Even To Them That Believe On Jesus' Name

John 1:12-13, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”

I recently explained to someone what the Bible means in John 1:12b, "even to them that believe on his name." Since we cannot see, hear or sense Jesus with our physical senses, we have no choice but to just believe ON HIS NAME. God understands this. It is perfectly fine to put your trust in the "name" of Jesus for salvation, believing that He died for your sins on the cross, was buried and then bodily resurrected from the dead three days later.

The inspired Holy Bible openly acknowledges that we cannot see God. The world was given a glimpse of God when Jesus walked this earth 2,000 years ago in Palestine. We are saved by placing our childlike faith in the only begotten Son of God...

1st Peter 1:7-9, "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls."

I'm sure you've heard of doubting Thomas in the Bible. When Jesus raised up from the dead, He appeared to all the apostles, but Thomas was not present at that time. When Thomas arrived later He was grieved and upset that he had missed the Savior. I can only imagine how left out Thomas felt. Thomas was emotionally hurt...

John 20:25, “The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he [Thomas] said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

Eight days later Jesus appeared again to the apostles, and this time Thomas was present...

John 20:26-29, “And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”

I love that last part of the verse. Thomas refused to believe Christ had risen from the dead unless He was able to physically see and touch the Savior. Ah, but we have the blessed opportunity today to believe in Christ's death on the cross, burial and bodily resurrection three days later without seeing Him, which requires greater faith. I am one of those in John 20:29b “that have not seen, and yet have believed.” I hope you are too friend.

Hebrews 11:27, “By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.” I love that. So often we hear unbelievers today challenging the existence of God, demanding proof (as did Thomas) before they will believe. Anyone with an honest heart knows that Jesus is the Savior of the world. Have you put your trust in Him dear friend? I did when I was 13 years old. My pastor was saved when he was just 7 years old. Pastor Steven Anderson trusted Jesus when he was 6 years old. Pastors' Jack Hyles and Curtis Hutson trusted Christ when they were 11 years old. Pastor Ralph Yankee Arnold was 18 years old when he trusted Jesus as his personal Savior.

In fact, 80% of Christians get saved at or under the age of 18. By the age of 70 your chances of ever getting saved decreases down to only 4%. Luke 18:17, “Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.” This verse simply means that you must humble yourself as a little child to admit that you cannot save yourself, and that you need Jesus to save you. Getting saved requires humility, which children naturally possess but adults don't. As we grow older we become proud.

Simply believe on Jesus' name dear reader, receiving His sacrifice on the cross as full payment for your sins, believing that He was buried but then resurrected physically three days later for your justification. Believe the 'GOOD NEWS' (Gospel) of Jesus Christ crucified, buried and risen, and you are saved.