4.08.2007 | Belief

He is risen indeed! Jesus defeats death, should read the headline in all major news outlets. Of course, they will not have any such headlines; it would require that the reporters and editors had some measure of belief. Belief, not of the sort that can be confirmed by scientific experiment. Belief, of the sort whose negation is not "unbelief," but, rather, disobeying God.

Let's try that from another perspective. "Belief" in the risen Savior is a synonym for "faith": faith in God's promise of salvation; faith that God became man and died a most heinous death to put paid our sins.

Today, of course, is Resurrection Sunday, and what, exactly, did we do to earn this gift? Nothing. We remain vile sinners, hoping for regeneration through our belief.

Why believe in the Resurrection? Perhaps because it's true? But we should always recall Doubting Thomas, who is one of us. From John 20:

24Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin,[c] was not with them when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe."

26Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." 27Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe." 28Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" 29Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

"Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Blessed, indeed.

Happy Easter.