For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened.
Hebrews 4:2
There are two responses to the good news of the gospel described in this verse. There were those who had questions about the reason some would be saved and some would not. And the preacher of this sermon to the Hebrews shows us how these two distinct responses came to be. It looks a bit like this:
US
Listened to the message
Benefited from the message
Had faith
Believe the gospel
THEM
Heard the message
Did not benefit from the message
Did not have faith
Do not believe the gospel
What do we draw from these observations? To hear the gospel is one thing. But to listen to it is to heed its message. I can hear a tornado siren this coming Kansas spring and go on about my business and risk death. But if I listen to it, I take cover and am saved. Some will listen to the gospel and find deliverance. Others will ignore what they hear. But the result is truly tragic.
Lord,
I am thankful for the good news… for deliverance from sin, death, and judgment by faith in Jesus Who died and rose again for us all. How I pray that others I know and love will also, listen, believe, and trust You! This world just gets darker by the day! Grant mercy to those who only hear so that by faith they might truly listen! Save now, Lord Jesus!
Amen
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