Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
That if thou shalt, etc.—So understanding the words, the apostle is here giving the language of the true method of justification; and this sense we prefer (with CALVIN, BEZA, FERME, LOCKE, JOWETT). But able interpreters render the words, "For," or "Because if thou shalt," etc. [Vulgate, LUTHER, DE WETTE, STUART, PHILIPPI, ALFORD, Revised Version]. In this case, these are the apostle's own remarks, confirming the foregoing statements as to the simplicity of the gospel method of salvation.
confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus—that is, probably, "If thou shalt confess Jesus [to be] the Lord," which is the proper manifestation or evidence of faith (Matthew 10:32; I John 4:15). This is put first merely to correspond with the foregoing quotation—"in thy mouth and in thine heart." So in I Peter 1:10 the "calling of believers" is put before their "election," as that which is first "made sure," although in point of time it comes after it.
and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised—"that God raised"
him from the dead, etc.—(See on Romans 4:25). In Romans 10:10 the two things are placed in their natural order.
For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man that doeth—"hath done"
those things—which it commands.
shall live in them— (Leviticus 18:5). This is the one way of justification and life—by "the righteousness which is of (or, by our own obedience to) the law."
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Romans 10:9:
Isaiah 51:5
Isaiah 55:6
Romans 10:12
Romans 10:21
1 Corinthians 12:3
Ephesians 5:26
Colossians 2:12
2 Timothy 2:12
1 John 3:7-8
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