Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But what does this mean?

Romans 10:13 “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” But what does this mean to call on the name of the Lord? It is much more than just calling out His Name. It has consequences, both good and bad.

Romans 10:13 “For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'” This verse summarizes the authority and the sincere, faith-driven use of the name of Jesus to authorize your message or action of Jesus’ name as essential for salvation.
When you call on the name of the Lord, you claim Jesus’ backing or endorsement for what you are doing. This emphasizes that you do not simply mention Jesus’ name, but declare that your message and actions are supported by and aligned with Jesus’ authority and teachings.

There is a massive responsibility, consequence and seriousness associated with acting under Jesus’ name.
Such action has major implications. It is a huge ethical and spiritual responsibility to ensure that any actions taken or words spoken in His name truly align with His teachings and the principles of Christianity. There are significant consequences, both positive and potentially negative, depending on the sincerity and correctness of the actions associated with His name.
It requires authenticity and integrity, and ensures that your message and actions genuinely reflect Biblical principles and are truly according to what Jesus taught and stood for. This reminds us that such claims of authority must be backed by a real and faithful adherence to the teachings of Jesus, not just used as a label or for personal gain.

You must call on the name of the Lord in genuine belief and commitment to His lordship, much like invoking a king’s name with loyalty and a commitment to abide by his decrees, and the severe implications of using a king’s name without authority or loyalty.
Using the name of Jesus is extremely important and powerful, and comes with the expectation of a true relationship and adherence to His teachings.

In history, invoking (calling on/ using) the name of a king was a declaration of authority granted by the king himself, as well as a solemn commitment to obey his laws and demonstrate unwavering loyalty.

Authority and Obedience

Using the king’s name typically indicated that an individual was acting under the authority directly granted by the king. This authority might involve executing laws, governing on behalf of the monarchy, or other official duties. The invocation of the king’s name was a public affirmation that their actions were conducted under the king’s sanction and permission, and that they obeyed and acted according to the sovereign powers vested in them.
The privilege of calling upon the king’s name could only be done in a strict loyalty and obedience to the king’s laws. Those entrusted with this right were expected to live and act according to the king’s commands, laws, and instructions. Deliberate failure to comply with these standards could lead to the revocation of this privilege and was seen as a betrayal of the trust placed by the king.

Misuse, Consequences, and Forgiveness of calling on the name of the Lord

If any person used the king’s name without explicit permission, or for purposes not sanctioned by the king, it was considered a severe violation. Such acts were often viewed as violation of royal authority and could be classified as treason, typically punishable by the most severe penalties, including death.

However, if disobedience or misuse of the king’s name was accidental or due to incompetence or lack of knowledge rather than intentional deceit or rebellion, the king might choose to forgive the offender. If the individual sought forgiveness and demonstrated genuine repentance, committing to rectify their mistake and adhere more closely to the royal laws, the king could grant a pardon. This act of mercy would pardon and release the individual from the death penalty, reinstating their status, and possibly their privileges under the king’s rule.

Spiritual Importance of calling on the name of the Lord

In a spiritual context, invoking the name of Jesus Christ carries significant authority along with the responsibility to live according to His teachings:

Authority to call on the name of the Lord

The Bible teaches us that Jesus empowers His followers to act in His name. This includes prayers, healing, and evangelical efforts. However, this authority is conditional upon their faithfulness to His teachings and their moral conduct.

Repentance and Divine Forgiveness

The Bible strongly emphasis repentance and forgiveness. If a believer unintentionally fails to live up to Christ’s teachings and calls upon His name inappropriately, they can seek forgiveness through prayer. Genuine repentance means acknowledging the wrongdoing, seeking God’s forgiveness, and making a sincere effort to change. Divine forgiveness, much like a king’s pardon, restores the believer’s relationship with God and reaffirms their authority to call upon Jesus’ name.

Matthew 7:21-23: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
This highlights the serious consequences of using Jesus’ name without truly knowing Him or following His will.

1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
This promises forgiveness for those who sincerely confess and repent of their sins.

Acts 3:19: “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,”
This scripture encourages repentance and promises not only forgiveness but also renewal as a result.

Call on the name of the Lord and you will be saved

The privilege of using Jesus’ name is not just a matter of honor but a responsibility that requires obedience to a set of laws and principles. Misuse of this privilege can lead to severe consequences, but there is also room for mercy and forgiveness, depending on the sincerity of the individual’s repentance and their commitment to righting their wrongs. This points out the importance of loyalty, responsibility, and the transformative power of forgiveness in the maintenance of authority and order.

Learn more truth about the spiritual meaning of God’s eternal law here