THE DOUBTER

When the disciples eagerly told Thomas that Christ had risen, he refused to believe their eyewitness account. He knew that the One to whom he had devoted his life had been brutally mocked, scourged, and crucified. The overwhelming trauma of witnessing His death brought fear, confusion, and despondency to his heart and mind. Thomas had trusted that Jesus was the promised Messiah ... but now He was gone. 

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 

Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”  John 20:24-29

The testimony of the apostles should have been sufficient, yet Jesus didn’t criticize Thomas for his doubt. Christ's words, 'stop doubting and believe', are more 'exhortation' than 'condemnation'.

Today, every theory that the modern world puts out purposefully rejects the truth found in Scripture. Since sinful man doesn't get the 'proof' he demands, doubt and unbelief have become the 'norm'. The Gospel message is rejected as moralistic sophistry. 

So how does one come to Christ then? ... through the Holy Spirit. God convicts us of sin and our need to be saved. By faith, Christ's death, burial, and resurrection become very real and His gift of salvation is accepted.

As we walk by faith and not by sight, we are eternally secure in Christ ... even when doubts arise. Jesus understands that it is our natural human condition so He does not condemn us, but patiently points us to the truth. We are given His assurance that our faith is not misplaced.

'Asking' doesn’t make you a 'doubter'; it makes you a child seeking truth from his Father. Nothing could please God more than having you turn to Him with your questions ... instead of turning to the world for answers.