Doubt & Devotion

1 Peter 1:8-9 ⁸ Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, ⁹ obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

The apostles have seen Jesus and have spent many years with Him. They have heard Him speak and have touched Him. They have witnessed His suffering and death. They were there when He rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. For that, we deem them more blessed. Yet, Jesus Himself said, “Blessed are those who believe without seeing.” 

Indeed, it’s difficult to love someone you have neither seen nor touched, However, trust and commitment to Christ requires no physical contact with the historical Jesus. The kind of loyalty toward Jesus despite not having known Him physically is what makes the Christian existence distinctive. It’s what separates believers from unbelievers. As a result, believers can celebrate with joyous exultation.

To love Christ is not simply to feel euphoria and excitement at the thought of Him and what He has done. It denotes fidelity, confidence, and trust in Him. It’s an emotional commitment, but it’s also more than just feelings. It is evidenced by loyalty that goes beyond emotions. This same love toward Christ is encouraged toward fellow believers. It is through this love that the world will know we are His disciples.

The result of this love is unspeakable joy, exultation that is possible even in the midst of suffering. Because of our union with Christ, we can be overcome with joy even when experiencing afflictions. We can celebrate even though we haven’t seen Jesus with our physical eyes or touched Him with our hands like Thomas did. We can because we have experienced His mercy and goodness. 

This unspeakable joy is strengthened by the prospect of salvation in its fullness. We are saved completely, meaning, it’s not the rescue of only the spiritual part of us, but the deliverance of our entire being. The prophets longed to understand the depths of this salvation. Angels looked on with longing to grasp the grace that has now been revealed to New Covenant believers. Such a hope reminds us that our present trials are not meaningless. And with the certainty of salvation, our joy becomes an unshakable confidence that our Lord who called us will safely bring us to the completion of our faith.

Father, strengthen my love for the Savior, that though I haven’t seen Him, I will continue to trust and obey. Fill my heart with joy that comes from knowing that one day I will see Him face to face.

Eric James Estante

Eric has a deep passion for teaching God’s Word. He holds a degree in Theology from Central Philippine University and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling. He served as an associate pastor in his local church in Iloilo City for four years. Eric currently volunteers with his wife, Joey, teaching biblical marriage principles at their church in Alabang. They have one son.