Topical Bible: Faith: Faith in Christ: John the Disciple

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John, the son of Zebedee and brother of James, is one of the most prominent figures in the New Testament, known for his close relationship with Jesus Christ. As one of the twelve apostles, John is often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 13:23), highlighting the special bond he shared with the Savior. His faith in Christ is evident throughout the Gospel of John, the three epistles bearing his name, and the Book of Revelation.

The Call and Early Faith

John's journey of faith began when he was called by Jesus while mending nets with his brother James (Matthew 4:21-22). Leaving their father and their livelihood, they immediately followed Jesus, demonstrating a profound trust and commitment to His mission. This act of leaving everything behind is a testament to John's early faith and willingness to embrace the unknown for the sake of Christ.

Witness to Miracles and Teachings

John's faith was nurtured through his firsthand experiences of Jesus' miracles and teachings. As part of Jesus' inner circle, along with Peter and James, John witnessed significant events such as the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-2) and the raising of Jairus' daughter (Mark 5:37-42). These experiences reinforced his belief in Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God.

In the Gospel of John, he records numerous signs and teachings of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of belief in Christ for eternal life. John 20:31 states, "But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name." This verse encapsulates John's purpose in writing his Gospel: to inspire faith in Jesus as the source of eternal life.

Faith at the Crucifixion and Resurrection

John's faith was tested and strengthened during the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Unlike most of the other disciples who fled, John remained at the foot of the cross, where Jesus entrusted him with the care of His mother, Mary (John 19:26-27). This act of faithfulness and responsibility highlights John's deep devotion and trust in Jesus' words.

After the resurrection, John was among the first to believe in the risen Christ. When Mary Magdalene reported the empty tomb, John and Peter ran to see for themselves. Upon entering the tomb and seeing the linen cloths, John "saw and believed" (John 20:8). His immediate belief in the resurrection underscores his unwavering faith in Jesus' promises.

Faith in the Early Church

John's faith continued to be a cornerstone of his life as he became a leader in the early church. His epistles emphasize love, truth, and obedience as expressions of genuine faith in Christ. In 1 John 5:4-5 , he writes, "For everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith. Who then overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."

In the Book of Revelation, John receives visions of the end times, further affirming his faith in Christ's ultimate victory and the fulfillment of God's promises. His writings encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith, looking forward to the return of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

John the Disciple's life and writings provide a profound example of faith in Christ, characterized by love, obedience, and a deep understanding of Jesus' divine nature and mission. His legacy continues to inspire believers to cultivate a personal and transformative faith in the Savior.

Nave's Topical Index

John 20:8
Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulcher, and he saw, and believed.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

John at ??non.
... he had the Spirit without measure, and in him dwelt the "fulness of the Godhead."
(John 3:36 ... Eternal life and death turn on the question of faith in Christ. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/john at aenon.htm

Whether the Articles of Faith have Increased in Course of Time?
... Gal.4:4). Hence those who were nearest to Christ, wherefore before, like John the
Baptist, or ... had a fuller knowledge of the mysteries of faith; for even ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the articles of faith.htm

The Scotch Confession of Faith. AD 1560.
... of four articles: 1, of God the Father; 2, of Jesus Christ; 3, of ... of remark that
in these holy mysteries of our faith this Confession ... John Cumming, London, 1840 ...
/.../ 89 the scotch confession.htm

John Chapter xvii. 20
... He was born of the Virgin; [1749] of their son John, His forerunner ... in the Church,
others, through their word, attained the proper faith in Christ, or, in ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate cix john chapter xvii.htm

Faith
... Faith does not lie in the heart, as a stone in the earth, but as seed ... Joseph of
Arimathaea was a disciple of Christ, but was afraid to confess him ... John 19:38. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 1 faith.htm

The Necessity of Faith for Justification
... 12, 1 John 9 sq., and by the decisions of several councils.(799) There ... probable opinion
is that even under the New Covenant, explicit faith in Christ, and a ...
/.../pohle/grace actual and habitual/section 1 the necessity of 2.htm

Three Aspects of Faith
... we press towards, by faith we shall be in, Christ. Faith is at once motion and rest,
search and finding ... its meaning, we see how natural is John's preference for ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/three aspects of faith.htm

The Doctrine of Christ.
... But how blessed to faith to see in the first Epistle of John the doctrine of Christ
revealed and ... In the Gospel of John the beloved disciple writes by the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/the doctrine of christ.htm

Triumph of Faith.
... John, the 4th chapter, beginning at the 46th verse: "So Jesus came again ... That was
triumphant faith. He took up his position as a believer in Christ; and his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the masters indwelling/xi triumph of faith.htm

The Doubting Soul More Particularly Assisted in Its Inquiries as ...
... According to thy peculiar office, take of Christ and show it unto me. (John 16:15 ...
Show me his willingness to exert that power I teach my faith to behold him as ...
/.../chapter xiii the doubting soul.htm