Read: Romans 10:1-13

When I was growing up in Carlsbad, New Mexico our family would often visit the Carlsbad Caverns National Park.  As we descended into the cave I would always be struck by one section that was called “The Bottomless Pit.”  You could not see the bottom and only your imagination could see how far the hole descended further into the earth.  It was a place no one wanted to go to find out just how far into the abyss it would take you.

Back in 1942 in the midst of World War II L. Nelson Bell wrote, “The civilization of which we are a part is perched precariously on the edge of an abyss.  This is obvious to all, whether in or outside of the church.”  It’s easy to understand why Mr. Bell would have felt this way during one of the worst world wars of all time.  It’s also easy to understand why many feel that way today as well with war, pandemics, politics, morality, and self-worship at such alarming levels.

This is why the hope found in Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life in heaven is so important.  In Romans 10 the apostle Paul mentions some of these same challenges that we face in this world.  He refers to an Old Testament image of “the deep” that is sometimes translated as the abyss.  He mentions that this is a place where our troubles here on earth will sometimes try to take us.  How are we saved from this abyss?  In verse 13 it says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Make It Personal:  You don’t have to fall into the bottomless pits of this world.  God has sent his Son Jesus Christ to save you from that abyss.  He wants to save you, deliver you, and help you through the often dark, confusing, and challenging troubles of this world.  In John 16:33 Jesus himself said, “In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.” Call on the name of Jesus and you too can be saved.