“But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13 NIV
Have you ever encountered someone who claims he doesn’t believe in Jesus because there’s no evidence that He even existed? All I can do in these cases is to smile and reply with the nice but sarcastic Southern expression, “Bless your heart.”
The historical record–apart from the Bible–overwhelmingly confirms His existence, His miracles, His death upon the cross, His resurrection, and His ascension. There’s far more evidence for Jesus’s existence than there is for most anyone who has lived in the last thousand years, including you and me. People who don’t accept the historical Jesus are akin to the members of the Flat Earth Society. They simply close their minds to what is so obviously true.
The Bible alludes to three basic reasons someone may refuse to believe in Jesus Christ: ignorance, pride, and moral issues.
Ignorance
“Jesus replied, ‘You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.‘ “ Matthew 22:29
Wow! Can you imagine being in His presence when He made this statement? Telling the people “You are in error” was an extraordinarily kind and gentle expression. When the Messiah speaks, we should listen . . . and believe.
Pride
“You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. I do not accept glory from human beings, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” John 5:39-44 NIV
In this instance Jesus was speaking to the Jews who had clung to Mosaic law rather than accepting Him. Talk about not accepting change!
Moral Issues
“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.” John 3:19-20 NIV
This reason makes the most sense from a worldly perspective. People who knowingly engage in evil practices know it. They prefer to continue living in this manner rather than accepting what is right.
Do you believe?
Prayer: Thank you, God, for showing us the Way, the Truth, and the Light. Amen.