Growing and Going Q & A: Blind Faith Part 2 "Just trust in Jesus?"

Question: Is it perfectly acceptable to have what most today call "blind faith"? I speak to so many Christians today and most say, "Just trust in Jesus and you'll be fine."

Answer: This week we'll examine the second part of this question - "Trust in Jesus and you'll be fine." I couldn't agree more that if we do truly trust in Jesus we will be fine, however we need to look at what it means to trust and what the word "fine" really means from a biblical perspective.

Trust - I can't help but think of the old hymn that reminds us, "Trust and obey, there's no other way to be happy in Jesus than to trust and obey." In order to trust someone, you really have to first know who it is you're trusting in. Jesus said there would be many false Christs (anointed ones) who would come and say "follow me". (Matthew 24:24) So simply saying we need to trust in Jesus, although true, demands a careful and clear explanation to every hearer.

It is only reasonable that we let Jesus define who He is and what His actual role is in Heaven, in this created universe, and in eternity. Throughout Scripture Jesus defines Himself as God in the flesh. (John 14:6, John 10:30,John 10:33, etc.) The Bible also declares plainly that Jesus washed all our sins away. He paid our sin price in full, once for all. (Hebrews 10:10) Once forgiven we do not need to go to a church or man to access that forgiveness. To say that we trust in Jesus, but do not believe what He says about Himself really means we do not trust Him at all. It is easy to be deceived even partially. However if we allow God's Word speak for itself, letting the Holy Spirit reveal Jesus to us, we will know the truth and the truth will set us free. 

So to say we need to "trust Jesus" is true, but the person telling others to trust in Him has the moral and biblical obligation to carefully explain who Jesus is and what He has actually done according to His Word and His Word alone. Granted, using analogies, stories, and examples can be helpful, but in the end we need to point people back to God's Word. After all, Jesus is the Word of God. (John 1:1)

Clarity - Also, to tell someone who doesn't know the biblical Gospel that he simply needs to "trust in Jesus" is more than a bit confusing. The Gospel of God is not simply trusting in Jesus.  We must first understand we are sinful creatures, openly rebelling against the Almighty God. We must understand our works cannot save us, in fact they are filthy rags to God. We must understand the need to turn from our prideful state and humbly embrace God through the full and free forgiveness offered to all through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 15:1-4) The Apostle Paul understood the power of the pure Gospel and was very careful to preach the perfectly Good News of God.  Only the true Gospel of Christ is the power of salvation. (Romans 1:16) Any other message is useless and in the end eternally destructive. 

"Fine" - Regarding Jesus making our lives fine, God's Word does promise that all born-again believers are safe and secure in Jesus, (2 Cor. 1:22, Eph. 1:13, Eph. 4:30, 1 John 5:13) so ultimately and eternally speaking we are "fine". However, while on earth, Jesus promised this world will bring us trouble. Jesus said this broken world will bring us tribulation and trials, but we are to be of good cheer for He has overcome this world. (John 16:33)

Sadly, too many sinners are simply looking for a Jesus that will make their present lives better, never realizing true life is eternal in the heavens, not this world. "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that has the Son has life; and he that has not the Son of God has not life" 1 John 5:11-12. Jesus did not die on the cross, raise from the grave, and send His Holy Spirit so we could have more comfortable, selfish, and rebellious lives, but that we should be freed from Satan, self, and sin to finally understand, know, love, and obey the One True God.  

So, yes we should trust in Jesus and yes, He will make things fine, but there's more to the story. May we be extremely cautious and careful to receive and preach the true Jesus Christ, realizing it is His life in us that makes us overcomers in our temporal trials and tribulations. And it is His life that seals us for eternity. Nothing less will do! 

"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" 1 John 5:4-5

Our Korean Family!

Thank you so much Mina, Pok Cha, Kyong, Ms. Kim, Joy & the rest of our Korean family for the yard sale and contribution to our India trip!

