God's Riches in Christ: Discovering Abundant Life Through Romans 10:12-13

“For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” Romans 10:12-13

I am intrigued by the use of the word “riches” by Paul in Romans 10:12. He says that God bestows his riches on all who call on him. What kind of riches might Paul have in mind? The Christian is indeed rich in many ways.

We have the riches of salvation. This includes the promise of eternal life. This is the most precious and lasting treasure that can come to a person. This is made possible by the forgiveness of sins that Christ’s death on the cross provides for us. We receive grace and mercy instead of wrath and judgment. God’s grace provides salvation as a free gift. His mercy is his compassion in the face of our many failures.

We have the riches of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. He is not only with us but within us, bringing God alive in our hearts and writing his laws on our minds. With him come gifts and graces. God’s Spirit enables us to serve him with an inner peace and love that is renewed daily by God. His gifts enable us to serve him in the church and world with a power that is beyond mere human ability.

We have the riches of God’s kingdom because we inherit the kingdom of God. We experience God’s kingdom among us in the church with its joy and contentment. We also have the promise of a day in which God’s righteous kingdom will be revealed, and we will participate in that kingdom. Part of the blessing of God’s kingdom is fellowship with other believers. Life in the body of Christ gives us shared life, mutual support, and partnership in the gospel.

We have the riches of God’s love and favor. In Jesus Christ we know that God in heaven loves us. He is our heavenly Father who watches over us for our good. His favor blesses us beyond material blessings in ways that add meaning and purpose to life. Our freedom in Christ means freedom from fear, guilt, and the need for human approval. God has indeed bestowed on us his riches. The good news is that those riches are available to all, to “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord.”

I recently heard Jordan Peterson suggest a prayer for people to pray first thing in the morning. He said to say this to yourself and in the presence of God: “All is well. Everything is working out for my highest good. And out of each experience I go through, only good will come to me. I am safe and protected, and I am loved.”

I like that. I think it could be improved by adding a few things to remind us of our riches in Jesus Christ. You might consider praying this prayer each morning as a way to remind yourself that God’s grace and favor are with you: “All is well because I am in God’s hands. Everything is working out for my highest good because this is God’s plan. Out of each experience I go through, only good will come to me because God is with me. I am safe and protected. I am loved by Jesus Christ, and nothing can take his love from me.”