So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 WEB
Jesus, as the Son of God, was present at the moment of creation. As we read of Christ in John 1:1-3, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him. Without him, nothing was made that has been made. WEB” And so, hearing comes directly from the word of God.
In the previous verse, Paul quotes Isaiah 51:3 which reads, “Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? KJV” He follows by asserting that faith comes by hearing. The lesson here is that those who disbelieve do not want to believe. Rather, they prefer to live in disobedience to God.
Scripture Testifies
Jesus says in John 5:39, “You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and these are they which testify about me. WEB” With these words, Jesus teaches that the word of God in Hebrew scripture reveals the truth about who he is. In other words, to reject Jesus is to reject God in rebelliousness.
As we share the truth of the gospel, Paul helps us understand that those who believe and accept the Good News of Christ do so because they hear the word of God. Faith comes by hearing. As Jesus says in John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. KJV”
And so, to win believers to the kingdom of heaven, our task is to share the word of God with the world. Those that accept it and repent from sin are saved by the grace of God.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the truth revealed in your holy word. Thank you for those who boldly share the gospel. As faith comes by hearing, help me to share the Good News of salvation with the world. Help me to live by your word and the example of Christ. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Preach Good News
