Can people hear and understand the Gospel without believing it?
Scripture indicates that many can hear and understand the Gospel yet not believe. The Word goes to the whole nation, but only those enlightened by faith respond. A small remnant believes, as it has always been. This pattern is seen in Israel and continues today.
Les teaches that when God spoke through the prophets, the word went to the whole nation of Israel (Jacob), and they all heard it. But only those enlightened by faith responded—the believing element, the Israel within Israel. He points out that the vast masses of humanity can hear the Gospel, and truly understand it, but only a small percentage believe it. This has always been the pattern, both among the nations and within Israel itself. Paul refers to this in Romans 9, showing that not all the children of Israel would be spiritual, only a few.