Romans 9:5 (KJV)

5. Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

At the end of verse five there is a one-word sentence -- Amen. This morning I want to show you the etymology of the word "Amen," explain to you the biblical usage of this word, and challenge you to incorporate a vocal "Amen" in your worship of Jesus Christ.

1. What does the word "amen" mean?
   The word "amen" comes from a Hebrew root word that means "firm, sure, or true." The early church (mostly Jewish) would have been very familiar with the Hebrew word "amen" and would not have required translation. Luke sometimes translates "amen" when it is used by the Lord Jesus at the beginning of a sentence in order to emphasize His words. "Of a truth I say unto you (amen), this poor widow has given more than they all: for all these others have given from their abundance, but she, though poverty stricken, has given all that she has to live on" (Luke 21:3).
2. When is the word "amen" used in the Bible?
   The word is used thirty times in the Old Testament, five times as a double word, so that there are twenty-five passages where we find it. It is used 129 times in the New Testament so the word is found 159 times in the Bible. When is this word used?
   1. When the consequences of a curse are accepted.
      In the Old Covenant (if you . . . then I . . .), God pronounced a curse upon the people if they failed. He then commanded that they verbally say "amen" to the agreement (See Numbers 5:22; Deuteronomy 27:15-26). This usage is not found in the New Testament.
   2. When the character, nature and works of God are praised.
      This is by far the predominate use of the word "amen." In both the Old and New Testaments, when the attributes of God were revealed, the people said "Amen!" "And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen and Amen." (Psalm 72:19). "Of whom (the fathers) as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen." (Romans 9:5). Paul calls Jesus the Jewish name for their God: "the holy, blessed, eternal God." Let us be very clear! We do not worship the same God if we worship not Christ!
   3. When the conclusion of an important message is reached.
      Notice I said message, not prayer. The Lord's Prayer ends with praise of the character of God: "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen" (Matthew 6:13). Prayers in the Bible were offered with arms raised, eyes open and head up! Most of the books of the New Testament end with the affirmation "Amen." It is true! A vocal "amen" is a hearty affirmation of truth.
3. Why should the word "amen" be used by you in worship?
   1. It makes you a participant in worship, not a spectator.
   2. It gives witness and testimony to the truth of God's Word to others.
   3. It engages the mind, will and heart -- the whole soul of man in worship.
   4. It brings praise to God for His great character and His great work for us.
   5. It is the one immediate sign that the people of God are listening to God.