So Faith Comes From Hearing...

“How are they to call on one they have not believed in? And how are they to believe in one they have not heard of? And how are they to hear without someone preaching to them? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How timely is the arrival of those who proclaim the good news.” But not all have obeyed the good news, for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” Consequently faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the preached word of Christ.” Romans 10:14-17 NET

Paul presents several profound insights about faith and divine revelation. He articulates that, while his fellow Jews and the Gentiles may have some awareness of the concept of a higher power, simply having this awareness does not equate to the ability to genuinely call upon Christ—someone they do not honestly know. Expecting people to invoke the name of Christ without a personal relationship or understanding of Him would be unrealistic or misguided.

Moreover, Paul reflects on his extraordinary encounter with the Holy Spirit, a moment that forever altered the course of his life as he was dramatically converted on the road to Damascus. However, he cautions that his singular experience should not be viewed as a standard for others; God’s methods of revelation are as diverse as the individuals who seek Him. Each person’s journey to faith is unique, and God may reveal Himself in various ways that resonate with their personal circumstances.

Therefore, it is vital to provide comprehensive context about the Gospel of Jesus Christ to anyone who is listening. This includes explaining who Jesus is, the significance of His life, death, and resurrection, and the purpose of His mission to save humanity from their sin. It is crucial to communicate that today is a moment of urgent opportunity for salvation, urging individuals to turn to Christ and receive Him as their Lord and Savior. By doing so, they can establish a transformative relationship founded on faith and understanding.

In his teachings, Paul emphasizes a crucial point: a person cannot spiritually hear the message of Christ or truly connect with the Spirit of God unless that message is delivered by someone explicitly sent by God to convey it. This concept emphasizes the significance of divine authority in proclaiming the Gospel. I find it particularly compelling that Paul does not center the proclamation of the Gospel on his own abilities or rhetorical skills. Instead, he firmly places the focus on Jesus, who actively calls His people to Himself through the Holy Spirit.

This distinction is significant because Paul asserts that salvation is not contingent upon an individual’s personal talents or theological training. Instead, it is rooted in a humble willingness to serve as a vessel for Christ. Those who share the message are responsible for freely giving away the grace and truth they have received in Christ, thereby allowing others to witness the same authentic grace and mercy that flows from genuine faith. This notion emphasizes the transformative power of sharing one’s own spiritual journey. It encourages believers to communicate their faith openly, inviting others into a relationship with God that is built on love and acceptance.

Paul loosely references Isaiah 52:7 to emphasize the role of the messenger who brings the good news of the Gospel, specifically targeting his Jewish audience’s understanding of this important prophetic passage. The prophet expresses the joy and significance of this announcement: “How delightful it is to see, over the mountains, the feet of a messenger who announces peace—a messenger who brings good news, who proclaims deliverance and joyfully declares to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” This profound message encapsulates the essence of Christ’s mission: we have been liberated from the bondage of sin, and this liberation is made possible because our God reigns supreme over all creation, offering us hope, reconciliation, and peace. Through Christ, we are reminded that God’s sovereignty brings a powerful message of deliverance and joy to all of humanity.

Paul presents his counterargument by quoting from Isaiah 53:1: “Who would have believed what we just heard? When was the Lord’s power revealed through him?” In this moment, Paul is reaching out to his fellow Israelites, drawing on the profound words of the prophet to connect with their shared historical and cultural context. During both Isaiah’s time and Paul’s era, Israel was experiencing significant hardship and despair, their nation having suffered defeat at the hands of the Roman Empire and the ongoing oppression of the Jews.

The phrase “who would have believed what we just heard” reflects the disbelief and skepticism that often accompany moments of great suffering and disillusionment. Paul uses this prophetic reference to emphasize the miraculous nature of Christ’s message and mission. By invoking the idea of a Messiah, he seeks to provide hope and reassurance, presenting Christ as the fulfillment of their long-awaited expectations.

Through Jesus Christ, Paul is stating that God has made known His supreme power and divine plan for salvation, offering humanity freedom from the overwhelming bondage of sin and death. This bondage is frequently characterized as the law, which condemns individuals who attempt to adhere to its impossible standards, highlighting a reliance on the flesh rather than the spirit. Jesus’ teachings emphasize that this path leads to despair, while faith in Him provides a means to liberation. This transformative message not only conveys a profound sense of spiritual deliverance but also marks a new beginning for the nation of Israel, fulfilling ancient prophecies and bringing hope. Furthermore, it extends the promise of redemption to all who choose to believe, regardless of their background, inviting everyone into a renewed and intimate relationship with God.

Paul emphasizes that faith is cultivated through the intentional act of hearing, listening, and engaging with the word of God. This word is not merely a static or passive text; it is a powerful and dynamic force that actively transforms our thoughts and perspectives, aligning them more closely with the mind of Jesus Christ. When we approach the scriptures with an open heart and a willingness to listen and engage with what God is saying to us, we invite this transformative process into our lives.

However, when we overlook or ignore this vital aspect of the Word of God, we risk missing its profound purpose and effect. This oversight is not a reflection of any failure on God’s part; instead, it highlights our own tendency to underestimate the potential it offers us by allowing our faith to be deepened. By failing to recognize that our trust in Christ is a constant, evolving presence, we may inadvertently diminish our own spiritual growth and faith experience. Embracing the dynamic nature of God’s Word empowers us to fully discover the abundant blessings that await us on our faith journey.

In the era of Paul, countless individuals were bereft of the privilege we enjoy today: a personal, written copy of the Word of God. Despite this significant obstacle, the early Church still thrived on the vibrancy of oral tradition, where enthusiastic Christian believers became the torchbearers of the message of Jesus Christ, passionately sharing His story with those around them. These devoted messengers journeyed across bustling cities and quiet towns, recounting the profound narratives of Jesus’ life, His transformative teachings, His sacrificial death, and His triumphant resurrection. Their fervor ignited faith in the hearts of their listeners, creating ripples of belief that spread like wildfire.

As a consequence, the early Church experienced exponential growth, expanding remarkably into diverse regions far beyond Jerusalem, including prominent centers like Antioch, Corinth, Galatia, and Ephesus. The Gospel found its way into the ears of the Gentiles—those who had previously been outside of the faith—who received it with open hearts and joyful spirits. This embrace led not only to personal transformations but also to a rich cultural exchange, as the teachings of Christ began to inspire a movement that transcended traditional boundaries.

Paul’s grand vision was to witness the restorative message of redemption, which had its roots in Eden, echo throughout the entire known world. He yearned for people from all walks of life to turn to God, forging a reality in which whole nations were redeemed for Christ. This mission was undeniably monumental, laden with obstacles ranging from societal resistance to the threat of persecution. Nevertheless, Paul held a steadfast belief that God was more than capable of surmounting these challenges through His people.

Members of the early Church, fueled by their unwavering faith, demonstrated remarkable courage and resilience. They were prepared to make extraordinary sacrifices—enduring hardship, facing imprisonment, and even confronting martyrdom—so that Jesus could mold and transform ordinary individuals into cherished sons and daughters of God. Their relentless dedication not only laid the groundwork for the expansion of Christianity but also established vibrant models for communities of faith that continue to inspire and thrive in our present day.

Stephen Barnett