How Shall They Hear the Word of God
How shall they hear the Word of God
The hymn expounds the Lutheran understanding of salvation through Word and faith, emphasizing that hearing Christ's message through faithful proclamation is essential to belief. It reflects the Reformation conviction that the Gospel must be preached and heard for faith to arise in human hearts.
History & Background
Written by James Wm. Beeke in 1965 for a hymnal supplement, this hymn directly addresses Romans 10:14-15 with its rhetorical questions about how faith comes through hearing. It has been included in Lutheran hymnals to emphasize the importance of preaching and missionary work.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Service Book — 831
Bulletin Note
Composed by James Wm. Beeke in 1965, this hymn recovers the Reformation principle that the Gospel must be preached and heard for faith to arise—a corrective to silent, private religion.
Preaching Connection
This hymn beautifully expounds Romans 10:14–17, showing how the Law's demand for preachers becomes the Gospel's promise that faith awakens through the living Word proclaimed and heard.
Themes
Mission and evangelism Proclamation of the Gospel Called workers The Great Commission