J.A. Matteson
A symbiotic effect between a hearer of the word and the word itself governs the redemptive work of God. "For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard" (Heb. 4:2). The word preached is not mixed with faith subsequent to its declaration, so as to contemplate its truth and give ascent to it, implying that faith resides within all and may be switched on and off as a light switch. What does the apostle say? Namely, that faith in the hearer supersedes the word heard; it is there in some, latent, ready to be released by the hearing of the living word. How do we account for this? Grace accounts for the possession of latent faith that positively responds to the word, being the gift of regeneration. You heard the word and instantly you were refreshed by it, encouraged in it, filled with hope through it. Apart from the latent gift the word falls on deaf ears and is unprofitable. Rejoice, brethren, that the word you heard was united with faith, and give thanks to the Lord most high from whom it was given.
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