We were so blown away by this amazing gift. Praise Jesus for His faithfulness in showing His love through His followers!

Growing and Going Q & A: Is "Blind Faith" Biblical?

Question: Is it perfectly acceptable to have what most today call "blind faith"? I speak to so many Christians today and most say, "Just trust in Jesus and you'll be fine."

Answer: There are two separate areas worth briefly addressing here. This week we'll look at the first one: Is blind faith biblical?

A Blind Man - If a blind man is asked if it's safe to blindly walk through his house, he undoubtedly would say it's something a person could do with relative safety and consistency after a bit of practice. But what if we tried to fly a plane, drive a car, or even ride a bike for that matter without our sight? A blind person has learned to navigate safely and successfully in a variety of earthly situations, however no matter how you look at it, having sight provides opportunities that are otherwise not available. When navigating this temporal planet, having blind faith may seem relatively harmless and sometimes even possible, much like navigating through a person's house. However, in reality we are not merely learning to traverse through this planet, but very much beyond into eternity.Blindly placing our faith in something is simply unsatisfactory. Preparing for eternity will take much more than wishful thinking.

Spiritual Blindness - Too often when people talk about blind faith, they are starting from a perspective of spiritual blindness. They've already embraced certain assumptions or starting points in their life. To say that blind faith is the only kind of faith there is reveals that a person doesn't understand the role that truth plays in directing and strengthening one's faith. For example, I can have blind faith that my shoe will start the car, but no matter the amount of faith I muster, in the end, all that will be produced is frustration. No amount of faith can alter the truth.

The Truth - According to God's Word, each and every person is born separated from God because of sin. In essence we are blinded to the truth and glory of the Creator, yet all humans have been given the capacity and ability to exercise their faith. There have been numerous books and songs written by unbelievers on the subject, but having faith really isn't the key any more than having feet makes you a good runner. The object of our faith is the key.Romans 1 and 2 are abundantly clear that God has given more than enough evidence from creation and the conscience to lead men to the correct Object of our faith- The Creator of the Heavens and the Earth. Although men are spiritually blind, they do at least have the ability to decide the direction to place their faith.

Emotions - When people say blind faith is all there is, they usually mean that they've chosen to let their emotions dictate what they believe. Most of the time it also means that they are unwilling, at least at that point, to allow the facts to change those beliefs. As the saying goes, "Don't confuse me with the facts, my mind is already made up!" Instead of allowing our emotions to form our faith, we must simply let the facts, or in the case of eternal life, God's True Word, form and firm up our faith. In reality, our emotions should never lead us, rather they should be led by a life of reasonable faith in the True and Living God.

Proof - The facts really do matter, and when it comes to eternity, only the truth of the Bible will set men free. John8:31-32. Jesus doesn't want us to blindly place our trust and hope in anyone, especially some God. Consider Thomas, the disciple who wanted to see His holes and side. Jesus did not condemn him for wanting proof. (John20:27-28). He simply offered to show him the evidence. Wanting proof and seeking to reason over the Scriptures isn't a bad thing. It's the direction of our reasoning that makes all the difference.

Reason - If we choose to reason with God, we will never sent away empty. The problem comes when we choose to reason with men. In Luke 20:14, Jesus taught a parable reminding the listeners, "But when the vine dressers saw [the King's son], they reasoned among themselves, saying, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.’" [Emphasis mine.] Reasoning is good provided we choose to reason with the Lord, letting His Word alone instruct and guide us. Isaiah 1:18 God says, "Come now and let us reason together..." Truly the blind CANNOT properly lead the blind, but God can! (Luke 6:39).

