186. Faith Without Sight.

Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. - John 20:29.

THOSE who saw and believed not, were far from being blessed.

Those who saw him, and believed, were undoubtedly blessed.

Those who have not seen, and yet have believed, are emphatically blessed.

There remains the superlative degree of blessedness in seeing Jesus face to face without need of believing in the same sense as now.

But for the present this is our blessedness, this is our place in the gospel history — we have not seen, and yet we have believed. What a comfort that so high a degree of blessedness is open to us!

I. DO NOT LET US DIMINISH THIS BLESSEDNESS.

1. Let us not diminish it by wishing to see.

· By pining for some imaginary voice, or vision, or revelation.

· By craving marvelous providences, and singular dispensations.

· By hungering for despairs or transports.

· By perpetually demanding arguments, and logical demonstrations.

· By clamoring for conspicuous success in connection with the preaching of the word, and the missionary operations of the church.

· By being anxious to believe with the majority. Truth has usually been with the minority.

2. Let us not diminish it by failing to believe.

· Believe practically, so as to act upon our faith.

· Believe intensely, so as to laugh at contradictions.

· Believe livingly, so as to be simple as a child.

· Believe continually, so as to be evenly confident.

· Believe personally, so as to be assured alone, even if all others give the lie to the doctrines of the Lord.

· Believe thoroughly, so as to find the rest of faith.

II. DO NOT LET US THINK THIS BLESSEDNESS UNATTAINABLE.

l. This blessedness is linked for ever with the faith which our Lord accepts; in fact, it is the appointed reward of it.

2. God deserves such faith of us. He is so true that his unsupported word is quite enough for faith to build upon. Can we only believe him as far as we can see him?

3. Thousands of saints have rendered, and are rendering, such faith, and are enjoying such blessedness at this moment. We are bound to have fellowship with them in like precious faith.

4. Hitherto our own experience has warranted such faith. Has it not?

5. Those of us who are now enjoying the blessed peace of faith can speak with great confidence upon the matter.

Why, then, are so many cast down? Why will they not believe?

III. DO NOT LET ANY OF US MISS IT.

The faith which our Lord described is exceedingly precious, and we ought to seek after it, for—

1. It is the only true and saving faith. Faith which demands sight is not faith at all; it cannot save the soul.

2. It is in itself most acceptable with God. Nothing is acceptable without it (Heb. 11:6). It is the evidence of the acceptance of the man and his works.

3. It is a proof of grace within: of a spiritual mind, a renewed nature, a reconciled heart, a new-born spirit.

4. It is the root principle of a glorious character.

5. It is exceedingly useful to others: in comforting the despondent, in impressing unbelievers, in cheering seekers, etc.

6. It enriches its possessor to the utmost, giving power in prayer, strength of mind, decision of character, firmness under temptation, boldness in enterprise, joy of soul, realization of heaven, etc.

Know you this faith?

Blessedness lies that way. Seek it!