The Necessity of Hearing the Gospel Message of Jesus

By Jeff Arnette       The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, emphasizes the importance of hearing the gospel message of Jesus Christ. In Romans 10:13-17, he outlines the necessity of proclaiming the good news and the profound impact it has on individuals’ lives. This passage sheds light on the transformative power of the gospel message and highlights the vital role of hearing it. 1. The Call to Salvation:     Romans 10:13 declares, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” This verse underscores the inclusivity of God’s salvation. It demonstrates that salvation is available to all who genuinely seek and call upon the name of Jesus Christ. However, Paul clarifies that one can only call on the name of the Lord if they have heard of Him. 2. The Role of Preachers:     Paul goes on to ask a series of rhetorical questions in Romans 10:14-15: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?” These questions highlight the essential role of preachers and messengers who proclaim the gospel. Through their preaching, they make it possible for others to hear and believe in Jesus. 3. The Power of Faith:     Paul emphasizes that hearing the gospel message is crucial for people to believe in Jesus. Romans 10:17 states, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” The gospel contains the life-transforming power that ignites faith within individuals. It is through the hearing of the message that faith takes root in hearts and lives are changed. Without hearing the gospel, faith cannot be kindled. 4. The Global Mission:     Paul’s words in Romans 10 highlight the universal reach of the gospel message. He emphasizes the importance of taking the good news to all nations and peoples. In a world of diverse cultures and languages, proclaiming the gospel allows people from every background to have the opportunity to hear, believe, and be saved. This underscores the urgency of global missions and evangelism.     Romans 10:13-17 serves as a powerful reminder of the necessity of hearing the gospel message of Jesus. The call to salvation is open to all, but it requires individuals to hear and respond to the good news. The role of preachers and messengers becomes paramount in ensuring that the message reaches those who have not yet heard. Faith, the catalyst for transformation, comes through hearing the word of Christ. Therefore, sharing the gospel is not just an option but a global mission of utmost importance.     As believers, we are called to be active participants in spreading the good news, whether through personal conversations, evangelistic efforts, or supporting missionaries. Let us heed the words of the apostle Paul and embrace our role in making the gospel known to all, so that through hearing, faith may arise, lives may be transformed, and salvation may be experienced by people from every corner of the earth.

- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/