Does God listen to the prayers of sinners (John 9:31)?


God and the Prayers of Sinners

“Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him.”

John 9:31

Some use this verse to teach that the Lord doesn’t hear the prayers of sinners but the truth is that this is only applicable for those who utterly reject God and refuse to hear His voice. Naturally any willful persistence in known sin will eventually lead to an ultimate separation between the sinner and God (Revelation 22:11). Sin comes between the sinner and God. “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2). And David said, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear” (Psalm 66:18).

However, God always hears the prayers of repentant sinners who plead for mercy and pardon (Luke 18:13). “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die O house of Israel?’” (Ezekiel 33:11). And He hears the prayers of those who have departed from the right path; He does not immediately abandon those who go away. He often continues His blessings to appeal for their hearts to return. He pleads, “Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die” (Ezekiel 18:31).

In fact, to reconcile sinners back to God, Jesus came to this earth, suffered and died on the cross. “ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). God’s love for His children is infinite. There is no greater love than this (John 15:13).

Paul declared, “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38, 39). And the Lord is ever eager to listen and bless all who seek Him in prayer.

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In His service,
BibleAsk Team

Categories God

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