Will You Believe Him?

“Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

Acts 1:11

When a jury listens to a witness give testimony in a criminal or civil trial, the witness’s character—his or her record of truth-telling—bears heavily on the jury’s decision. Does this witness have a history of telling the truth? Of living a life above reproach? Does the witness have anything to gain or lose by not telling the truth? If all indications point to honesty and integrity, the jury has no choice but to believe the witness’s words.

The same thought process applies to what Jesus Christ said about His own return to earth. Throughout three years of public ministry, there is no record of His saying anything that was not true, not demonstrable, or not believable. Indeed, “the truth” was a central part of His teachings (John 8:32; 14:6). So put yourself in the place of the jury concerning His testimony: “I will come again and receive you” (John 14:3). Considering His truth-telling reputation, do you believe His testimony? Your future—indeed, your eternal destiny—depends on whether you believe His words or not. Will you believe?

The truth of Scripture demolishes speculation.

R. C. SPROUL