I believe the Green Bay Packers are going to play the San Francisco 49ers this Saturday at 7:15 PM, CST if the Lord does not return first. I believe this because I have testimony from the NFL, and the Fox Network that this is the case. These two entities can assure us that this is the agreed time and preparations are made for that to occur. Therefore, we can have faith that at 7:15 PM it will occur as planned. We have evidence and faith is based on evidence.
Jesus said, “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for except ye believe that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24). Have you ever considered the enormity of those words? Let’s break down this verse piece by piece so that we can appreciate more of what it means to believe.
For Except Ye Believe
Belief is based on evidence. Thomas sought evidence that Jesus had risen from the dead (cf. John 20:24-29). He received evidence as he placed his hands in Jesus’ side and felt his wounds. We have noted that evidence was provided in the form of miraculous works to confirm the Word preached absent the perfect, and complete Word (cf. Mark 16:20; Heb. 2:3-4; John 14:26; 1 Cor. 13:8-10). However, when the perfect revealed Word came those miracles ceased, and now the Word exclusively creates faith. John testified to such in his inspired account,
Many other signs therefore did Jesus in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book: but these are written, that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye may have life in his name.
(John 20:30-31)
We can and must believe, and true belief is predicated on the hearing of the Word of God (cf. Rom 10:17). Hearing and the subsequent faith that follows is the beginning and the prerequisite to any subsequent actions. We would also remember what the Spirit says elsewhere, "and without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him" (Heb. 11:6). Simply put, without faith I can do nothing of any consequence.
That I Am He
To be in Christ does not demand mere general belief. It is not belief in a great unknown power. It is not a belief that Jesus is just one God among many Gods. To have proper belief we must believe in Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. All the works that Jesus worked gave testimony and authenticity to the fact that He was exactly who He claimed to be (cf. John 10:37-38). For what other reason should one believe that Jesus is the Son of God? The Father himself gave credence to Jesus’ claims.
While he was yet speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold, a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
(Matt 17:5)
To believe that Jesus is the Messiah is essential, but not the only essential.
Many people believe that Christ is Lord, but remain lost in their sin. Jesus himself attested to this most depressing fact.
Nevertheless even of the rulers many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for they loved the glory that is of men more than the glory that is of God.
(John 12:42-43)
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven.
(John 7:21)
True belief comes with obedience to God's commands. After all, we know faith without works is barren (cf. Jam 2:20). A workless faith is the faith of demons (cf. Jam. 2:19). True faith recognizes that Jesus is, Who He Is, and does what He commands (cf. John 14:15; 15:14).
Ye Shall Die In Your Sins
Death awaits all who live, lest the Lord returns before. It is written, “And inasmuch as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this cometh judgment” (Heb. 9:27). The hope we cling to as Christians is to die in the faith, which is to die in Christ. It is a sobering reminder that a great majority of souls will spend eternity in hell. I know that this is a horrible thought. We hope that these solemn words will remind you of who is at stake.
New Testament Christians must share the good news, and support others who are doing that good work. We cannot simply allow people to go through life lost, not knowing their lost, or even worse that they are saved. Jehovah spoke of this,
So thou, son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die, and thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way; that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at thy hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it, and he turn not from his way; he shall die in his iniquity, but thou hast delivered thy soul.
Ezekiel 33:8
Do you believe in Jesus? Do you believe that He is the Messiah? Will You do what He says? Then why not do it now? If you have obeyed the Gospel will you tell those who do not know? You have the evidence recorded, get that information to those who need to know.
Grace and Peace,
R.D. Beavers
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