Why do we believe in Jesus?
"For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty ... We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts...." 2 Peter 1:16,19 (read v. 16-21)
Why do we place our faith and trust in Jesus? Why do we believe that Jesus is God the Son in human flesh and our Savior from sin and eternal damnation? Is it a matter of blind faith, based on myths and fables, or is it historical truth witnessed by the disciples of the Lord Jesus and testified to by God Himself?
Peter plainly says our faith is not based on "cunningly devised fables" about the power and coming of Jesus Christ. They didn't sit down and craft a story to deceive the world. Rather they were eyewitnesses of the power and majesty of the Lord Jesus. They not only heard His teaching; they saw His miracles. They saw the sick made whole, the lepers cleansed, the blind given sight, the lame walk and the dead raised back to life. And they were with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. They saw His glory and heard the voice of God the Father testify of Jesus: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him" (Matt. 17:5). They witnessed His death on the cross and His glorious resurrection on the third day. They were so convinced of the truthfulness of Jesus' life and teaching, they suffered all, even death, for the faith they proclaimed.
And if that were not enough, we have the witness and testimony of God Himself concerning the person and work of Jesus. God testified of Jesus at His baptism and again on the holy mount (cf. Matt. 3:17; 17:5). And the Scriptures – written not by the will of man but of the Holy Spirit as He moved men to write and guided and directed them in the thoughts they expressed and in the words they wrote so that the Scriptures are the inspired Word of God, testify to us of Jesus, who He is and what He has done to redeem us and give us life instead of death.
"Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" and "whereunto [we would] do well [to] take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in [our] hearts...." The Scriptures, the Word of God, "are able to make [us] wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 3:15).
Our faith is based solidly "upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets" (Eph. 2:20), and God Himself has given us His witness and testimony concerning Jesus, both in His Word of the Scriptures and from the holy mountain: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him."
O God, grant that we hear Your testimony concerning Jesus and the light of truth shine into our hearts. Grant us true and saving faith in Jesus our Savior. Amen.
[Devotion by Randy Moll. Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.]
Editorial on 03/05/2014