Does Ephesians 1:13 show that you must hear the word of truth before you can be saved?
Yes. Ephesians 1:13 places trusting in Christ after hearing the word of truth, so a person must hear that truth before believing and being saved. This order rules out infant salvation or salvation by another's act; yet God's power accomplishes salvation, not human effort.
Les explains that Ephesians 1:13 stresses the order of salvation: “in whom you also trusted after you heard the word of truth.” He notes people often say this was the first time they saw that order, and it means no one could have been saved as an infant or by something someone else did for them; a person had to hear the word of truth. Les compares this to Israel at the Red Sea: they could do nothing to escape slavery, but God exerted His power. Likewise, sinners must recognize their hopelessness, yet salvation is accomplished by God's power, not human effort.
That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
More Questions
What is the Word of Truth in Ephesians 1:13?
The 'Word of Truth' that believers heard is the Gospel.
What is the order of hearing and believing in Ephesians 1:13?
The sequence Paul gives is that a person hears the Word of Truth and then believes.
Does Ephesians 1:13 list anything other than believing as required for salvation?
In Ephesians 1:13 the only thing attached to salvation after hearing is believing; all the other things people attach to salvation today are not in the verse at all, so salvation is faith plus nothing.