Do You Believe It?

Feb 9, 2015 4002

I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this? – John 11:25–36

This is the very essence of the gospel, in its rawest, most powerful form – that if we believe in Christ, we have life – and not just any life, but everlasting life. The moment we believe, we have passed from death to life. Not “ifs,” no “buts,” no “maybe’s.”

The Jews back then were great theologians. They could explain everything with all kinds of conditions and round-about explanations. But Jesus asked Martha one simple and powerful question: “Do you believe this?” It’s a “yes” or “no” answer.

Dr Wilbur Chapman, an evangelist who preached in many countries, describes how he was born again:

When the great evangelist D L Moody, called for an after-meeting I was one of the first to enter the room and to my great joy, Mr Moody came and sat down beside me. I confessed that I was not quite sure that I was saved. He handed me his opened Bible and asked me to read John 5:24, and trembling with emotion I read: “Verily I say to you, He that hears My word and believes on Him that sent Me, has everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death to life”.

“He said to me: ‘Do you believe this?’ I answered ‘Certainly.’ He said ‘Are you a Christian?’ I replied ‘Sometimes I think I am, and again I am fearful.’ ‘Read it again’ he said. Then he repeated his two questions and I had to answer as before. Then Mr Moody asked: ‘Who are you doubting?’ and then it all came to me with startling suddenness.

“Read it again” said Moody, and for the third time he asked: ‘Do you believe it?’ I said, ‘Yes, indeed I do.’ ‘Well, are you a Christian?’ and I answered ‘Yes, Mr. Moody, I am.’ From that day to this I have never questioned my acceptance with God”.

At its most fundamental level, the gospel is simply this: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life” (John 3:36). Are you questioning your acceptance with God? Go back to John 5:24 and read the text. If you’re still not sure, read it again, and again, until it sinks into your mind.

– Eliezer Gonzalez

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