Walking by Faith - Fine, but doesn't the Bible say we should walk by faith, not by sight? (2 Cor. 5:7). Yes, but walking by faith doesn't mean we should stop thinking. To stop thinking is eastern mysticism, not biblical Christianity. Walking by faith means we don't let the wisdom of the world influence our decisions anymore. Instead we allow the wisdom and understanding of the Living God penetrate every fiber of our heart, mind, and soul. The enemy of our souls has spent tons of time and energy to keep the lost entangled in its lies and infiltrate worldly wisdom into the Church. Sadly, too many in the Church have openly embraced it's empty philosophies and deceptively deadly doctrines as if they are the life rafts sent to rescue the sheep from the sinking ship of "outdated" biblical Christianity.

Understanding - When we walk, we always benefit from the lights being on. Why? Simple. We can see, and if we can see, we can THOUGHTFULLY navigate the terrain. When the Light of Christ has been allowed in, we have been given true and eternal sight. We can for the first time begin navigating this fallen world through the eyes of faith in the Son of God. We finally begin to understand as Jesus does because we now have the "mind of Christ." 1 Cor.2:16. In Hebrews 11:3 it says, "By faith we UNDERSTAND..." [Emphasis mine.]

Reasonable Steps - True faith is not blind at all, but rather built upon and directed by the truth found exclusively in the Word of God. Instead of referring to our trust in the Lord as a blind leap, it would be much more accurate and biblical to say we take reasonable steps. It's true that we cannot literally see Jesus sitting at the right hand of the Father, but we can go visit His empty tomb in Jerusalem. We cannot see every event recorded in the Bible, however the overwhelming archaeological and historic, not to mention scientific and prophetic evidence proving God's Word is simply staggering. To choose NOT to believe the Bible is a blind leap of faith! Sadly, in the end every eye will see, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord, but then it will be too late for the blind. (Romans 14:11, Rev. 1:7)

Now is the Time - Now is the time given for men to turn to the One true Savior, Jesus Christ! Receive the full and free forgiveness He offers to all mankind. Now is the day of Salvation. (2 Cor. 6:2). Jesus came as the Light of the World so men could finally and forever see, no longer walking in darkness. This is the faith once for all delivered to the saints - the reasonable, thoughtful, logical, biblical, and glorious faith! The world has nothing like it!

"Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith..." Philippians 3:8-9.

Next week, we'll examine the second issue: What does "trusting in Jesus" really mean?

Growing and Going Q & A: Are Catholics and Mormons saved because they claim "Jesus"?

Question: The Bible is clear that those who call on the name of Jesus are saved. I struggle with this because my Aunt is a practicing Catholic and a close friend of mine is Mormon. Does this mean they are saved?

Answer: It's always important to go beyond the face value of someone's claims. The spirit of this world would love to see followers of the true Jesus compromise the Word of God and/or stop sharing the true Light all together with those in darkness. One of the most effective ways of doing the latter is by convincing Christians that anyone who names the name of Jesus are already in the Light.  Instead of choosing this deceptively wide road, may we ask a simple and unpopular question, "Which Jesus are you talking about?" Yes, in Acts Peter, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, boldly declared that there is no other name other than Jesus under Heaven by which men must be saved (Acts 4:12), however we must be certain people have not bought into a lie, receiving and preaching a counterfeit. 

The True Jesus: Jesus Christ is the only One who has brought salvation to mankind. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, but by Me." John 14:6. Only God is perfect/sinless, making Him the only One qualified to perfectly pay the full price for mankind's sins. He sent His only begotten Son and Jesus willingly accepted, becoming a man. He never stopped being God and historically died on a Roman cross almost two thousand years ago. He took all the wrath of God upon Himself! Before dying He cried, "It is finished!" John 19:30. That is to say, "Paid in full!" He laid down His life, then just as He promised, He rose from the dead by the power of God, never to die again. John 2:19, John 10:17-18. He showed Himself alive for forty days and then physically and publicly rose up to Heaven. Two angels stood by the disciples, reminding them that He would return to the earth in like manner. This is the true, physical, historical, and biblical Jesus who died for the sins of the world. The enemy, however, just like a magician, would like to bring as much confusion, misdirection, and deception as possible. 

