Issue No. 193 – Gospel - Only Believe

#1 · November 15, 2022, 12:45 pm

Quote from gracepeaceu@gmail.com on November 15, 2022, 12:45 pm
Only Believe

By Abey Kuruvila, Mumbai

It is written concerning the response of the people during the times of Lord Jesus that “…though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him” (John 12:37). But that the Lord Jesus was no ordinary man was affirmed even by those who found it hard to grasp the person of the Lord – “Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?” (Matt. 13:54).

Yet we may wonder why there was a response of unbelief. The scriptures foresaw this in Isa. 53:1 – “Who hath believed our report?” (see John 12:38). So, what would transpire during the times of the Lord was not just an affirmation of the accuracy of the scriptures, but also the exposing of the heart of man.

The evidence required for faith was set forth manifestly. But the heart refused to accept them as true. If they couldn’t believe in Him for the works that He did, how would they then believe in Him for the greater purpose for which He came into this world?

The holy standard of God declares “…all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23), and also pronounces that “…the wages of sin is death…” (Rom. 6:23). This death is eternal separation from God. Lord Jesus’ coming into this world was to save man from this judgment. For this, He became a Substitute for us by dying in our stead. His death paid the price for our sins, and His resurrection secures salvation eternally for all who believe in Him.

A Jew could not accept a dying Messiah. They were expecting a mighty ruler to save them from the Romans. But everything about the Lord Jesus was to them a stumbling block. He was born in a manager, instead of a palace. He was simple and not like the royals. He was meek, and His companions were fishermen and tax collectors. Finally, He would suffer and die. This was unlike the Messiah they were waiting for!

Today, are you also stumbling at who the Lord Jesus is? Do you see Him as just one among other gods of this world, or just another good man, or prophet? Are you stumbled or offended at the fact that He is the only true God and that without Him you cannot be saved? We have sufficient evidence given to us in the scriptures concerning the Lord Jesus Christ.

This is not a myth, nor a tradition. The mind may not be able to comprehend all facets of the truth. But it is the heart that must be exercised. “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Rom. 10:10). Will you believe?

Only Believe

By Abey Kuruvila, Mumbai

It is written concerning the response of the people during the times of Lord Jesus that “…though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him” (John 12:37). But that the Lord Jesus was no ordinary man was affirmed even by those who found it hard to grasp the person of the Lord – “Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?” (Matt. 13:54).

Yet we may wonder why there was a response of unbelief. The scriptures foresaw this in Isa. 53:1 – “Who hath believed our report?” (see John 12:38). So, what would transpire during the times of the Lord was not just an affirmation of the accuracy of the scriptures, but also the exposing of the heart of man.

The evidence required for faith was set forth manifestly. But the heart refused to accept them as true. If they couldn’t believe in Him for the works that He did, how would they then believe in Him for the greater purpose for which He came into this world?

The holy standard of God declares “…all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23), and also pronounces that “…the wages of sin is death…” (Rom. 6:23). This death is eternal separation from God. Lord Jesus’ coming into this world was to save man from this judgment. For this, He became a Substitute for us by dying in our stead. His death paid the price for our sins, and His resurrection secures salvation eternally for all who believe in Him.

A Jew could not accept a dying Messiah. They were expecting a mighty ruler to save them from the Romans. But everything about the Lord Jesus was to them a stumbling block. He was born in a manager, instead of a palace. He was simple and not like the royals. He was meek, and His companions were fishermen and tax collectors. Finally, He would suffer and die. This was unlike the Messiah they were waiting for!

Today, are you also stumbling at who the Lord Jesus is? Do you see Him as just one among other gods of this world, or just another good man, or prophet? Are you stumbled or offended at the fact that He is the only true God and that without Him you cannot be saved? We have sufficient evidence given to us in the scriptures concerning the Lord Jesus Christ.

This is not a myth, nor a tradition. The mind may not be able to comprehend all facets of the truth. But it is the heart that must be exercised. “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Rom. 10:10). Will you believe?