Faith not sight

To actually see things the way they are functions by the spirit and not by the flesh. That which we recognize as truth in our lives and as reality in our faith, is not experienced through visual perception or certain feelings or intellectual arguments. These external influences and impressions are human qualities and can help us get onto the right path, but in itself can also lead us on the wrong track and to erroneous beliefs. The bottom line is always this: “God is true and all men are liars” (Romans 3:4). People who don’t believe in Jesus Christ and the Gospel, are living a fatal lie which leads to sin. Unbelief is sin! If we walk only by sight (living our lives accordingly), there will always be things which are more interesting than praying, studying the Bible, visiting other believers, or reading a good, spiritual book. If we want to see things in the way God sees them, we must walk in the Spirit and not always give preference to the natural above the spiritual or trust more in other people’s opinions than that of God. And when we worship, we should do it in Spirit and in truth, because God is both (John 4:24). The goal of faith is the salvation of souls (1 Peter 1:8-9). True faith requires tests, otherwise it is only feigned. One of these tests are, not seeing yet believing and then (nonetheless) loving an invisible Jesus (more and more). Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed (John 20:29)!

The goal (Isaiah 64:4 “For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside Thee, what He hath prepared for him that waiteth for Him.”) should motivate us and fill us with gratitude. Only that which cannot be seen, can be hoped for (Romans 8:24) – the other way around “Hope” would be the incorrect word. If you want that which you can see, it is merely superficial desires. And they can sometimes be overall worldly. The Spirit of God is not manipulative, but shows us the truth and reality – everything which is ultimately not accomplished by it, is indeed manipulative and sinful. Our sanctification (leading to truth) only occurs through the invisible Spirit of God (2 Thessalonians 2:13). He can certainly use various ways, but the power behind it is God and nothing else. We should nevertheless prove it (1 John 4:1). The Spirit is truth (1 John 5:6). Paul did not persuade people to believe in Jesus Christ because he was so eloquent or self-assured and had power of conviction. Also not because he was so popular. Rather the opposite. He persuaded people because he preached in the demonstration of power and of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:4-5) and thus, he was able to say freely and openly: “I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost...” (Romans 9:1). Let us also do this.

Jörg Bauer