Sadly, Satan's strategy is more dangerous than a simple slight of hand!  He knows that only the true Jesus will bring true forgiveness and freedom to the human soul. Since he desires to destroy mankind, the Devil's game plan is simple- present as many counterfeit Jesus' as possible, guaranteeing a tremendous amount of deception and death. Jesus said as much several times throughout His earthly ministry. (Matthew 24:4, 23-24)

False Christs: Just because someone claims to believe in Jesus Christ, doesn't mean they actually believe in the true Jesus Christ. Many professing Christians and cults have claimed to believe in the "true" Jesus, however everyone's claims MUST be carefully examined in the true light of God's Word, the 66 books of the Bible. Any cult leader will diligently instruct his followers of the necessity to believe everything from its leaders and teachings without question or thought.  They will never, NEVER invite their followers to thoughtfully and humbly read the Bible on their own, asking the Lord to reveal His truth to them. Any person who claims to believe in Jesus may think he is trusting in the true Jesus, however everyone must be lovingly asked to check their beliefs with the Word of God.  

Our Duty: True believers should never blindly accept the claims of anyone, even a loved one who says he believes in Jesus. Too often we take the understanding we have and insert it into what others are saying. This is an easy mistake, but it can be deadly none the less. Just because we might believe in the true Jesus, it doesn't mean others dropping His name have the correct understanding of Him.  If we really love God and others, we are beholden to humbly question them further.  

• "Did Jesus pay for all your sins or do you have to do something more?"  
• "Do you believe Jesus is God and sinless man?"  
• "Was Jesus a physical, historical person or was He simply a spiritual being."  
• "Did Jesus literally and physically raise from dead?"  
• "Are there other books that teach about Jesus other than the Bible?"  

These are a few of the questions that could be helpful. Note: May we be sure we can biblically answer these questions before asking them to others.  If someone doesn't want to be questioned or becomes offended, then that person is at best struggling with what he really believes. At worst, he is deceived.

One Final Point: God warns men not to add to or take away from His words. (Deuteronomy 4:2, Revelation22:18). Too often people forget the "add to" part.  "Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar." Proverbs 30:6. Yes, many Roman Catholics and Mormons "name the name of Jesus", however it's important that we ask them what else they believe. Both religions and their leaders have carefully and deceptively redefined Who Jesus is. Remember, a person can change the true meaning of something not only by taking parts away, but also by adding to it.  Jesus Christ plus nothing equals the truth!  Jesus plus anything equals lies!  Let God be true and every man a liar. Romans 3:4. 

Jesus is the Key! Be sure you have the right one. Jesus Christ is the only One who died for the sins of mankind. He's the only One who can set men eternally free!  Nothing is more important than understanding the truth that is found in Jesus Christ and Him alone! "The truth is in Jesus." Ephesians 4:21b. "Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love." 2 John 1:3 "To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen." Jude 1:25

Growing and Going Q & A: Creation A Non-Essential?

If you have not seen, Once-lost has an Apologetic portion of the ministry called Growing & Going. The Lord has opened doors for us to make some challenging videos all to His glory. 

Along with them, we'd like to also start a Q & A series. If you have any questions we can come along side and search the Scriptures with you on, we'd love to hear from you at contact@once-lost.com.

Below is a great one to start with!

Question: You guys recently taught on evolution and how it is not found in the Bible, yet when I go to church my pastor teaches that creation is a "non-essential" and dicussion on the subject just brings division. Could you help me with a Biblical approach to this?

Answer: Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon situation. Even many of today's popular Bible teachers, pastors who are otherwise passionate and for the most part accurate in their teachings, have chosen to either mix evolution with the Bible or not deal with the subjects of creation and evolution at all. (Just as a reminder, a local church is both known for what it teaches and what it chooses not to teach.) Most people who have an issue with a literal, 6 day creation around 6,000 years ago will basically argue two reasons for choosing not to teach on a literal creation from the pulpit. First, they believe a literal creation is a secondary issue, one not worth dealing with. Secondly, they believe nonbelievers (and believers) will be offended, causing them to stumble at the Gospel.

