WHEN JESUS SAID "FAITH ALONE!"
Lu 8:49 While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, "Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher."
Lu 8:50 But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, "Do not be afraid; ONLY BELIEVE, and she will be made well."
That the Lord Jesus physically raised the dead here points to something greater. If He could do this in the physical realm then He could also do this in the spiritual realm.
What did He require in the physical resurrection of the little girl here? ONLY BELIEVE. The Old Testament prophesied that the Messiah would be a conqueror of death. That He would have the power to do it. And so, the father here was urged to "only believe" in Jesus. He will be given a demonstration of His Messiahhood as God promised Israel in the Old Testament.
What is true in the physical dimension is also true in the spiritual dimension. As sinners, we are all spiritually dead. What does He require from us to be made alive spiritually?
Writing to the Colossians who trusted in Christ, Paul said this:
Col 2:12 ... in which YOU ALSO WERE RAISED WITH HIM THROUGH FAITH in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
God is now offering to the Jews and non-Jews alike the promise of spiritual life. Only believe is His requirement! Faith alone in the crucified Christ alone is enough for one's salvation!
