Do You Believe This?

There may be many times we are asked a question, to which we give a "Scriptural response." Responding based on the authority of the Scriptures is what we ought to seek to do. Even Peter urged the connecting of our acknowledging the Lordship of Christ to being prepared to give a reason for the hope we have. ( 1 Peter 3:15) Knowing what God has revealed through His Word relative to our hope in Christ is what others need to come to know as well. However, is it enough to merely repeat what the Scriptures say? Hopefully there is much each one of us knows of the Scriptures. Yet, how deeply is that truth impacting our personal life?

When Jesus was about to raise Lazarus from the dead, as He approached Bethany He was met by Martha, one of Lazarus' sisters. Martha had believed that if Jesus had been there, her brother would not have died. ( John 11:21) It appears she had faith in what Jesus could do before death, but may have thought His power ended there. Jesus responded by stating her brother would "rise again", to which she responded in a manner revealing her faith about the resurrection that was to come. ( John 11:22-23) Following this conversation we further read . . .

"(25) Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, (26) and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. DO YOU BELIEVE THIS?' (27) she said to him, 'Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.'" ( John 11:25-27 ESV)

Believe in Jesus and never die! As Jesus asked if she believed it, DO WE? If Jesus asked us that question, how would we respond? Martha went on to state her faith in Who Jesus is -- "the Christ, the Son of God" -- but did she answer His question? She did say "Yes" and that "Yes" rests squarely on Who Jesus is, which is what her words went on to affirm! She may not have understood the how, but the hope was in "the Christ, the Son of God."

Our hope in Christ is based on Who He is as it was proved through His resurrection ( Romans 1:4) which assures us of ours. ( 1 Corinthians 15:20) Therefore, based on our assurance of Who Jesus is, how is our life demonstrating our belief in even death not separating us from our relationship with Him? Do we truly live with a view of death being but a door into a glorious eternity with Jesus? If so, are we living with GREATER FAITH AND LESS FEAR in our daily walk? Are we holding onto a HIGHER HOPE AND LESS HORROR at some of the scenes playing out in this world as we trust God's timing in bringing about His ends? Are we living with a COURAGEOUS CONFIDENCE AND LESS COWARDICE in standing with the Lord and His Will? If we TRULY BELIEVE deep within ourselves that believing in the Lord we will never die -- never be separated from our relationship with the Lord (i.e. Romans 8:38-39) -- such should be exhibited more and more in our life. May our daily life declare an emphatic "YES" to Him!

Have a great day ASSURED IN CHRIST OF LIFE EVERLASTING!
Carl

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