Romans 10 [The Message]

We believe in our hearts (mind, will, emotions) but we confess with our mouths. Nobody (except God Himself) can cut a contract or covenant by merely thinking about it. Verbal agreements can stand up in court. Just thinking can be called intent, but can’t convict you.

When I married Patty, it wasn’t good enough for me to merely think “I do” in my mind. She needed to hear the actual words come from my mouth. That sealed the covenant.

The KJV puts it this way … The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.