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
