16 However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, "LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?"
17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
V. 16 - “They did not all heed the good news” - Whoo! What a massive understatement! Jesus predicted that some would not believe even if the dead were to be resurrected. (See: Luke 16:31, see entire story 16:19-31.) If you read through the books Isaiah and Jeremiah, you will see some common themes similar to: “If only you had listened.” Or, “You did not listen.” Or the people saying, “We do not believe you.” (That was directly to God! How’s that for ultimate arrogance and foolishness?)
Some of the saddest words in the Bible are, “If only...”
"LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?" - Quote from Isa. 53:1., in which God tells of the coming of the Messiah. This is a lament that although the Savior comes, few will turn to hear and understand.
V. 17 - “faith comes from hearing,” - Not the physical phenomena of sound waves vibrating the eardrums, but the comprehension and understanding the message delivered. Christ delivered the message, “He who ears, let him hear.” (See: Matt. 11:15; 13:9, 16, 43; Mk. 4:9, 23; Luk.8:8; 14:35) An oft-heard statement from the Lord in the OT, “Listen to my commands!”, with the implication the people would take the commands given, accept them and put them into action. In other words listening involves obedience to God’s commands.
Faith is placing my life in God’s hands, believing He loves me and has done what is necessary to save me from hell (eternal separation from God).
“hearing by the word of Christ.” - The margin note in my NASB indicates this phrase can be read ‘hearing the word concerning Christ”. All day, every day, we hear lots of words (the 24 hour news cycles, Twitter feeds, internet news, etc.). None of them will lead us to faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
This is the cusp, the pivot point - “Who is Jesus Christ?” The answer is absolutely critical. One of the significant responses to this question is “Come and see.” (John 1:46)
“Do you believe Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God?” The church of Jesus Christ is founded on this question.
The answer is binary: Accept Jesus as Savior, and you are in His family, the church.
Reject Jesus as Savior - you are not part of His own people.
