“Ears to Hear”: What’s THAT About? “Ears to Hear”: What’s THAT About?

The Christian Post ^ | October 4, 2013 | James R. Aist

[James R. Aist]

The points that I am taking from these Old Testament passages are that 1) it is God who closes their ears, 2) it is God who opens their ears, and 3) it is God who will open their ears so that His chosen people, the Elect, will be able to hear the Good News that Jesus will bring, repent of their sins and be saved (healed). Jesus, himself, made this connection clearly when He said to His disciples, “This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.

[James R. Aist]

We are probably all familiar with the phrase “ears to hear” in the New Testament. Jesus used it on at least three occasions in the gospels and seven times in Revelation. Where did this phrase come from, why did Jesus use it, and what relevance does it have for us today?

[lowbridge]

Freepers! Lend me your ears!

Er, not you Van Gogh.

[MrB]

Am I being simplistic when I think that He meant

that those who are open to the truth would hear it when He spoke?

[Alex Murphy]

“Ears to Hear”: What’s THAT About? “Ears to Hear”: What’s THAT About?

Christian Churches to Celebrate 'Feast of The Enunciation'

[Boogieman]

Maybe a little. There’s a bit of a theological question as to whether any of us, in our usual, sinful condition, would be open to hearing God’s message, unless God had somehow prepared us for it through His grace.

So, those who are open to the truth, are they simply open of their own accord, or by happenstance, or did God “open” them?

[MrB]

I’ll agree that it’s only God’s grace that allows us to have ears to hear His truth.

[James R. Aist]

Yes, but there’s a lot more to it than that.

[Greetings_Puny_Humans]

“But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.”
(Joh 6:64-65)

Contemplate this verse, and, indeed, the entire chapter, and ask yourself the following questions:

1) Does God open the ears of anyone in vain?
2) Does God open up the ears of all, or to some and not others?
3) Does God foreknow that we would have faith of our own will? Or, does God foreknow what He Himself would do in us?

[johngrace]

Great Article! Thank you for sharing. I have the Christian post app. I did not see this writing until now.

[James R. Aist]

Thanks, John. Looks like it helps to work more than one angle.