After the resurrection when Jesus reinstates Peter, we encounter the way in which Peter doubts (John 21:15-19), which is different from that of Thomas. Peter doubts that he is worthy of being forgiven because he had denied Jesus. Seeing Jesus’ grace and mercy toward Peter encourages our faith in powerful ways.
Let’s take a quiz. Pick one. Doubt is (a) the worst sin imaginable, (b) a terrible weakness that derails people’s faith, (c) a great benefit and encouragement to our faith, or (d) an essential and necessary part of our faith. Here’s my advice: if you want to start an argument in a church, ask a question like that. If I had to guess, most of us would argue that doubt is a bad thing, a really bad thing. Want some proof? Would any of us want our kids to have serious doubts about their faith? I didn’t think so. Some of us, on the other hand, believe that doubt, when applied properly, can actually strengthen our faith. Want some proof? Look at the faith of Doubting Thomas! So, what is the correct answer to the quiz? That’s what we will be trying to resolve in our new series, “Doubting Thomas’ Faith.”
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