“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Rom. 10:13)
Expanded Passage: Romans 10:1-3; 12-15
It’s that time of year again when children in costumes go from house to house asking for treats, usually some sort of candy or other sweets. Often they knock or ring a doorbell and, when the door opens, they call out, “Trick or treat!” The veiled threat is that if no treat is forthcoming, some mischief may result, either on the residents or on their property.
A little historical digging reveals that this custom originated in Scotland and Ireland as far back as the sixteenth century. Those dressed in costumes on Halloween went from house to house and would put on a small performance with the hope of being rewarded with a treat.
As a child, I seldom had a “store-bought” costume. Rather, we dressed in old clothes and added a little grease paint or makeup to change our appearance.
Fortunately, when Paul wrote to the Romans, no trickery was involved, and no special costumes were needed. The plain truth is that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Salvation does not require any special pedigree. It doesn’t matter where you have been or what you have done. The rich and the poor alike may qualify to receive this “treat” from the Lord. Far from what we deserve, Paul calls it “the gift of God” (Rom. 6:23).
Call on the Lord with the assurance that he will hear you.
Ron McClung is a retired minister in The Wesleyan Church. He lives in Michigan and has two sons, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
