Romans Chapter 10 Vs. 14

The Message of Salvation to All

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? Rom 10:14

How then shall... Questions 65-69. Next, Rom. 10:18.

Seven Steps in Gospel Faith:

1. The gospel was given by Christ (Rom. 10:14).

2. The gospel must be preached (Rom. 10:14).

3. A preacher is necessary (Rom. 10:14).

4. The preacher must be sent (Rom. 10:15).

5. The gospel must be heard (Rom. 10:14-15).

6. The gospel must be believed (Rom. 10:16).

7. The gospel must be obeyed (Rom. 10:9-17).

In presenting the universal proclamation of the gospel, Paul presents the reasons why a universal proclamation is necessary. First, because the call must be preceded by faith and second, because faith must be preceded by hearing. This shows that knowledge is essential to belief. Faith must have a valid content.

Third, because hearing requires a preacher, and fourth, because preaching requires being sent. The One who sends is God. Salvation is completely from God.

After proclaiming God’s gracious offer in Christ, Paul confronted the natural questions that arise, each additional question building on the key verb from the preceding question. God’s promise of salvation to “everyone who calls” on Him (Rom. 10:13) begins the process. How, then, can they call on the One they have not believed in? Previously, to call on the Lord was equated with trusting Him or believing in Him (cf. Rom. 10:11 and Rom. 10:13), but here it follows the believing. When one believes in Christ, he “calls” on Him. Believing, in turn, is based on hearing, and hearing is based on someone preaching.