Romans 10:16-17 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Here is the problem. Not everyone who hears the message responds to it. Some people will Harden their hearts and turn away. This was Paul’s experience with many of the Jews. No doubt this was disappointing to him, as 9:1-5 indicates. He still had hope that they would respond, as ch. 11 indicates. The key to all this is faith. The sequence is clear: people hear the gospel message and respond in faith to it. This message will transform their lives because it is “the word of Christ.” It is about him and from him. This is the deep need of the world. We need Jesus to give us hope and change us. The key is obeying the gospel. The gospel will offer an invitation and opportunity. What will our response be?
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