In Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29 and 3:6, 13, 22, we have this admonition, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” We see Christ walking in the midst of the churches. He is the Great Inspector. He sees everything that is taking place in all the congregations. He does the same today (Hebrews 4:12-13). He bids all to take heed to His Word.
What is meant by ‘hearing’ in these verses? Cruden’s Concordance points out that the word “hear” is often used for the listening to the Word of God with a firm purpose to obey His commands. Those having ears to hear are willing to listen to God’s Word. They are to give heed to what is said. “He that hath an ear” is to call attention. It is a personal challenge to each of us to recognize the authority of Christ (Luke 6:46; Matthew 7:21).
Who is to hear? Each individual is addressed and charged with the responsibility of hearing. This command cannot be obeyed by mere passive listening, but demanded is an active obedient response to what is heard with the consequence that the judgment of God will fall upon the disobedient (John 12:48; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). How many people pretend to listen to the Word proclaimed and then choose not to obey it? “All ye, assemble yourselves and hear” (Isaiah 48:14). “O earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord” (Jeremiah 22:29).
Who is to be heard? We are to hear Jesus the Christ. He “hath the sharp two-edged sword.” It is the Word of God that goes forth from His mouth. His Word is authoritative and powerful (Revelation 2:12; Matthew 28:18; Romans 1:16-17; John 8:31-32; 12:48). “Hear ye him…” (Matthew 17:5). “God…Hath at the end of these days spoken unto us in his Son” (Hebrews 1:1-2). (See also Deuteronomy 18:15-18 and Acts 3:22-23.) To hear the apostles is to hear Christ; thus, to reject their teaching is to reject Christ (Matthew 10:40).
What is to be heard? One must hear the Word of God for it produces faith (Romans 10:17). Only the truth can make us free (John 8:31-32). One must hear the Gospel of Christ and obey it, for it is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16-17; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Our hearts are purified through our obedience unto the truth (1 Peter 1:22; James 1:21).
Why must we hear? “Hear and ye shall live” (Isaiah 55:3). We should hear and heed the Bible because it meets man’s need for salvation, for worship, for the home and for morals. It alone meets our needs in preparing for death and the Judgment.
