How Are They to Hear?
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Key Verse: “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” Selected Scripture: |
IN OUR LAST LESSON THE apostle gave the reasons for the hope that Christians have in Christ. Being aware that our Lord had cast the nation of Israel off from the chief prize held out to them (Matthew 23:37-38), his heart ached for Israel, so he says, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.” (Rom. 10:1) The apostle was aware that Israel had made a covenant with God, which they had not kept. He knew that Israel had attempted to establish their own righteousness, and had not submitted themselves to God.
Paul knew that Jesus was the end of the law to everyone who believes, (vs. 4) and that the law was simply a “schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” (Gal. 3:24) Faith plays a very important part in the life of the Christian.—Heb. 11:1,6
In chapter ten of Romans, the apostle reasons that God’s Word must be “in thy mouth” and “in thy heart” and we must believe “that God hath raised him [Jesus] from the dead.” (vs. 8,9) This is the only way one can be saved. The word saved, gives the thought ‘to deliver,’ or ‘protect,’ and also ‘to heal.’ Paul elaborates on the mouth saying, “With the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (vs. 10) One who refrains himself from speaking of God’s goodness will not be fit for his kingdom. We read, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Rom. 1:16) The apostle says in chapter ten, “There is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.”—vs. 12
The question arises, ‘How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?’ One must first hear, and then follow through on his hearing. Paul quotes from verse 7 in chapter 52 of Isaiah, “How beautiful … are the feet of him … that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good.” Not all have heard, but those who do hear have a responsibility to obey the message.
The apostle again quotes from Isaiah 53:1 “Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?” The nation of Israel in covenant relationship with God heard the report, and did not believe, and did not bring forth fruit. The Gentiles were then given the opportunity to become members of the body of Christ. The Apostle Paul asks, “Hath God cast away his people?” (Rom. 11:1) He then supplies the answer, “All Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob.” (Rom. 11:26) The opportunity to hear and learn of God will be given to every Israelite through Christ.