NO ROOM FOR DOUBT

A narrative on John 6:32-40

THERE are two kinds of doubt. One is related to more basic beliefs: Is God really as they say he is? The other is more concerned with our standing before God: I’m not sure if he’ll have me.

The former was the kind which Thomas experienced (20:24-29), the latter is dealt with in this passage. There is nothing equivocal about Jesus’ assurances: Spiritual hunger and thirst are satisfied (v 35); all who trust God are never rejected by him (v 37); and, he will hold firmly those who trust him and include them in the final resurrection (vv 39,40).

Jesus does not say that eternal life is assured so long as we keep the rules. He says that it is assured come what may. This may seem to encourage “easy believism”, which treats faith in Christ’s death and resurrection as an insurance policy that has little bearing on daily life.

However, true believing (trusting, “feeding”) is a whole-person activity which results in personal growth and transformation. It cannot be undertaken without a commitment to the lifestyle which is the outworking of salvation in daily life. Someone who has truly encountered God can never be the same again – although they may be far from perfect.

The assurance here is especially for those who have grown weary in well-doing, or who are conscious of having failed (yet again) in the Christian life. Doubt added to tiredness or guilt is a recipe for spiritual depression, and Jesus offers an alternative: keep feeding on him, because he is always there to sustain us.