Definition: But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this famous verse from John 5:47. It's a really important and thought-provoking statement about faith and belief. Here’s a simple explanation: The Core of the Verse: “But if you do not believe what I have told you, how shall you believe anything?” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “John 5…” : This refers to the Gospel of John in the Bible. It's a significant part of Jesus’ teachings and is often considered one of the most important passages. “…5:47” : This is the verse itself, which is a very direct question. “But if you do not believe his writings…” : This means if you don't accept what Jesus has taught – about God, about salvation, about our purpose in life – then you won’t believe anything he says. It’s saying that your understanding of truth is limited by your lack of belief. “how shall you believe my words?” : This is the crucial part. It's asking: “How can you trust what I’m telling you, if you don’t accept my message?” What it Means – A Deeper Look: This verse highlights a few key ideas: Jesus is Superior: Jesus believes he has the truth and his words are authoritative. He’s not just offering opinions; he's presenting a specific understanding of God and life. Faith Requires Acceptance: Belief isn't just about blindly agreeing with something. It requires a commitment to accepting what is being said. If you don’t believe, there's no basis for trusting his message further. The Importance of Scripture: The verse emphasizes that the Bible (and all scripture) is essential for faith – it's the source of truth and guidance. It’s not enough to simply read the Bible; you must believe it. Symbolically - It's about trust. Some interpret this verse as a challenge to our own skepticism. Jesus is saying, "I offer truth, but if you don't accept my words, then you're rejecting the very foundation of your faith.” In short: This verse emphasizes that true belief isn’t just about intellectual agreement; it’s about trusting and accepting what God reveals through his written word. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps explore a related concept like the idea of "faith" itself? For example, I could: Discuss different interpretations of faith. Explain the role of Scripture in Christian belief.