‘Blind faith’ is defined as “belief without true understanding, perception, or discrimination.”1 Many Christians have unfortunately reached the conclusion that Christianity is a ‘blind faith’ based on a misunderstanding of Jesus’ rebuke of ‘doubting Thomas’ in John 20:29, which says, “Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
However, within context, we see that Christ foretold His death and resurrection to His disciples (for example, in Matthew 16:21). These same disciples (including Thomas) had previously witnessed Christ’s miraculous signs and wonders during His three-year ministry period, such as the feeding of 5,000 with five loaves and two fish, the healing of the man blind from birth, and the raising of Lazarus from the dead. The purpose of recording these miracles is stated clearly by the Apostle John in John 20:32, “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”
Despite such powerful demonstrations of His divinity and Christ’s prediction that He would be crucified and would rise on the third day, many of the disciples did not believe that Christ had indeed risen when they received reports of it from the other disciples. Christ had already provided the evidence to substantiate His claims to divine status and authority, however, evidence alone is not enough to convince men of the truth.
This was clearly demonstrated by the response of the chief priests to the resurrection of Lazarus, who sought to kill Lazarus (thereby destroying the evidence) instead of submitting to Christ’s authority (John 12:10). Likewise, the religious authorities also attempted to cover up the evidence for Christ’s resurrection by claiming that the disciples had stolen His body (Matthew 28:11-15), a claim still make by skeptics of Christianity today.
So, why do so many choose to ignore or deny the evidence supporting the claims of God’s Word? As Apostle Paul wrote, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made [i.e. the creation], even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” [Italics added for emphasis]
Mankind is “without excuse” for denying the Creator and Savior, Jesus Christ, but because of sin, he chooses to “suppress the truth.” However, by the power of the Holy Spirit using the Word of God to convict man of His sin and need for a Savior, men may come to a saving relationship with His loving Creator by repenting (turning from sin) and trusting in the atoning work of Christ on the Cross for man’s sin and His glorious resurrection from the dead.
Christ has given us all the evidence we need and has offered us freedom from bondage to sin and its penalty (i.e. death and Hell) and is offering us the free gift of eternal life. Will you choose to place your trust in Him as your Creator and Savior?
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