Thomas the Apostle, also called Didymus (meaning twin) was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. Thomas is famously known as Doubting Thomas. In his case, the doubting implied unbelief primarily because his slowness to believe. In other words, Jesus said it best when he said those who are slow to believe as a foolish man. Christians are able to practice unbelief, not as in no faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, but rather is the root of unbelief that remains in the flesh that hides God’s countenance.
The atrocity of remaining in unbelief results in the following:
- Denying Jesus’ sovereignty over death and life
- Denying the reliability of God’s word
- Denying the resurrection of Jesus Christ
Denying Jesus’ sovereignty over death and life
God’s sovereign plan cannot be thwarted. Under His sovereignty, death is in control according to His timing and will. One of Jesus’ well-known demonstration over death and life is the raising up of Lazarus. Scripture tells us that Lazarus was dead for several days, undergoing decay, but Jesus powerfully raised him up instantaneously. Another example is when the Jews continued to find reason to stone Jesus to death, but He was able to escape as it was not His time yet to die (Jn 11:7-8). Thomas isn’t alone when it comes to minimizing or doubting God’s sovereignty. All of us are susceptible to this temptation; therefore, we must daily meditate on God’s word (Ps. 1:1-2) in order to live a life of repentance resulting in sanctification. Not only did Thomas deny Jesus’ sovereignty, but he also disregarded the words of Jesus.
Denying the reliability of God’s word
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way” (Jn. 14:5)? This questioning, in a way, is challenging Jesus’ words. In the previous verse, Jesus said “You know the way to the place where I am going”. In the Greek, it is in the perfect sense meaning Jesus ‘has known already where he is going”. Therefore, Thomas paid no attention to the words of Jesus. However, hearing and paying attention to God’s word is fundamental to the faith (Rom. 10:16-17). As saving faith comes from hearing through the word about Christ, it implies that we hear, believe and trust in the word of God, and this continues in the believer’s life. Do we believe that God’s word is trustworthy? This is the question Thomas wrestled with. Our answer to this question paints a clear picture of where we stand in our faith.
Scripture itself reveals its reliability. God’s word states itself as being flawless, pure, and perfect (Prov. 30:5-6; Ps. 12:6). This is the reason why the word of God has the power to save and sanctify. But for those that do not see change reject the word of God. In addition, science also proves the reliability of Scripture as the curse of the Fall is evident in many ways. Further, during Jesus’ time on earth, He quoted the Old Testament countless times and also referencing specific prophets and other people. Although the Bible had already made a myriad mentions of people and places, archeologists continue to confirm one thing after another, furthering evidence of the reliability of God’s word. The only way to defend ourselves against distrust of God’s word is daily meditation and obedience to it. Our attitude must be this way: “How then will the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way” (Matt. 26:54)?
Denying the resurrection of Jesus Christ
But the denial of denials Thomas demonstrated was rejecting God’s plan of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Unbelief prevents us from realization that Christians are not tomb dwellers. Resurrection is the highlight of Christianity as it goes hand in hand with dying to self (i.e., dying with Christ and being raised up in Him). Even though Thomas doubted that Jesus indeed rose from the dead and asserted that he had to see for himself, his unbelief turned to true faith in Jesus as he believed in him to be his Savior and God. Unbelief is for tomb dwellers, but those who believe in the risen Lord no longer remain in the tomb. Do you believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ? Without believing in Christ’s resurrection, we remain in our unbelief and sin. Christ’s message to those that do not believe in his resurrection is to grant peace by offering forgiveness and life.
Do you remain in your unbelief as Thomas was or do you believe that Jesus Christ is risen and seated at the right hand of the Father? Saving faith is rooted in trust of the sovereignty of Christ, trustworthiness of his word, and believing that he is risen and walking with those that believe in him. It is only through Jesus Christ that we are reconciled and have everlasting peace with God.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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