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When Faith Became Sight!

Pastor Kent Hobi

Do you ever wonder if all the things we believe as Christians will ever come true? Generations of God’s people come and go, and we still groan under the task of becoming who we are in Christ. Will our faith ever be sight?

The good news is – faith did become sight at the first Christmas, a historically verifiable event. We can trust the promise that our faith will become sight again when Christ returns!

Epic Changes Occurred in Salvation History. (verses 1-4a)

There is a significant change in spiritual maturity from the time before Jesus’ birth, cross, and resurrection to the time after. This is when time found its fullness, the very purpose for which time was created. In a way, saints in the Old Testament were “under age” in chronological time and experience. They could not see the whole plan of salvation history. Those under the Law were in bondage to “elemental things,” the first basic teachings. Much like a child learns the alphabet in order to communicate, the Law is a means to a fuller understanding of God’s salvation plan. We are thankful for the lessons of the Law, but we are thankful to know so much more now through Jesus.

The Mystery of Christ was Revealed. (verse 4)

Before Jesus’ birth, God’s people couldn’t see or identify the Messiah. They couldn’t pinpoint his home on a map. Job wished for a mediator between himself and God, but there was no one who could perfectly mediate between God and human beings until Jesus was born.

Now we can identify the Savior. We can know God personally through the Son of God. Christ accumulated for us the infinite righteousness the Law required in order to see God. Jesus graciously invited Thomas to touch His wounds, and Thomas’ faith became sight. He fell down and worshipped Christ.

Our Identity and Future were Revolutionized. (verses 5-7)

If you know Christ personally and He has saved you, Jesus now sets the terms for your identity. Don’t let anyone hijack what He says you are. You are redeemed! Start from that point. Don’t get caught up in the one lesson of the law – that you are a sinner. Confess it, forsake sin, and move forward.

You are a Child of God.

This is a whole different frame of reference than the Old Testament saints. They traced their lineage from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – three men of faith, but still ordinary, flawed, sinful humans. Our King’s influence still continues – it is indestructible!

You are Adopted.

We are privileged to have a personal relationship with God as part of His family. We are united with brothers and sisters in a spiritual bond that will last forever!

You are Indwelt.

God’s Spirit now lives in you. You have “heavenly genetics” and are God’s dwelling place! There is nothing standing between you and God. You belong.

You are an Heir.

Again, you are an heir through God, not human ancestry. We can’t rationalize how this is even possible – we can only worship in amazement.

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Application Points

• Do you know Jesus? Does Jesus know you? There is a difference, and it lies in whose terms the relationship is built on. We must come to Christ on His terms to have a saving relationship with Him.
• Who do you believe you are? Does it line up with who God says you are? How can you correct your thinking?

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Tools for Further Study

Cross References to Explore:

• Galatians 4:8-11 – example of the “elemental things” of the Law.
• Job 9:32-33, 16:18-21, 31:35, 19:26 – Job wishes for an umpire between himself and God, yet is confident he will see God.
• Daniel 7:13, John 1:14 – Jesus is the Son of God.
• John 20:27-28 – Thomas’ faith became sight.
• Philippians 3:12-14 – Keep moving forward.

A Hymn to Encourage: “Look, Ye Saints, the Sight Is Glorious”

Look, ye saints! The sight is glorious:
See the Man of Sorrows now;
From the fight returned victorious,
Every knee to Him shall bow;
Crown Him, crown Him,
Crowns become the Victor’s brow.

Crown the Savior! Angels, crown Him;
Rich the trophies Jesus brings;
In the seat of power enthrone Him,
While the vault of heaven rings;
Crown Him, crown Him,
Crown the Savior King of kings.

Sinners in derision scorned Him,
Mocking thus the Savior’s claim;
Saints and angels crowd around Him,
Own His title, praise His name;
Crown Him, crown Him,
Spread abroad the Victor’s fame.

Hark, those bursts of acclamation!
Hark, those loud triumphant chords!
Jesus takes the highest station;
O what joy the sight affords!
Crown Him, crown Him,
King of kings and Lord of lords!