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We see Jesus Christ confirming that it is only by faith that we can be blessed. Faith is a small word with such a profound meaning, especially in our period of time in which we live. The word faith, except on two occasions, is only found in the New Testament which shows clearly it is for our time. Apostle Paul wrote to the Hebrews to explain to them what this should mean to us. Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Although the word is not used in the Old Testament, we can read of so many acts of faith displayed by the believers of those times. Many are listed in Hebrews chapter 12 and give us inspiration today as we read of them.

The faith that our Lord spoke to Thomas about was the faith in Him that He was the Christ, born into the world, lived His life sinless, fulfilled the law, died for our sins, arose from the grave, ascended to become our High Priest for ever, as all power, both, in heaven and on earth is given to Him.  In short, the only way we can have access to God and His blessings both in this life and after in this period of time, is to accept Him and worship in spirit and in truth. Because we do not see Him, this requires the faith that He spoke to Thomas. “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”

It is always much easier to worship something that can be seen. One of our brothers who recently visited rural China, told of an experience that shows God’s wisdom. China of course, has opened its doors to the world and is being campaigned by all the various faiths of the world. Those who can place something before the people to see, of course make it easier for them to follow. Our brother was approached by a young boy who asked him the question – “Are you a Christian”? – “Yes” replied our brother “Are you”? The boy replied he was and then went on to explain that many of his friends made fun of him for believing in something he could not see and were always asking him to show them his God. He then told our brother that he explains to them – None of us can see the air around us, but that does not mean we should stop breathing and likewise, just because we cannot see God around us at all times, that does not mean we should stop believing”. What a wonderful modern-day explanation of faith!

We know that we begin with faith and the bible teaches us that we then add to it, all our other aspirations, hope, charity, works, patience, virtue, godliness, love, steadfastness, gentleness, strength etc., and above all, we must move on from faith to absolute Trust in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul taught further to the Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”