10.05.07
“DO YOU BELIEVE?”
I John 5:1
“Every one who believes — adheres to, trusts in and relies {on the fact} — that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, is a born again child of God; and every one who loves the Father also loves the one born of Him — His offspring.” (Amplified Bible)
Many years ago I recall hearing the story from the early 1900’s. It supposedly took place over Niagara Falls. A man had stretched a wire from one side of the Niagara River directly over the huge drop to the churning water below. He was making trips back and forth and receiving tips from the onlookers for his skill and daring.
The crowds continued to grow as his exploits became more incredible. He asked if they believed that he could cross the dangerous gorge while pushing a wheel barrow? They shouted that they believed in him. He wheeled it across with no problem. The crowd was ecstatic.
He asked them if they believed he could make it with a full wheel barrow? Again they shouted their belief in him. He then started to fill it with stones, but stopped and dumped the stones. He faced the adoring crowd and said he had a better idea. Since they believed in him, one of them could ride in the wheel barrow! The crowd silently disappeared.
What had happened? Their belief was a surface thing which required no commitment on their part. In the ultimate test of that faith, they failed. What kind of faith do we possess?
There are many people in our world who say they believe in God, but one has to question just what they believe. This is a critical point, since our eternal destiny hangs in the balance. We are told in James 2:19; “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons do that and tremble.”
Belief then is not just believing about, or even having a knowledge about the Son of God, it is as our Scripture says today; “Every one who believes — adheres to, trusts in and relies {on the fact} — that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, is a born again child of God.”
I want to urge everyone reading this to stop immediately and consider the depth of your commitment. Are you basing your salvation on being baptized as an infant? That has no standing with God! Do you base your salvation on being baptized as an adult? Water baptism is a symbol, but by itself it will do nothing to merit salvation.
It is only by the atoning blood of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, that we are born anew and made ready for eternity with Him in heaven. Belief is critical — but what we believe in and how we believe is just as essential. Stop and consider —– then confidently get in the Lord’s wheel barrow!
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing.
- - - Pastor Cecil