Stop Doubting and Believe: Jesus Christ Is My Lord and My God

 Stop Doubting and Believe: Jesus Christ Is My Lord and My God

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba, Shimba Theological Institute

The words of Jesus to Thomas—“Stop doubting and believe” (John 20:27)—represent one of the most profound theological moments in Scripture. Thomas’ response, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28), is not simply a spontaneous exclamation; it is a doctrinal confession that affirms both the divinity and lordship of Jesus Christ. This statement crystallizes the Christian understanding of faith as the bridge between doubt and divine revelation. In that sacred encounter, human skepticism is met by divine manifestation, and belief emerges as the only appropriate response to the living Christ.

The Epistle of James complements this revelation by reminding believers that “Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:17). This verse affirms the unchanging generosity of God. Divine gifts—whether they manifest as grace, love, wisdom, or redemption—are enduring and perfect because they emanate from the immutable nature of God Himself. Unlike human gifts that lose value or expire when neglected, the gifts of God retain their transformative power across all time and circumstances.

In theological reflection, this reveals the contrast between temporal human generosity and the eternal benevolence of the Creator. Earthly tokens—such as gift certificates left unused in a drawer—fade with time, bound by human limitation and expiration. God’s gifts, however, are perpetual. They never expire because they originate from His divine essence, which is constant, faithful, and unchanging. His grace, once offered, remains available to all who turn toward Him in faith.

Faith, therefore, becomes the key that unlocks the enduring gifts of divine grace. When the believer ceases to doubt and embraces belief, he or she enters the realm of divine constancy—where God’s perfect gifts flow freely, restoring the human soul and aligning it with eternal truth.

Reflection:
Every act of faith is an act of reception. When we choose to believe, we open our hearts to the unending gifts of God—gifts that never expire, because they are sustained by His eternal love and light.

References

• The Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

• John 20:27–28; James 1:17.

• Augustine, Confessions, Book X.

• Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, I-II, Q. 112: On Grace.

• Calvin, John. Commentaries on the Catholic Epistles.