I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.
Throughout the gospels, we see moments where the disciples are absolutely convinced of Jesus’ divinity. In John 6: 69 we see Peter affirming this when he says, “We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” Yet there are levels of belief and we humans are bound in a temporal world. One minute Peter says “… you are the Holy One of God,” the next we see him denying he even knows Jesus.
Jesus wants us to really believe. When we possess the kind of belief that Jesus has in store for us it is no longer possible to doubt Jesus is who he says he is. When we really believe that Jesus is Lord is when the miracles happen.
To help the disciples and us develop the kind of belief that Jesus wants us to have, he helps us. He tells us something that only God can know. He tells us what is going to happen in the future. Then he says, “… so that when it does happen you will believe.”
Let’s Discuss: What does it take for your belief in Jesus to increase?
I think that is simply my decision. I need to decide to take Him at His word. He has provided many proofs, including prophecy that has been uniquely met in Himself. We have manuscript evidence and archeological evidence, the willingness of the eyewitnesses to die for their beliefs, etc. But at some point I need to take that evidence and make a decision. I need to trust Him.
Thank you, Rich! I wonder if for some it is a series of decisions like you describe. In my life it seems like God challenges me over and over again, each time bringing me into a deeper form of belief in Him.
Unfortunately, my belief tends to grow during times of struggle or failure. During these times, I’m forced to lean on God’s word and “discover” what is said is still true.
RS,
Isn’t it wonderful how God takes those times of “struggle or failure” and turns them in to opportunities to grow spiritually?
I have been keeping a prayer book I wrote in it the third time I came to church and after my first Philos meeting. I’ve been growing spiritually as much as I possibly can growing stronger because he keeps picking me up when I fall. I believe more and more everyday. But I’m held back by evil doubt and my past. If I didn’t have these hindrances I know I could move mountains. I might be able to move a mountain and un harden a heart by the end of this year. I will cry and give him glory when it happens.