Believing Without Seeing

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9 
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, [5] who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. [6] In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, [7] so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; [8] and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, [9] obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

Thomas did not believe the other disciples when they said that Jesus had been raised from the dead.  Rather than rejoicing, he expressed doubt.  His doubts were swept away when Jesus paid him a visit.  Thomas believed when he saw Jesus face to face.  Jesus rightly told Peter, "You believe because you have seen me, blessed are those who have not seen me and believe."

It can be challenging to believe in something or someone that you have never seen.  Some critics of Christianity would go so far as to say it is crazy for a person to base faith on something that is unseen.  However, as in the case of Thomas, although he had not yet seen Jesus, Jesus was indeed alive.  There are reasons that current-day Believers have put their faith in Jesus though they have not yet seen Him.

The Apostle Peter talks about some of the reasons "we" believe without seeing Jesus.  v3: We have experienced God's great mercy.  v3: We have been given a living hope.  v4: We have an inheritance waiting for us.  v5: We are protected by the power of God.  v6: We rejoice even when our faith is tested.  v7: Out faith is like gold test by fire.  v8: We have love for Jesus, and inexpressible joy.  I know that all of these "connections" to God seem to be subjective; but, I would contend that they are real.  It should be "expected" that although we live in a physical world our connection to God is spiritual in nature.  our unseen spiritual connection to God is real and it is what fuels our faith; and "yes," we believe without seeing!

Questions to Consider:

1. If you are a Believer in Christ, what are some of the reasons that you believe?
2. What proof would you offer if a non-believer asked you for the reasons that you believe?
3. How would you describe your spiritual connection to God?

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