Faith

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I came across an interesting story about Jesus and John the Baptist in Luke 7. John and Jesus had met prior to this story and John had baptized Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. John saw the Holy Spirit descending in the form of a dove onto Jesus. He heard a voice coming from heaven that said: “You are my beloved son; in you I am well pleased.” He must have heard some background stories about Jesus since they were relatives and no doubt He had heard some amazing stories about Jesus’ childhood as well.

Nevertheless, in the story we are told that John sent some of his disciples to interview Jesus and ask Him if He was the promised Messiah or if they should wait for another one. Interestingly enough, the Lord didn’t answer John’s question with a simple “Yes, I am Him”. No, the Lord answered John’s disciples in this way: “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. 23 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

If I were John the Baptist, after hearing my disciples’ report, I would probably ponder for a while the fact that Jesus was doing wonders: the lame walk, the blind see, the lepers are cleansed, etc. John could have said, or thought something like this: “This Jesus is doing all the things that the Scriptures say the Messiah would do… it has to be Him. It is HIM!”

Do you ever wonder why Jesus often answered using questions instead of plain affirmative phrases? I think it is because He wants us to be SURE of what we believe about Him. Many people think that Christianity is a religion that requires shutting off our brains, and that in order to be a Christian, you shouldn’t think or question what is taught you, but quite the contrary!

If the Lord were alive today and some atheists approached Him asking if He was the Lord, I am pretty sure He would do the same. He would politely tell them to go and read the Scriptures, history, and archeology to make sure that He is the Savior or otherwise.

He never forced anyone to believe in Him as their Savior. He wants us to be sure about it. Every time we believe something about Him, either if He is the Savior or if He forgives our sins or if He was really willing to die for us, or whatever we think we know about Him, He want us to be sure. Why? It is one thing to hear others say something about God and another thing to hear God telling us who He is. That produces conviction—invincible, daring, indestructible conviction.

The Lord never intended for us to be saved by supposition, or by taking another man’s words for it. He doesn’t want our relation with him to be based on uninformed hopes or wishful thinking. No. He calls us to investigate, to dig, and to make sure. He is the greatest leader of all. He won’t take us by force. He prefers conviction.

I’ve never grown more in my spiritual life than when the Lord made me realize that I shouldn’t believe all that my pastor or teachers say. Through this I have learned that no; the “black sin” doesn’t exist. I have learned that it is not understandable for a pastor to have beer in his fridge; it is not right for a Christian to live sinfully as long as He is assured of his salvation. I have also comprehend that divorce is not the will of God, not even for the supposedly well-being of the kids. No!

Every time I hear this nonsense from of the mouth of some so-called “pastors” and “Christians” I am literally drawn by the Spirit of God to grab my Bible and see if that is true.

Knowledge, wisdom, assurance, and conviction grow every time I find the truth one more time.

John the Baptist himself would agree that there is nothing wrong with doubt. Everybody has doubts once in a while. Let those questions in your mind find a safe place in the Scriptures; you will grow in conviction and faith with every page you read.

Now, back to my original question:

Are you sure, absolutely sure, without a shadow of a doubt that Jesus is YOUR Savior?

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