Hear the Gospel

"For through the Word and the sacraments as through instruments the Holy Spirit is given, who effects faith where and when it pleases God in those who HEAR the gospel, that is to say, in those who HEAR that God ... justifies ..." The word used is not "wash" or "eat and drink" but HEAR. St Paul says "Faith comes by hearing." The confessors of the Augsburg Confession recognize the Importance of the Word of God.

The means by which the Holy Spirit works faith in people is the word. Those who hear that Word of God's saving grace are those called. Those who hear Christ crucified proclaimed in body and blood in and under bread and wine are justified by faith. Those who hear water proclaiming Christ's death and resurrection are justified. It is Faith coming to us by Hearing the Word of God or the Good News of Jesus Christ proclaimed to them.

Someone once asked if Faith comes by Hearing then why should I read my Bible? Other people should read the Word to us so we could hear it. The Answer generally comes in the form of you hear in many different ways. Others will move to the Hebrew term for hear means "listen" or "obey."

I would like to think in the Confessions the word HEAR is connected to reception of the gospel. But it should also be noted that the Word is what makes the sacraments valid and without it the administration of the Sacrament would not be proper. Thank you.

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