitude of the soul Godward. Confession is the attitude of the life manward. Both are required. A faith which can content itself without a confession, and a confession which has not its root in faith, are alike valueless.
3. There is a double effect of this double act.
4. For all this we have the sure guarantee of God's own Word (Romans 10:11-13).
II. THERE ARE SOME NOTEWORTHY FEATURES ABOUT THIS "WORD OF FAITH." Moses had said, "It is not too hard, nor too high, nor too far off (cf. Hebrew), but it is very near," etc. Paul quotes this with some variation, saying:
1. "It is near." It speaks to man's inner self—to his conscience.
2. "It is in thy mouth." In words which can be uttered to the people and by them.
3. "It is in thine heart." The word "heart," being quoted from Moses, we take rather in its Hebrew sense, as meaning "understanding," and thus the phrase would signify, "It is intelligible to you." Being thus near, we have not to go to heaven to fetch a Savior, nor to the grave to fetch him from the dead. He came. The work is done—done for all, without distinction of persons. Done—once and forever,
Hence—
1. How large the encouragement to call on the Lord Jesus and be saved!
2. Men need not remain unsaved.
3. Men ought not to remain unsaved.