"Doubting Thomas"

I was doing some research on the patriarchs of our faith and ran across the following information regarding the death of the apostle we refer to as “Doubting Thomas”. It is believed that Thomas was thrust through with pine spears, tormented with red-hot plates, and burned alive because of his faith! He refused to deny Christ and, as a result, this is how he was martyred.

Why in the world do we still refer to this warrior of the faith as “Doubting Thomas”?!?!? Yes, he wanted proof that Christ had risen...we all know the scripture:

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” John 20:24-28

Thomas saw, and believed! Christ was compassionate enough to give Thomas this beautiful opportunity and Thomas went on to be a relentless believer!

How about you? Do you have a “shady” past that people love to bring up? Maybe you were a gang member, a prostitute, a drug dealer, an abusive spouse???? But the Lord got a hold of you and now you’ve turned your life over to Christ. Now you are a faithful Christ-follower. He has redeemed you. He has died for your sins…past, present, and future. HALLELUJAH! Someone wise once said that “the ground is level at the foot of the cross”, meaning that all sins are equally evil and we deserve to die for them. But mercifully, on that cross our Precious Savior Jesus gave His life in our place. This means that regardless of our past, if we have accepted Jesus as our Savior, we are forgiven and..

There is, therefore, now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)

Further…

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

You are new. You are not the old labels that people have stuck you with. You are a new creation! Believe what the Lord says about you and reject any message that is contrary to His word! He loves you and He is so delighted that you have accepted Him and…

…as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12)

REJOICE! And be free in Him.