Faith Comes from Hearing

by Mr. Whitney Myers

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Christian Man Reading Bible on Phone - Faith Comes by Hearing - Romans 10:17 - Can Stock Photo - Used under license

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." (Romans 10:17)

This lesson teaches the important role of spiritual hearing in the steps leading to faith and salvation.

     Consider.  Recall the person or persons who shared with you the word of Christ and helped you to have faith in Christ.

"Faith Comes from Hearing"

The type of hearing that results in faith

     The Apostle Paul begins Romans 10:17 with the phrase, "So faith comes from hearing."  What, then, is the type of hearing that results in faith?

In Romans 10:17 Paul refers to inner spiritual hearing -- hearing that goes with receiving faith from God (HELPS Word-studies - Ref. 1).  (Faith itself is a gift from God - Ephesians 2:8, Ref. 2).  Inner spiritual hearing is not just the physical sense of hearing or the organ of the ear (Mark 7:35, Acts 17:20).  Inner spiritual hearing is hearing that perceives, understands, accepts, and acts upon the message that the preacher (or teacher, parent, or friend) is telling us about Christ (Ref. 1, Matthew 13:14-15, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, Matthew 7:24).

"And Hearing through the Word of Christ"

     Paul concludes Romans 10:17 with the phrase, "and hearing through the word of Christ."  What, then, is the "word of Christ" that results in spiritual hearing and faith?

In Romans 10:17 Paul uses the Greek word rhéma (pronounced hray'-mah) for "word" in "word of Christ" (Ref. 3).  Rhéma means spoken words, sayings, commands, and promises (Ref. 3).

The "word of Christ" that results in our spiritual hearing and faith is the rhéma of Christ -- the spoken words, sayings, commands, and promises of Christ.  For example, Jesus spoke these words, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).  Jesus also commanded his disciples, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation" (Mark 16:15).

Spiritual Hearing and Faith Result in Salvation and Eternal Life

     When we spiritually hear the words of Christ -- the sayings, commands, and promises of Christ -- and believe them, God "continuously births faith" in us so we "can know what He prefers" (Ref. 2).  Faith includes belief in Christ (having confidence in and trusting in Christ), and adds action.  Jesus said, "Everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock" (Matthew 7:24, italics added).

Faith is a gift of God, and results in our salvation.  In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

When we spiritually hear the words of Jesus and believe in him, God gives us eternal life.  Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life.  He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life" (John 5:24).

     Apply.  Tune your ears to the words of Jesus.  Spiritually hear, believe, and act upon the words of Jesus.  Share the words of Jesus with others for their benefit -- faith in Christ,  salvation, and eternal life.
                                                       

Related Lessons
"What Does 'To Be Saved' Mean in the New Testament?" (Acts 16:31)
"What Does 'To Be Saved' Mean in the Old Testament?" (Psalm 18:3)
"What is Eternal Life?" (John 17:3)

References
1.  https://biblehub.com/greek/189.htm
2.  https://biblehub.com/greek/4102.htm
3.  https://biblehub.com/greek/4487.htm