Do You Believe?

"Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John 20:30-31)

John wrote an eyewitness account of episodes in the life of Jesus Christ. His gospel is not a complete biography of Jesus' life and ministry; it is the compilation of specific events and teachings that Jesus and his followers experienced. It is important to note the purpose of John's gospel: that we believe in Christ and have life in his name!

Ask yourself the question, "Do I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God? And, do I, because of that belief, have new life in his name?" The question boils down to two words: belief and life.

Do you BELIEVE?

Believing in Christ is no small thing. Believing is an act of faith. This is what Jesus taught his followers to do and it is what God desires for us: to live a life of faith - total dependency. This is a very hard thing for many people, especially those of great affluence. It can be very difficult for people to humble themselves and depend on others. As a whole, our flesh's natural tendency is to be independent and self-made in all things. But, to live a life of faith, believing and trusting totally in Christ, is a necessary part of our right response to God.

Do you have LIFE?

John captured and recorded some of the most powerful and encouraging words of Christ about having eternal life that begins now. Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." (John 14:6, 10:10, 3:16, 3:36, 6:35, 6:40, 6:63, 8:12, 11:25, 17:3)

Wow, when I read these scriptures my heart wells up within me and cries out in praise and thanksgiving to our great God. He has come that we who were dead can now live - truly live.

Today, as an act of worship, praise God that he inspired John to pass on this powerful testimony of Jesus in order that we, who were lost and dead in our sin, can now be found and live a new life in Christ. Pray that God will continually strengthen your faith as you depend on him in every area of your life today.