JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

May 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning whether or not God hears the prayers of sinners.

All people have sinned and cut themselves off from God (Rom 3:23; 5:12). The prophet Isaiah wrote, "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear" (Isa. 59:2, RAV).

God does not hear sinners (John 9:31, first part), and will have no fellowship with them (II Cor. 6:14; I John 1:6). He hears only those who are righteous (John 9:31, last part). But there must be a way for sinners to come to God -- or else we could never become righteous. How can sinners seek God?

Isaiah answers, "Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near." But how do we call upon God? How do we seek Him? The answer is, "Let the wicked forsake his [own] way, and the unrighteous man his [own] thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon" (Isa. 55:6-7, RAV).

That is how a person can come to God. He must forsake the way he has been living and begin to obey God. Once he has repented of going the wrong way, that person is no longer a sinner in God's sight. God hears and gives His Holy Spirit to the person who obeys Him (Acts 5:32). When we "keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight," God will hear (I John 3:22). Our brochure IS GOD REAL TO YOU? explains how God answers prayer. If you do not have a copy, please feel welcome to request one.

Whenever we may assist you further with your study of the Bible or in Christian living, we hope you will let us know. It is our pleasure to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT