WHOEVER BELIEVES

FRIDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2021

Our belief in Christ is important to God because first of all, John 3:16 says, "whoever believes in Him will never perish but life age-during." Second, when we truly believe in Christ, we are sustaining a mindset that accepts that He is who He says He is (The Lord of all), even though we have not seen Him yet with our physical eyes and even without any physical evidence to prove that He is the Son of God.

Moreover, under normal circumstances, anybody or any Christian can say that they believe in Christ until they experience situations that can question this belief. For instance, in John 20:29 (NIV), when Jesus appeared to Thomas, who doubted His resurrection, Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

Reference: Romans 10:11-12 English Standard Version (ESV)

'For the Scripture says, "Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.'

Whoever believes in Christ will not be put to shame, whether they are Jew or Gentile. By this, Paul also means that whosoever puts their trust in Christ, regardless of their race, background or descent can never be disappointed. So this belief has to do with unshakeable trust, bearing in mind that Christ is a sure foundation that does not fail. It's a belief system based on receiving salvation through faith in Christ. This belief also means that whosoever stands on or builds upon this foundation shall never fail. They will find themselves standing firm on the Rock.

Many a time, the reason people doubt God or stagger through unbelief is that they haven't had a personal revelation and experiential knowledge of who Jesus really is. It is the same thing that happened to Thomas, until he encountered Jesus one on one and touched the nail marks in His hands. Why is the experiential knowledge of Christ important? It's because it gives value to your belief system. If you haven't encountered Christ experientially, you'll doubt like Thomas did, when time comes. No two ways about it. But once you encounter Christ in any dimension, you'll have His personal revelation that will embolden and strengthen your conviction that come what may, Christ Jesus is real.

The latter part tells us that Jesus is the Lord of all, bestowing His riches on all who call on him. In other words, Jesus richly blesses all who receives Him as Lord and call on Him. This time, apostle Paul is not talking about all who believe in Him but all who call upon Him. Therefore, pay attention to the difference because the difference is clear. This is why Romans 10:14 specifically noted, "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in?" So the belief system comes first, before the call. And here is the distinction: If you truly believe, you will never be put to shame. But beyond that, when you call upon Him for any kind of help, He will surely bless you richly. How does this work? Let's find out below.

The Bible says, "Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God's gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]" (Hebrews 4:16 AMP). This Scripture focuses on creating an enabling environment for receiving the blessings of God. Approaching the throne of grace with confidence denotes a strong "belief" system constructed by the true knowledge of Christ. Finding grace to help in time of need signifies calling on Christ, who bestows His riches on all who "call" on Him. Beloved, He'll always furnish you with the appropriate or desired blessing when you call on Him. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - John 20:31; Acts 16:31; John 6:69; Romans 10:9-10; 1John 5:1.

Exuberant Declaration:

Blessed be the God and the Father of our Lord Jesus, who has given me eternal life and hope in Christ. I have arrived at the conviction by all means that Jesus Christ is the Son of the true living God and the Lord of all. From the moment of believing in Christ, I have based my confidence on the eyes of my spirit and of my faith-faculty, which are independent of changing circumstances. Glory to God!