When Jesus told Thomas to conduct his empirical test He added
"And be ... believing ..."
"Then He said to thoas, bring your finger here and see My hands, and bring your hand and put it ineo My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing." (John 20:27)
Regardless of how much empirical verification a man has, it is finally up to his volition to
"be believing". This is a choice of the human will. This is the decision to accept the Person of Jesus.
" ... and do not be unbelieving, but believing"
Just by reading the passage we have no idea whether or not Thomas actually placed his hands into the wounds of the resurrected Jesus. We know Thomas was invited to perform what he vowed would be his only standard for authenticating what the others had said.
But we do know that Thomas finally gave in as to his will. He made the decision to
"be believing". He received Jesus personally as his God and his Lord.
Given all the empirical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus there is no garuantee that a man will aquiesce to Jesus as Lord. There are many who have just set their will to be and remain unbelieving.
If Jesus had had confidence that all that was needed was scientific proof He would have not added His charge -
" ... and do not be unbelieving, but believing".
™ Version 4.2
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