LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
Hearing, Faith and the Wonders of God
There is a very great mystery in hearing the gospel. So much so that its value is greater than fulfilling the works of the law, and all that man could do in vain to appear before God. If we join some verses from Romans and Galatians, we will find a wonderful light on the matter.
In Romans 10:17 it says, "So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God". Here are three linked elements: faith, hearing, and the word of God. The word of God produces hearing, and hearing – this hearing – produces faith. It is not about just any hearing – not a mere listening, not an intellectual assent, but the hearing that only the word of God produces.
When man speaks man's words, this hearing does not take place. There is only a hearing of the flesh, without any spiritual value. But when God gives his word, then man's ear is awakened, and he can truly hear. When a minister of the word gives a message, he can perceive who is listening and who is not. That is, to whom the word is reaching – and therefore, receive faith – and to whom it is not.
When the faculty of spiritual hearing has been awakened, then faith comes. And faith in the gospel is the key that opens all doors. Paul begins Romans by saying that God's righteousness is revealed by faith (1:17). But not only justice is revealed by faith, because when reading the entire epistle we see that sanctification, joint death with Christ, glorification, life of the body of Christ is also revealed by faith; Finally, everything in the gospel is revealed by faith.
Faith is a wonderful gift from God, which is received only by this hearing that is triggered by the word of God. How important it is that God can speak! And God "will not be able" to speak, if there are no instruments ready to be used by him.
On his first visit to Philippi, Paul spoke to some women. Among them was Lydia. Her Scripture says that "the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what Paul said" (Acts 16:14). Here the word heart can be exchanged for the ear of which we are speaking. By that hearing, she received faith to believe Paul's words. Her subsequent conduct reveals how true her faith was.
When Paul rebukes the Galatians, he tells them, "This is all I want to know from you: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?" (3:2). Paul reminds them that in their early days, when they first heard the gospel, the Spirit was given to them as a product of the preaching of the gospel.
But not only that. Later he says to them: "He then who supplies you with the Spirit, and works wonders among you, does he do it by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?" (v. 5). Not only was the Spirit given to them by hearing with faith, but also the wonders of God were done there by hearing with faith. Is it like that with us today? Grant the Lord his precious word, so that many ears may be opened with faith, and the wonders of God may be done!