ARTICLE: Unbelievable Unbelief

[STR Ambassador]

Unbelievable Unbelief

by Greg Koukl

The skeptic says, “If Jesus would only show Himself to me—if God would just work one dramatic miracle—then I’d believe in Him.” This kind of person overestimates himself. Even miracles can be denied or dismissed.

During Jesus’ passion week in Jerusalem, he was called to nearby Bethany because his friend Lazarus was dying. By the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus was gone. In a dramatic scene Jesus called him forth from the tomb alive, still wrapped in burial cloths.

This was a spectacular miracle performed in public for all to see. What was the response of the Jewish leaders? They plotted Jesus’ death. "This man is performing many signs. If we let Him go on like this, all men will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation." (John 11:47-48)

But Jesus wasn’t the only one they wanted to eliminate. They also had to get rid of another piece of evidence: "But the chief priests took council that they might put to death Lazarus also; because on account of him many of the Jews were going away, and were believing in Jesus." (John 12:10-11)

Incredible! Instead of falling to their knees in response to this obvious display of Messianic power, they conspire to kill the very man whose public resurrection was proof positive of their error.

This is unbelievable unbelief.

You think if God just did a miracle it would change your rebellious heart? Don’t count on it. Jesus said, “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead” (Luke 16:31).

As one wag put it, a skeptic with such an experience would not seek God, he’d seek a psychiatrist.

Oh so true. The sun melts butter…but it hardens clay.


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[lee_merrill]

Instead of falling to their knees in response to this obvious display of Messianic power, they conspire to kill the very man whose public resurrection was proof positive of their error.

It's rather ironic too, that they would think to overcome someone who raises the dead by killing his followers. Now really...

Blessings,
Lee

[jordanriver]

This is my first post to theology web.

One of the arguments I have used when people blame God for 'hardening' pharoah's heart, is that God didnt do anything different to Pharoah than He did to David, when God took David's son by Bathsheba. But David was willing to admit he was in the wrong, unlike pharoah.

[lee_merrill]

Welcome, JordanRiver!

One of the arguments I have used when people blame God for 'hardening' pharoah's heart, is that God didnt do anything different to Pharoah than He did to David, when God took David's son by Bathsheba. But David was willing to admit he was in the wrong, unlike pharoah.

Well, but! God did set out to ensure Pharaoh would not repent, in order that his "name would be proclaimed in all the earth" (Ex. 9:16). So Pharaoh repenting was not a possibility, by God's decision, at least during the time of Egypt's judgment...

Blessings,
Lee

[neocon_voter]

This is my first post to theology web.

One of the arguments I have used when people blame God for 'hardening' pharoah's heart, is that God didnt do anything different to Pharoah than He did to David, when God took David's son by Bathsheba. But David was willing to admit he was in the wrong, unlike pharoah.

Hey, Jordan
I always wonder about these things in light of the omniscience of God, who knew (knows) what pharoah would do in any case, and knew before pharoah existed, (if there is such a concept as 'before' for the 'I AM' God)

voter.

[The Wolf]

Hey, Jordan
I always wonder about these things in light of the omniscience of God, who knew (knows) what pharoah would do in any case, and knew before pharoah existed, (if there is such a concept as 'before' for the 'I AM' God)

voter.

If you seek after the true and the good you will fine Jesus.