Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the [preaching of the] message concerning Christ. |
Bible Question: Is hearing the gospel necessary for salvation? |
Bible Answer: I'm not sure of the direction you are going with this question, but 'hearing' the Gospel is definitely necessary for salvation. There are some here who believe in a radical form of the Sovereignty of God-which is determinism-where everything, every event, and I mean everything is scripted and played out by God. I can't say for sure how such people will respond to this question, but I suppose they will have to allow that at least 'hearing' is man's part in the salvation process. If not, then to them hearing is just a legal formality as God brings his 'elect' to salvation. Me personally, I believe that the Word is powerful, 'living and active', and does not go out from God without accomplishing its purpose (Is. 55:11). "Thy word is a light unto my path, a lamp unto my feet." David saw the intrinsic power of God's Word, but many who post here see it as having no power until God personally intervenes in the person's life and regenerates first: then, the Word is understandable [according to this view]. To the rest, the unregenerated and unelected, the Word remains undiscernable. This is a good question which can help to clear up some misunderstanding we have about who is a candidate for salvation. Since 'hearing' the Gospel means more than the detection of sound, and implies a degree of understanding, it follows that a small child-that can barely tie his/her shoes and doesn't yet know the right hand from the left-can't be the intended audience of the Gospel message. Jesus said, 'unless you believe that I am he, you shall die in your sins' (Jn.8:24). Since this is true, then one of the following is true: Children are lost in Adam's sin until they reach an age that they can 'hear' and believe (Romans 10:9,10), or, children are without sin and are saved until they reach an age where they can hear and the conscience be pricked to repent; then they can truly turn from sin and follow Christ. Hearing is necessary for salvation. This is why Jesus commanded that the Gospel be preached unto all creation. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved. He that believeth not shall be condemned (Mark 16:15,16) Good day. |