To the first issue, it is perhaps reasonable to say one doesn't have to believe in a literal creation to be saved, however, there is a critical, logical, and deeply biblical connection between a literal creation and the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. Those who sought to popularize evolution during Darwin's time understood this connection quite well. Many of today's enemies of the cross understand this too. A writer for the American Atheist once wrote, "It becomes clear now that the whole justification of Jesus’ life and death is predicated on the existence of Adam and the forbidden fruit he and Eve ate. Without the original sin, who needs to be redeemed? Without Adam’s fall into a life of constant sin terminated by death, what purpose is there to Christianity? None.” (G. Richard Bozarth, “The Meaning of Evolution”, American Atheist, 20 Sept. 1979, p. 30). It is truly disingenuous to say creation is a secondary issue. It is biblically better to say creation is a fundamental and foundational issue. There's a real reason the god of this world has moved men to spend so much time, money, and energy to teach the lies of evolution.

One important side note regarding the connection between the Gospel and a literal creation --- Many have argued one doesn't have to believe creation to be saved, however few consider the following generations of people hearing the Gospel. Let's say one person gets saved, then doesn't believe a literal creation matters. He gets married and they have a child. As the child grows, his parents teach him Bible stories, but since they agree with evolution, the child begins to embrace worldly ideas and as he grows older begins to see the contradictions between evolution and Scripture. And since all he's ever heard from school, Sunday school, and his parents is evolution as his history, he finds the contradictions between the creation account and evolution too hard to reconcile. Now believing only evolution as science having the answers for his history, he also believes it is only fair, logical, consistent to embrace evolution (the ideas of men) and completely let go of the Bible. Satan never thinks of just one generation, but is always considering several moves ahead. Why should we do any less?

Regarding the second issue, no Christian saved by the grace and truth of God should ever make their teaching and evangelism choices based on the possible offenses of others. Jesus said to His disciples that He came not to bring peace, but a sword (division). Matthew 10:34. The truth of God's Word will most definitely offend a world entangled in the lies of the enemy. Not that we seek to be offensive, but we also are not ignorant of the offence brought by the truth of God's Word.

To avoid certain doctrines because they might offend those outside or those within the church is unloving to say the least. Jesus promised that the truth of God's Word will set men free, so why would we choose to withhold certain doctrines that can bring liberty to the hearts and minds of its hearers? Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, declared in Acts 27:20, "For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God." Whole means whole; cover to cover. We should not avoid carefully covering the truth of creation or the Creator. There are many lost people who have sincere questions about the literal creation in the Bible and serious misunderstandings of evolution. Why would we avoid dealing with one of the most crucial issues of our time, especially when the truth is on the side of the saints?

One final point, many Christians struggle with boldly and openly sharing the truth of God's Word with the world around them. A big reason born again believers choose to sit instead of stand has to do with one simple thing-confidence that God's Word is true. Although Christians gladly receive the loving and merciful grace of God's forgiveness, many do not realize the depth of God's Truth. The teachings of this fallen world are designed to cause even Christians to doubt the truth, trustworthiness, and power of God's Word. Why? It's simple. If those called to shine in a dark world are fooled into believing the world already has some light of its own, then those with the true light will stay sitting, warming themselves and leaving the world entangled in their darkness. When Christians realize they can stand firmly on God's Word from the very first verse, there is a deep freedom and excitement that begins to rule and reign. See John 17:17. Jesus didn't just offer us life. He promised life abundantly (John 10:10) and this life will only grow in abundance when the entire Word, from cover to cover, is planted in the hearts and minds of believers.

Don't hesitate to stand firm on the Word of God, regardless of what any man, even a pastor may say. Psalm 118:8 reminds us, "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."