Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: TRUST (07/21/16)
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TITLE: DOUBTING THOMAS | Previous Challenge Entry
By Kenneth Pappas
07/23/16 -
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Everyone who reads his or her Bibles knows the story of Thomas. He followed Jesus and was part of the inner group of disciples yet even after the resurrection he had doubt. Doubt, by definition is not trusting and in the case of the Christian, sin. Does that mean Thomas was not a believer before he actually saw proof?
The question brings with it knowing our salvation. Do we believe, do we have faith, do we know and how do we know?
Ephesians 2:8 say our salvation is based on faith. John 3:16 and others say it is belief. Then we have the word trust. Other scriptures tell the way of salvation but when you put them, along with their context together, on word stands out that is usually missing from the text. That word is trust. What is the difference between the words?
Faith begins with a hope. Hebrews 11:1 says it is hope and evidence. So faith has some mixed factors. Most of the New Testament agrees that faith alone saves.
Belief is a more practical term with more evidence attached to it. When you believe, you know it is true.
We know what the Bible says about salvation so by faith we are saved. Along with this faith there is many times a glimpse of doubt or wonder. When we say we believe there is more conviction to go with our faith. Then there is the word trust. Trust is based upon evidence. So, when I have faith about Jesus and believe in my heart (Romans 10:9,10), I am saved, or receive salvation. Real conviction belongs to all three terms, faith, belief and trust. So, when was Thomas saved? When were you saved? How do you know for sure?
I love the old hymn, “Trust and Obey”; “trust and obey, there is no other way, to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.” Thomas went on to follow Jesus in full belief, trusting in all He said and done. Thomas found salvation in the only way he knew how and in his doubt he found truth, and in this truth he began to trust. Trusting Jesus and the words of our Bibles is quite different that having faith or belief; trusting is true conviction.
When someone asks me if I trust something, I have to stop and think. Do I trust or just believe or maybe have some faith. To me, true salvation follows trust. Trust that my Bible is true. Trust that what I received was actually from God’s grace. Trust that my faith was real.
To me salvation is married to the term trust. Jesus talked to many people. He said the words and some believed and fell by the wayside. Some heard Him and believed and then followed Him. To me, those that followed and later shared the Good News truly trusted. What makes me believe this is that they had a conviction to totally trust what He said and did?
Where has your faith brought you? Did your belief bring more conviction? Did trusting Jesus seal the deal?
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When I think of trust, I see the 3,000 people believing what Peter said about Jesus when they asked what they should do. They trusted Peter when they were baptized for the forgiveness of their sin and received the gift of the Holy Spirit.
God's Spirit will help us as we trust him for help.
Keep writing what the Spirit puts in your heart.
In the beginning, you started using the third person (his or her). For me, that opening line could feel a bit daunting. I almost felt like you were saying if I didn't know the story of Thomas, I didn't read my Bible enough. While that statement is probably true, personally, it puts me on the defensive. (I have health problems that affect my memory, and while I'm personally familiar with Thomas, there are some Bible stories that I can't remember, and I tend to judge myself harshly. I know it's my hang up, but it also demonstrates the point I'm trying to make about selecting the right voice,) Instead, I might encourage you to start out with a slight recounting of the story and how it impacted you. When you used the first person singular instead of the first person plural (we) or second person (you), I felt like an old friend was having a chat with me and sharing her wisdom. I want to stress this is just my opinion, and others may prefer that sermon-like message. You have to figure out what works best for you. A great way to do that is to read and comment on other stories as much as possible. Ask yourself, "Why did I like Story A more than Story B?"
No matter what you prefer, I'd urge you to stay consistent with your voice instead of switching from his to we to you to I and back again.
You did a great job of writing on topic. You really made me stop and think about the differences in the words and what it means in my life. Making a reader stop and think is a great compliment for an author. I can feel your passion. I've no doubt God will use you and your writing to do amazing things. You've done a great job so far, and I look forward to reading more of your work.