Who Will Listen?

“But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has believed our report?'” – Romans 10:16

Paul reminds us that the problem is not that the gospel has failed to go out, but that many refuse to accept it. The word “obeyed” here means more than hearing—it means hearing with a heart of submission and response. Messengers have been sent, the call is wide open, and salvation is available to all. Yet, just as in Isaiah’s day, many hear but reject. Disobedience is not ignorance—it is willful unbelief. The gospel is proclaimed, but hearts remain hardened.

This truth was evident throughout Israel’s history. Even when Jesus Himself walked among them, performing signs and wonders, John records: “But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him” (John 12:37, NKJV). Isaiah had already prophesied this rejection, describing the Messiah as “despised and rejected by men” and “bruised for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:3,5, NKJV). The failure to believe was not a surprise to God—it was foretold. Salvation has always carried with it obedience, as Hebrews 5:9 declares: “And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” Faith is not mere agreement—it is submission that transforms the life.

So what does this mean for us today? It means we must not only hear the gospel but obey it. True belief is seen in a life of surrender and obedience to Christ. Acts 6:7 says that “a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith” (NKJV)—their obedience was evidence of salvation. The same is true for us. We cannot remain in our comfortable bubbles, hearing without responding. The gospel is for all, but not all will believe. Let us not be among those who reject the report. Instead, let us submit, obey, and carry this message beyond our borders, so that others may hear and believe. The call is open—may our lives prove that we have answered it.

“The gospel is indeed preached to all, but the ears of many are deaf to its voice. Isaiah long ago complained that the message would not be believed, and Paul reminds us that unbelief is not due to the weakness of the Word, but to the hardness of men’s hearts.”
— John Calvin