A skeptic doubts, but something deeper had happened. A true skeptic questions because he or she just cannot believe. For them, the inability to believe something without a total analysis hinders the simplicity of seeing the invisible. But what is the criterion for a skeptic’s analysis ?
Romans 4 gives us several examples:
First, a program of merit through good works. In this mindset anything of value comes as a reward for performance. Romans 4:2 teaches us, ” …if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.”” …the reward is not reckoned of grace, but of debt. “Of course, good works create value, but not as a means of gaining favor from God. That favor is given as a free gift.
The next mindset used as a criterion for analysis centers around the ritual of circumcision. This rite practiced strictly by Jewish folks, eliminates all others in the sense of its exclusivity. A person with this precept for thinking believes his or her favor came from their parents as an inheritance. Consequently, those without are excluded. For both circumcised and uncircumcised, the concept establishes a roadblock to simple faith by putting a condition on God’s grace. Romans 4:9-12
The next disposition of mind embraced by some comes from Romans 4:14 where we see, “For if they which are of the Law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect. Because the Law worketh wrath.” Romans 4:15 These folks place themselves under the Law of Moses as a means of gaining God’s favor. However, Paul discovered in Romans 7:10 “…the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. ” The mindset places a stumbling block in the path of simple faith.
An agnostic is:
someone who does not know or does not have an opinion about whether something is true good, correct, etc.: Cambridge
Many struggle to know, but cannot. They may have unknowingly placed conditions on ‘knowing’ in the form of negative influences. A tradition, a concept, a wound, or an emotion can be highly influential. A bitter circumstance, or hurtful words can create the dissonance. A wrong concept about God can alienate a person from the life of God.
G. K. Chesterton has a word about mental stability. He focuses on the main mark of insanity.
“We can say, in summary, that it is ‘reason without a foundation.’ ‘Reason in the void.’ The man who begins to think without the right foundation goes insane. He begins his thinking at the wrong starting point, and we must discover the right starting point.”
Before we relate the true let’s rehearse the false foundation. Idols, every one, as spoken of earlier — these false foundations leave a person without proper thinking ability. First, they limit free thinking, and second they prohibit us from thinking outside of their tiny box with their tiny parameters. In essence they eliminate the possibility of getting to know an infinite God.
Beloved, without faith it is impossible to see God. For he that comes to God must believe… must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them who diligently seek Him.” see Hebrews 11:6
Friends, “Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace.” Romans 4:16 Folks, whatever hinders, blocks, limits or eliminates God’s free gift of grace must be construed as an idol. An idol is something we place ahead of God.
In closing, Abraham ” staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. “Rom 4:20-21
Lets continue in the invisible, and reach to the heights of grace. Don’t let idols hinder your faith this Christmas. Love ya
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