Do You Believe?

While there are thousands of religions and many denominations, with many attempting to help their followers understand their existence and explain the afterlife, most of the world's population adheres to one of five major belief systems: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism.

Some people argue that the five major world religions are comparable, but this is quite misleading. Aside from their close historical relationship, Christianity and Judaism are vastly different. The primary factor contributing to these dissimilarities is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The distinctiveness of the life, deity, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the main theme of both the Holy Scriptures and all of Christianity.
A beautiful reminder of the centrality of the resurrection is captured in the beloved story of Lazarus. After Lazarus died, Jesus comforted his grieving sister Martha with the hope of the resurrection.

John 11:23-27, “Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ 24 Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ 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.’ ”

Jesus is still asking that question today—"Do you believe this?"  Responding with a "yes" not only reflects your confidence in your faith but also brings unmatched comfort in times of profound loss, as Martha experienced. For Christians, this belief offers hope beyond the grave.

Let us be clear once again,  salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, and in Christ alone, but there still needs to be a decision.  Therefore, this belief is so pivotal that one's possession of forgiveness and eternal life is tied to it.   In God's infinite wisdom and in his spiritual economy, we must exercise faith, just as Martha did, to experience the blessings of the resurrection.  Notice Martha's response, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”

This confession of faith in Christ demonstrates Martha's spiritual belief convictions, and they are ones that can be shared as well.  Remember, Jesus is still asking that question, "Do you believe?"

If you are ready to believe, please pray this prayer with me:

Jesus, I believe that you are the Son of God, who died for my sins and rose from the dead. Forgive me, for I am a sinner in need of your grace.  Please grant me mercy and the promise of eternal life in heaven, for you are the resurrection and the life. Amen.