Faith Received by Hearing, Not by Works of Law

Paul's question to the Galatians cuts to the heart of spiritual transformation: "Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" The answer distinguishes five kinds of faith—historical, dogmatical, temporary, miraculous, and saving faith—with saving faith alone producing genuine spiritual renewal through akoe (hearing) of God's Word.

The mechanism of faith operates through three agents: First, the minister commissioned by Adonai speaks God's mercy and humanity's duty. Second, the hearer's ears convey the spoken Word to understanding. Yet the natural mind cannot receive it without the third element—the Spirit moves alongside the Word, enabling comprehension and inclining the will to embrace it, fulfilling Philippians 2:13.

Bishop Beveridge prescribed disciplines for this sacred hearing. Before worship: cast aside worldly thoughts and sins, pour forth your spirit in prayer for both minister and congregation, come with appetite and large expectations. During the sermon: hear reverently, diligently with heart and ear, meekly, with faith, applying truth personally. After hearing: meditate upon it, confer with others, and square your life according to it—"thy life may be the commentary."

The captain's signal means nothing if the helmsman ignores it; the architect's blueprint becomes worthless if the builder never listens. Similarly, the Church's greatest peril is busyness that drowns out Yahweh's voice. Obedience to what is heard determines whether the Spirit's work succeeds.