By Earl Robertson
The religious world with all of its leaders continuously struggle to tell us that it believes Christ. But with little effort one can find case after case where both the words and works of Jesus are rejected. Many of the Jews of Jesus’ day did not believe Jesus (John 1:11, 12; 10:25). In the twentieth century it is difficult to find complimentary statements directed toward those unbelieving Jews of Jesus’ day. However, there is no difference really between them and many of us! We claim to believe Him, but test yourself!
Jesus demanded faith in what He said upon the basis that His word had been demonstrated with miracles to be from God with power. “The works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me,” declared Jesus (John 10:25). Furthermore, He said, “If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him” (John 10:37, 38). So, Christ gave reasons why all should believe Him. His word cannot be accepted while His miracles are rejected; neither can one accept His miracles and reject His word.
So, you believe Jesus? Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mk. 16:15, 16). One does not have to be a grammarian to understand this, but he must believe and obey it to be saved from sins. What is so difficult about this statement from Jesus that causes men to reject it? Most preachers who claim to believe Jesus preach that one does not have to be baptized to be saved. “He shall be saved” is the principal sentence. But which he? Jesus modified His “he shall be saved” with the adjectival clause, “that believeth and is baptized.” This statement of Jesus simply means that He will save all who believe the gospel and are baptized. He will save from sins only those who do this.
Do you really believe Jesus? His words are so often rejected and human wisdom substituted in their place — even in the pulpits of our land. The methods of rejection are often identified as ad hominem — appealing to prejudices rather than intellect. Show your faith by doing humbly the will of Jesus.
Truth Magazine XXII: 15, p. 245
April 13, 1978