God could prove his existence to the world any time he wanted. That would not change our hearts. There are different definitions of the word belief. James 2:19 says that the devils believe God exists. Actually, they know it, but they don’t believe in him. In other words, where we would say we believe a certain person is president, we might not say we believe in them in the sense that we vote for them. There is no contradiction to James when the Bible says in Acts 16:31, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…” Satan and the devils are examples of the results of knowing God, yet not really knowing him by believing him. The only way to truly get to know God is by his cross.
It’s clear from the Bible and other ancient historical records, that God interacted with early man. Genesis 4:9 records a conversation between God, and Cain who killed Abel. Notice that God didn’t take Cain’s life, even after Cain’s insolent reply. Those who lived before the Genesis flood, knew God existed. They just didn’t believe he would let them be destroyed by a flood, so they paid no attention to Noah. Romans 1:21-23 says they knew God, but didn’t honor him as God. They formed all these images and false ideas about God. What does our unbelief do to God? You can look upon the cross and know. The prophecy in Isaiah 52:14, says that the visage of the Messiah would be marred more than any man. Books of the atheist, religions of false prophets, wolves in sheep’s clothing, and followers that don’t always follow, we all make him seem ugly to a world that he died for. The crucifixion is more than physical, it is total, emotional and spiritual. God is torn apart by our lack of faith.
First John 3:21 says,” This is his commandment, …believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ…” This is the thing that will ultimately make the difference. What do our beliefs in anything and everything, and nothing, do to us? Paradise was lost at the Tree of Knowledge. Now our knowledge has failed us. Take a look around, our paradise is a wreck. It may be that if it were not for God, there would be no absolutes. In order for paradise to exist, we must believe God.
Leave a comment