The Hebrew
writer stated, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who
comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who
diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
From this verse
we understand the necessity of faith. We can also ascertain how faith is
generated. Paul wrote, “So then faith comes be hearing, and hearing by the word
of God.” (Romans 10:17). What makes the subject of faith interesting is how
quick some are to believe and how others are too quick to reject the faith
altogether.
There are some
like Nathanael who were very quick to believe in Jesus as the Christ. Jesus
declared unto him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree’, do
you believe? You will see greater things than these.” (John 1:50)
Paul
encountered such faithful men in Thessalonica. He wrote to them, “For this
reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of
God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it
is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.”
(1Thessalonians 1:13)
There are
others who refused to believe regardless of the evidence that was presented. In
John chapter 11 for example, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. He was dead
and in his tomb for four days. By this time, there was already a stench. Jesus
proved His deity by raising him from the dead. Because of this miracle, many
believed in Jesus. However, there were still some that did not. John records
for us, “But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, because on
account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.” (John 12:11).
There are some
today that say they would believe in God if only there were more proof of His
existence. However, the Scriptures are filled with examples of God displaying
His great power and some men still not becoming convinced. The account of
Lazarus was one such example.
The truth is
that God has provided all kinds of infallible proofs that declare His
existence. Luke mentions this in Acts 1:3. Paul also declares, “For since the
creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being
understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so
that they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20)
Therefore, when
it comes to faith, the problem is not a lack of evidence. The problem is a lack
of desire to faithfully examine the evidence that God has bluntly put before
us. When one examines the evidence apart from preconceived ideas and without an
agenda, he will find all the support for the faith he needs.
God Bless each of you,
Eric Hicks
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