The Gospel Plan of Salvation: Hear

“So belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”

Romans 10:17

God’s Revealed Word Reveals Salvation

Over the next five weeks, I want to write about each of the steps of the Gospel Plan of Salvation. I will contend that the Bible teaches not a single man will be saved outside obedience to the Gospel. Additionally, I will address some questions regarding such.

The first thing one must do is hear the word. We often reference Romans 10:17 as I did above for this. For the origin of faith has no other source than hearing or reading the Word of God. How did Cain and Abel know what to offer? How did Noah know how to construct the boat? How did Naaman know how to be cleansed? The Word of God is the answer. This is the only place where we come in contact with the God-breathed, inspired Word (cf. 2 Tim 3:16). Our God is a gracious God who has given us all things pertaining to life and godliness (cf. 2 Pet 1:3). When we hear the Gospel, we hear the truth that has the power to make man free (cf. John 8:32).

What about the Others?

What if they don't hear? This is a common question that is posed by members of the church and those outside of the brotherhood. The question most commonly comes out of a concern for lost people in far-to-reach areas, the unknown peoples outside of the known world. This, at face value, seems very difficult for most people. We want all to have a chance, and if there is some lost tribe in the rainforest, we wonder how could that be possible. Might I point you to Romans 1:18-20,

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hinder the truth in unrighteousness; because that which is known of God is manifest in them; for God manifested it unto them. For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse”

Key in on those last words—without excuse. Men are capable of seeing that there is more than just what is before them. Men are capable of searching for the source. Moreover, the church is sent to bring that good news.

What About the Religious

Perhaps what is even more upsetting is that there are many individuals who place a high value on the Word of God. They spend time studying His Word each day but they hold to the traditions of men over what the pure seed that our Lord has sown and continues to sow in the hearts of men. There are so many graduates of seminaries, who have extolled the virtues of godly living which will receive the unfortunate response from our Lord at the judgment, “Depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matt. 7:23).

The Others do not Take Away Your Responsibility

I want to remind you that lost tribes have nothing to do with your responsibility to obey the Gospel. We all are called to hear. Faith is a result of hearing the Word of God. Listen to the Scripture as God's plan for redeeming man is laid out. From Genesis to Revelation, God declares His love and desire to live in fellowship with the man He created in His image. In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man begs father Abraham to send Lazarus back to warn his brethren, the reply of Abraham reflects the importance of hearing, “But Abraham saith, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them” Luke 16:29.

He who has ears, let him hear!

Grace and Peace,

R.D. Beavers

Don't Raise an Ahaz

Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign; and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: and he did not that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah his God, like David his father. But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the nations, whom Jehovah cast out from before the children of Israel. And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree . 2 Kings 16:2-4 When was the first time you drove a car? What about the first time you jumped off a diving board or gave a speech? After that first time, it certainly became easier. What about the first lie you told? Did it become easier? King Ahaz of Judah was evil and far from the example of David. Ahaz was the first to offer child sacrifices to t...

Abijah and Totality

Now in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam the son of Nebat reigned Abijam (also Abijah) over Judah.Three years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom. And he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father. 1 Kings 15:1-3 Do you ever wonder how someone who gets things mostly right can still be so wrong? It is mind-boggling if we do not consider that God judges man in totality. From our text above, it is hard to see anything good that can be said about Abijam (Abijah) son of Rehoboam. After all, it is evident that he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father. So where do we learn the details? 2 Chronicles 13:1-22 gives us further evidence of Abijah’s issues. We know he i...

Can a Christian Celebrate a Secular Christmas?

Can a Christian celebrate a secular Christmas? This is a good question and one that deserves an honest answer. This week I read the following, “If you don’t talk about Jesus at Christmas time, you miss Jesus. If you do not sing those scriptural songs focusing on Jesus, you miss Jesus. You might have grown up in a church where “Christmas” was a “Jesus-free” day.” These were some accusations leveled against some brethren by a well-known preacher in our brotherhood. In this article, I wish to set the record straight on how it is rather simple to celebrate a secular Christmas and it not be a “Jesus-free” day. I contend that no day is “Jesus free” for a New Testament Christian. First, this brother accuses the church “of not knowing what to do with Christmas. They celebrate it in their homes, but avoid it at all costs in church.” I contend that the preachers who preach the whole counsel of God know what to do with...

Ironworks

Search This Blog