Hearing God
To “hear God” is of utmost importance. I doubt there are very many who would disagree with this. However, there is much confusion as to how and in what manner one is to do so. Some today claim that God speaks directly to them as He once did to the ancients. In the Old Testament portion of the Bible, -- Genesis through Acts chapter one -- the phrase “God spake” can be found eleven times. In each case it is pointed out, to whom He spoke, as when He told Noah to depart the ark in Genesis 8:15-16. He obviously spoke directly to Noah. And God spake unto Noah, saying, 16 Go forth of the ark, thou, and thy wife, and thy sons, and thy sons' wives with thee.
The first eight instances of “God said” is found in Genesis chapter one. In the first seven, God was making proclamations of creation. In the eighth, God the Father is speaking to the Godhead regarding the pending creation of man and the attribute of man, being created in the “image of God”. The first account of God speaking to man, and man “hearing” God is located in Genesis 1:28 and states one purpose man was created. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
The final occurrence of “God spake” in His Word is found in 2Peter 1:21 and here declares the way in which God first spoke to man, and the way in which He did to His O.T. messengers is very different. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. Hebrews 1:1-2 clearly indicates that He now, in “these last days” speaks through Christ. God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
Down through the ages, as the plan of God was being carried out, His mode of speaking and His message has been suited to the phase of the plan. To say that God speaks “through His Son” is not to imply an audible voice to an auditory receiver (the human ear), or to the “heart” of man. Within the N.T. writings, “hear His voice” is found but three times, and all are in the book of Hebrews. This doesn’t mean that God would speak directly to them as He once did to Adam and Eve. God’s Word, once audible, has now been delivered in written form, one that is available to all of humankind.
Part of God’s plan was for His Son, Jesus the Christ to come to earth and to die on the cross to purchase the church so all could come to Him and be saved. While here, Christ spoke, and in Luke 8:1 we are told of the message He spoke and what was heard by the Jews of His day. And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,. This was the earthly ministry of the Son of God. Christ completed the earthly part of His ministry when He had been crucified, buried, arisen and ascended back to His Father in heaven. The mission did not end there, and God did not cease speaking at that time.
While Jesus was on earth, He Himself spoke to people. Previous to Christ coming to earth, man “heard” Moses and the prophets, as God’s message was being revealed in accordance to His plan. In Matthew 17:5, on the Mount of Transfiguration, when Jesus was given all authority, the voice of God was heard by Peter, James, and John. God said: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.”
But in John 16:17, before returning to His Father, Jesus explained to the twelve apostles how He would continue “speaking” following His time on earth. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. He then told them in John 16:13 who this Comforter was, what He would do, and the source of that Holy message. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. That which the “Holy Spirit” brought to the apostles was the Word of God. We are to “hear” and obey that Word they recorded and which God has preserved in the Bible.
Additional proof that the Scriptures are God’s Word, is found in a letter the Spirit had Paul write the young preacher in 2Timothy 3:16. It states: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” Then in verse 17 we are told of the benefit of “hearing” the Word of God. That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
We should all want to “hear” God as we want Him to hear us. We are told in John 9:31 who God hears. Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. One cannot “speak” to God until they belong to Him as His child. Hear His Word today. Do His Will. God’s Will is that none should perish per 2Peter 3:9. Will you not “hear God” today and be obedient to the gospel and prepare to spend eternity with Him?
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
