Hearing is Not Enough #4

Sunday, January 8, 2023

“And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word” (Luke 10:39 KJV).

Is hearing the Word of God enough?

Several years ago, two Christian men (one of whom told me this) attended “retreat meetings” that a local “Christian” cult leader was directing. During every class, they asked the cult leader Bible questions in front of the group so as to generate meaningful discussion amongst the “blind sheep.” One night, these two Christian men heard some startling words: the cult leader delivered “the plan of salvation” just like a Bible-believing Christian! When class ended, and all were exiting the room, the cult leader standing at the door greeted the two men, “I hope you are happy now! Do not come back!” He knew his denomination’s theological system was evil and false. Also, he was willing to “pacify” Bible-believing Christians with the truth (give them what they wanted to hear) so as to drive them away from challenging him any further and so as to prevent the Scriptures from convicting him anymore. How disturbing!

Indeed, millions have heard Bible truth, read Bible truth, and know Bible truth, but, they have too much to lose if they actually believe Bible truth. One of the most disconcerting facts of life is how people can sit in church buildings and hear Bible verses read every week for decades, how they can carry and even read the Bible themselves for decades, how they can memorize Bible verses for decades, and still be lost and dead in their trespasses and sins. They have heard the Gospel of Grace for years, and have constantly resisted it because they have not placed their faith in it. When confronted, they will freely confess Bible truth—but only in private and never public.

Each and every passing day, at least 100,000 souls pass from this earthly life and wake up in a literal and eternal Devil’s Hell. They had all been given enough spiritual light to avoid that terrible fate too. Moreover, a great many of them were “Christian church members,” hearing the Scriptures and having access to them for entire lifetimes (20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 years!). Yet, there was no faith mixed with that hearing….