Doubting Thomas

27 February 2015

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Doubting Thomas, what an unfortunate name. You could call him a skeptic but it's still the same! Thomas tended to see and sometimes expect the worst situations or outcomes.

We know that Thomas is called Dydimus which means he was a twin. There is nothing mentioned of his brother. This shows clear proof that the covenant salvation principle of families promoted by Calvin is pure heresy.

We see Thomas' attitude rear its ugly head when Jesus leads the disciples on a trip to raise Lazarus from the dead. Everyone knew that the closer they got to Jerusalem the more dangerous it was. The unbelieving Jews sought every occasion to kill Jesus.

However, Thomas' reaction goes far beyond a concern for Jesus.

"These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.” (John 11:11-16)

They had witnessed many wondrous miracles showing Jesus was God and had power over His enemies. Jesus had just told them that He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead! However, Thomas' doubt lingered in his mind, possible in the minds of the others as well, challenging their faith. He could not get passed the possibility of Jesus dying as well as himself. He saw that as the final destiny for them all. This declaration shows that he clearly did not comprehend the power of Jesus.

The other, more infamous, example includes a rebuke by the Savior.

"But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, andyet have believed.” (John 20:24-29)

Here, Thomas declares that he must see Jesus with his own eyes or he will never believe that He is raised from the dead. He doubts the possibility and the testimony of other faithful witnesses.

Remember, these examples of the imperfections of the Apostles are recorded for our learning. We may easily find fault in them, but the same faults often lie within each of us as well.

Doubt did not prevent Jesus from raising Lazarus or Himself from the dead. It did, however, rob Thomas of joy and fellowship with Christ during parts of these events.

Rather than being quick to see the worst in every situation, we should be patient and trust the Lord. If we are, we might just experience the joy of watching Him work!

Tags: doubt, faith, grace, harmony_of_the_gospels, jesus, john, thomas

Welcome

Brentwood Hills Primitive Baptist Church is a community of believers working together to transform our lives to the image of Jesus Christ. We believe it is our duty and privilege to live the gospel of the doctrines of grace in such a way as to edify the families within our church and other children of God in our community. Through regular worship based on strong Biblical principles, fellowship, admonishment, and outreach, we glory in the grace of the sovereign God working in our lives thereby showing the Spirit of God in the world.

Brentwood Hills was organized in 1906 in Fort Worth, Texas as Laodicea Primitive Baptist Church. You can find much of the history of the church, as well as other churches here: Primitive Baptist History Database

We identify ourselves as an old-line Primitive Baptist church. If you read our Articles of Faith, you’ll see that we hold to such doctrines as the inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible. We recognize the King James Version (KJV) as the only English translation worthy of being called the Bible. We believe in salvation solely by the grace of a sovereign God. We believe that Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, came to the earth to do the will of His Father, which was to deliver from the sentence of death all those the Father gave Him before the world began. We believe that Jesus fully satisfied the Father by atoning for all the sins of all His people. In time, we believe the Holy Spirit comes to each person that belongs to Jesus and regenerates them. Then (and only then) can anyone have faith, which is a fruit of the Spirit, by which you are able to believe the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether or not you ever hear the gospel, or believe it if you did hear it, or obey it if you did believe it, rest assured that Jesus will remain forever faithful to you because, if He died for you, He will never deny that you belong to Him.

We believe that everyone for whom Christ died will without fail be raised again from the dead to a glorified life. Even if we are alive when He returns to raise the dead, we shall be changed to a glorified life. All the Redeemed will meet the Lord in the air. Then He will take us to Heaven and there we shall forever be with the Lord. The wicked will be raised at the same time as the righteous, but the wicked shall go away into everlasting punishment along with Satan and his angels. Until that glorious day when Christ returns to raise the dead, He has provided a place for His people to find rest for their souls. This place is the Church. Jesus Christ set-up His church on this earth before His death on the Cross. The church is there for those of His people who have come to believe that God saved them by His Son, Jesus Christ. To believe that Christ “paid it all” gives believers the strongest motivation to serve Him. Once enlightened to this glorious truth, then the child of God should feel an obligation to become and remain an active member of the His church. To serve the Lord in His church makes for one of the great blessings to experience this side of Heaven. It fulfills you to serve in His church and it gives your life purpose and meaning.

Living in Liberty

Elder Bryce Lowrance

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