On Faith

Pliny the Elder, a first century writer who was not a Christian, wrote in his book, Natural History, “So, here indeed is a phenomenon unique among the sciences; anyone claiming to be a doctor is immediately trusted, although in no other profession is an untruth more dangerous.”  Pliny makes a good point, not just an ironic one. 

Everyone lives by faith.  People entrust their health, their finances, their love and, at one time or another just about everything else to others.  The question is never whether people have faith but, “Faith in what or whom?”

A long time ago, I put my faith in Jesus–not just that He existed.  That’s a no-brainer.  No real historian doubts that Jesus existed.  What I mean is I put my faith in Jesus, the Person, that He was who He said He was, therefore I can trust what He said (i.e., that He died for my sins), and is the Savior of those who trust in Him.  He has never betrayed my trust.

As Pliny says, people immediately trust doctors, not based on any evidence, but blind faith.  Jesus never asked for people to trust in Him based on anything so superficial as a title.  Jesus didn’t criticize Thomas for asking for evidence and instead said to him, “Put your finger here; see my hands.  Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” (John 20:27).  To religious leaders who doubted Jesus’ deity, Jesus said, “But that you may know the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…,” then He healed a paralyzed man right before their eyes. (Luke 5:24-25).  Pretty good evidence.  Jesus also offered people the evidence of experience, inviting them to drink of the water He would give them.  (John 4:13-14).

So, next time somebody accuses you of having blind faith, ask them if they’ve ever been to the doctor.  GS

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