So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17)
Words matter. You don’t have to go far to see that. We naturally want to hear words that are encouraging, not tearing us down. Words that are true, not deceiving us. We even see our whole society embroiled in arguments over words: What words are allowed? What words are not allowed?
The Bible has a lot to say about words. God created everything by speaking (Psalm 33:9), plus God and Jesus Christ are described as “the Word”. As John writes:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
(John 1:1, 14)
As for our words, the Bible shows that they are a significant part of our problem, and the need we have to be forgiven of our sins. It says:
….no one does good, not even one. Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive. The venom of asps is under their lips. Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness. (Romans 3:12-14)
But imagine the word of Christ, words that are so powerful, so pure, and so right, that they can do something so deep, so healing, and so freeing in us. So amazing, that these words can bring us into a relationship with God himself, making us right with him, having his peace and his love.
These words are Good News for us. The word “Gospel” means Good News.
History itself shows that the words of the Gospel have rocked the world like no other words have. While some have used these words abusively, one would be hard pressed to deny the power of good that these words have had on the hearts of so many, even transforming entire civilizations.
Paul in Romans 10:17 point out:
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
This is precious, because it is by faith alone that we can receive the greatest gift of all: forgiveness of our sins, and being saved from eternal punishment, made possible by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. A new relationship of love and peace with God as our Father for all eternity.
With this gift of eternal life, God’s words in the Bible can serve to grow us in our faith, in our walk with Jesus, and in knowing God and living out his will more and more.
What can possibly be more important than to know God’s words? He created us, and made the only way possible for us to be forgiven of our sins, and to receive a new life with him forever.
Listen to God’s words carefully, and consider your response. These words have much to say about our need to receive Jesus, and what he has done for us:
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 6:23)
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God… (1 Pet. 3:18)
...just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
(Rom. 6:4)
...if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Rom. 10:9)
What is your response to the words of the Gospel (or “Good News”)? We hope you will let us know…