Romans 10:8
But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
The chapter that holds this verse unfolds the truth about Jesus to be taken in with earnest attention, a truth the Holy Spirit presses upon the understanding until it opens into the light of His full and sufficient atoning sacrifice. The word of faith is near and within reach, even in the mouth and in the heart, not far off nor impossible to attain. It can lift a fearful mind off discouraging surroundings and give strength of faith for the work ahead.
Its nearness means no one must climb up to fetch Christ down from heaven and no one must go down to fetch Him up from the dead, for He and His word are already close. Its nearness means salvation is not gained by pilgrimage, costly journeys, hardship, or any human labor to draw Christ near. Salvation is bestowed freely, without price.
It is received by believing in Christ as a personal Saviour and by doing His word and living by it. It is received by confessing Jesus as Lord and by believing that God raised Him from the dead. The faith meant here is personal trust in Christ as the only hope of salvation rather than mere assent of the mind; it lays hold of Christ, yields Him the affections, and brings a life molded by the Holy Spirit, stamped with God's character, active through love, and growing into Christlikeness.
It addresses thirsting souls who gaze far away for life while Christ, the living fountain, stands close beside them. Because He is at hand to help and to commune, His nearness makes it possible to speak with Him about personal trials and the wickedness of the world even while walking among those who care nothing for God or heavenly things. He waits at the door of the heart, ready to come in and dwell with whoever hears and welcomes Him; love of sin holds the door shut, but willingness to renounce sin and acknowledgment of guilt take away the barrier between the soul and the Saviour. The sinner may therefore come to Him now, relying on His promise and opening the heart to Him.