The reason for faith

I have friends who think Zaxby’s is better than Chick-fil-a. I have friends who are politically conservative and friends who are politically progressive. Sadly, I have friends who remain Dallas Cowboys fans. An intervention of some kind is probably necessary with them.

Though we don’t agree on all these things, I understand my friends have their reasons for their preferences. They know why they like what they like, think what they think.

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Reasons . . .

A New Testament verse reads: “. . . in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect . . .” 1 Peter 3:15.

The hope that is in me is this: Jesus is who he said he was. The Son of God. The savior of the world. The promised one who takes away our sin.

While I’m convinced, I have friends who don’t believe. I’m glad they still include me in their lives since, for some, this faith is enough for the one who believes it to be canceled.

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My faith was sparked when I was fifteen. I was an awkward teenager, trying to find my place. I was a good student, inquisitive, self-motivated to learn. I was also arrogant. I was selfish and profane. I’d been to church enough to know I didn’t like Christians and I surely didn’t believe what they did. Yet, when I parked my pride long enough to understand the gospel, not just hear it, I saw myself there. I knew it was true – I needed no convincing.

I was (and still am) a sinner, accountable for much more than arrogance, selfishness or profanity.

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Once over that hurdle, it made sense I needed a savior. I agreed there was nothing I could do to make up for my sin. The gospel told me I didn’t have to. I just needed to accept Jesus did it for me. I confessed that he is Lord and believed the Father raised him from the dead.

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It seemed then – it still does  – more should’ve been required of me. Yet, this is the beauty of the gospel of Christ. God forgives us when we stop trying to make ourselves right with him and simply believe Jesus did that for us.

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The second part of the verse in 1 Peter is important. When believers give a reason for their faith, we are to do it with gentleness and respect. Gentleness because the gospel  is difficult for some. Not everyone can easily accept we are the sinners God says we are. Respect since many people have followed other religions and various philosophies. There is an intellectual aspect to true faith. The wonderful reality is the Spirit of God will convince every seeking heart, every open and honest mind of the truth of the Gospel of Christ.

This is why I believe.

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