Blind Faith

Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
– 1 Peter 1:8,9

Faith is not something that can be seen or proven. It comes from our heart, much like love does. People can of course perform works through their faith, but faith is not something that can be fully understood. The believers who Peter is writing to didn’t meet Jesus; only hearing about his works through stories. And through these stories, they began to believe.

Faith is something every living person can attain, it’s not some special blessing that only a select few can have. Paul writes in Romans 10:17 that faith comes from hearing the word of God. Hearing the Word, or even reading the Word, is where faith stems from. There will always be those who even after hearing refuse to believe. Some will only believe after something happens to them that cannot be explained by normal means.

After Jesus rose and appeared to a few of his believers, one of his own apostles refused to believe without proof. Thomas’ lack of faith was overcome only after Jesus let him touch his wounded side (John 20:24-29). Jesus rebukes Thomas, saying those who have not seen him and believe are blessed (John 20:29). Thomas, being one of the 12, should have had stronger faith than that.

Peter plainly states that the ultimate goal of our faith is our salvation. This earthly body will die and decay, while our souls live on for all eternity. The salvation of our soul could be better stated as the reward for living a faithful life. Having faith in Jesus and doing good works is the ticket into the wedding feast. No amount of earthly possessions can purchase a seat. As Christians, to be with our Father should be the ultimate goal.

Paul and Jesus tell us that our lives will not be easy as Christians. Sure, as American Christians, we are no longer in fear of being martyred, but many were. Today, Christian beliefs and values are under attack by the secular world. Young people claiming to be a Christian has declined since previous generations. There’s more focus on the here and now, than on what is yet to come.

Our faith is based in something greater than ourselves. We cannot see or touch our faith directly. Paul wrote to the Corinthians that we walk by faith not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Christians see this world and this life a fleeting, and seek the Kingdom of God. Hold strong to the faith, and the reward will follow.