Jesus said, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
John 20:29
All of us have heard the story of "doubting Thomas." Actually, he was unbelieving Thomas. He refused to believe the resurrection of Christ, unless he could see him with his eyes, and touch him with his hands. Jesus appeared to him, and Thomas confessed to Jesus, "My Lord and my God." Jesus said to him, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Our faith in the risen Christ is based on the testimony of Scripture, and the eyewitness account of the apostles, as well as an appearance to more than 500 men at one time (1 Corinthians 15:1-8). Yet, we would never believe their testimony without the Holy Spirit convicting us of our sin of unbelief concerning the risen Christ (John 16:7-11).
The same Holy Spirit, who inspired the apostles and prophets to write the Scriptures, is the same Holy Spirit who convicts our hearts of unbelief. As we yield to his convicting work, he enables us to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
The same Holy Spirit, who inspired the apostles and prophets to write the Scriptures, is the same Holy Spirit who convicts our hearts of unbelief. As we yield to his convicting work, he enables us to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
The only way that we can come to God in Christ is by faith (Hebrews 11:6). The Bible defines faith as "the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). For those who refuse the testimony of the Holy Spirit through Scripture, and the conviction in their hearts of unbelief, they will never understand the gospel of Christ nor accept a risen Savior. "By faith we understand ..." (Hebrews 11:3). Faith is understanding. It is a gift, a choice, and a commitment to the living Christ, as evidenced by the Holy Spirit working in our hearts.
Father, we confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. We believe that he died for our sins, and he is risen from the dead. Amen.
