John Calvin Commentary Romans 10:8

"But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach:" — Romans 10:8 (ASV)

What does it say? For the purpose of removing the impediments to faith, he has until now spoken negatively; but now, in order to show the way of obtaining righteousness, he adopts an affirmative mode of speaking.

Though the whole might have been announced in one continuous sentence, a question is interposed for the sake of exciting attention. His object at the same time was to show how great the difference is between the righteousness of the law and that of the gospel. For the one, showing itself at a distance, restrains all people from coming near; but the other, offering itself close at hand, kindly invites us to enjoy it: Nigh thee is the word.

It must be further observed that, lest people's minds, being led away by deceptions, should wander from the way of salvation, the limits of the word are prescribed for them, within which they are to remain.

For it is as if he had directed them to be satisfied with the word only. He also reminded them that in this mirror those secrets of heaven are to be seen—secrets that would otherwise, by their brightness, dazzle their eyes, stun their ears, and overpower the mind itself.

Therefore, the faithful derive remarkable consolation from this passage regarding the certainty of the word, for they can rest on it just as safely as on what is actually present. It must also be noted that the word, by which we have a firm and calm trust regarding our salvation, had been set forth even by Moses.

This is the word of faith. Paul rightly takes this for granted, for the doctrine of the law by no means renders the conscience quiet and calm, nor does it supply what ought to satisfy it.

He does not, however, exclude other parts of the word—not even the precepts of the law. Instead, his purpose is to show that remission of sins stands for righteousness, even apart from the strict obedience that the law demands.

Therefore, the word of the gospel is sufficient for pacifying minds and for making our salvation certain. In it, we are not commanded to earn righteousness by works, but to embrace it by faith when it is offered gratuitously.

The word of faith is to be understood as the word of promise—that is, the gospel itself—because it relates to faith.

The contrast by which the difference between the law and the gospel appears must indeed be understood. From this distinction we learn that as the law demands works, the gospel requires nothing else than for people to bring faith to receive the grace of God.

The words which we preach are added so that no one might suspect that Paul differed from Moses. For Paul testifies that in the ministry of the gospel, there was complete agreement between him and Moses, since even Moses placed our happiness in nothing else but the gratuitous promise of divine favor.