Link Luke 16:31 & John 5:46-47 on belief?
How does Luke 16:31 connect with John 5:46-47 about belief in Scripture?

The words of Luke 16:31

“ ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’ ”


The words of John 5:46-47

“ ‘If you had believed Moses, you would believe Me, because he wrote about Me. But since you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?’ ”


Shared thread: trust in the written Word

• Both passages hinge on “Moses and the prophets,” shorthand for the entire Old Testament witness.

• Jesus (John 5) and Abraham in the parable (Luke 16) treat those writings as the decisive, God-given authority.

• Refusal to believe Scripture creates a settled hardness that even the greatest miracle—the resurrection—will not overcome.


Scripture first, signs second

1. God gave written revelation before miraculous confirmation (Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 31:24-26).

2. Luke 16:31 declares that a spectacular sign cannot convince hearts already closed to Scripture.

3. John 5:46-47 shows the same order: believe Moses (written Word), then recognize Christ (living Word).


Why unbelief persists despite miracles

• Miracles appeal to the senses; Scripture addresses the heart and mind (Romans 10:17).

• Hardness toward Moses’ writings signals a deeper resistance to God Himself (Hebrews 3:7-12).

• Therefore, rejecting the written Word naturally leads to rejecting the incarnate Word, even when He rises from the dead (Acts 13:27-30).


Affirmations we draw

• The Old Testament is a clear, authoritative testimony about Christ (Luke 24:27, 44).

• Saving faith rests on God’s Word, not on dramatic experiences (2 Peter 1:19).

• Evangelism centers on opening Scripture, trusting the Spirit to illuminate hearts (2 Timothy 3:15-17).


Living out this connection

• Prioritize regular, expectant reading of both Testaments, listening for Christ throughout.

• Anchor assurance in the reliability of Scripture rather than subjective experiences.

• When sharing the gospel, open the Bible first; miracles—past or present—confirm but never replace that foundation.

Why might people reject the message of 'Moses and the Prophets'?
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