Believing

A week after Resurrection Sunday, Jesus showed up for a second time to the disciples who were gathered in their meeting place.  The first time Thomas was absent, but on this second Sunday, those present the first week persuaded Thomas to come the second week.  Of course, as we read the story it becomes apparent that Jesus came that second week with Thomas on his mind and heart.  To Thomas Jesus said, "...Do not doubt but believe."  (John 20:28)  Thomas belief is made evident in Jesus' final words to him, "Have you believed because you have seen Me?  Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."  (John 20:29)

 

John's gospel is a gospel filled with contrast.  Light and darkness.  Blind and seeing.  Thirst and water.  But, the one contrast which runs throughout the narrative is the contrast between belief and unbelief.  An interesting thing to do would be reading John's gospel noting each time the contrast between belief and unbelief appears.  A commentary on John used throughout the years of my ministry was one entitled, "The Gospel of Belief."  Believing in Christ is a supremely important issue.  It is not a peripheral matter, but one which is crucial to core of the Christian faith.

 

These days some may be heard saying that faith in Christ is not so important.  Some say all the blessings of the Christian life can be ours simply because God is a God of love.  While the Word teaches universal atonement, it does not teach universal salvation.  Salvation comes to those who trust and believe in Jesus.  Regardless of what we might like to be reality, the Word teaches that belief in Jesus is the difference in life and death.  The 31st verse if the 20th chapter of John tells us, "...these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in His name."