Many people approach faith with a mindset that demands evidence. They seek logical explanations, historical proof, and tangible signs before they are willing to believe in Christ. Others, however, come to faith by seeking Christ Himself—a relationship rather than mere validation. This raises a crucial question:
Are we seeking proof, or are we seeking Christ? The difference between the two approaches can shape our faith journey in ways we may not realize.
In Words in Red: Evidence for the Prosecution, the protagonist, Simon Ish Kerioth, sets out to investigate Jesus, intending to gather evidence against Him.
However, as he listens to Christ’s words and witnesses His actions, he is confronted with a deeper reality—one that challenges his assumptions and forces him to reconsider his understanding of truth. Like Simon, many of us begin our journey with skepticism, but true transformation happens when we move from seeking mere proof to seeking Christ Himself.
Proof vs. Faith: Understanding the Distinction
The Bible encourages believers to seek wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 4:7), but it also teaches that faith goes beyond intellectual reasoning. Hebrews 11:1 states, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” While evidence can support faith, it is not the foundation of faith—Christ is.
Seeking proof alone can lead to endless questioning.
Many skeptics have searched for absolute, undeniable proof of God’s existence and Christ’s divinity, only to find that faith is not built on scientific formulas or courtroom evidence. Jesus Himself addressed this in John 20:29 when He told Thomas, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
This doesn’t mean that seeking understanding is wrong, but it highlights the difference between needing constant proof versus trusting in Christ through faith.
Biblical Examples: Proof Seekers vs. Christ Seekers
1. The Pharisees – Seeking Proof, Missing the Truth
The Pharisees demanded signs from Jesus (Matthew 12:38-39), yet their hearts remained hardened. Even when they witnessed miracles, they refused to believe because they weren’t truly seeking Christ—they were seeking ways to discredit Him. Their pursuit of proof was not rooted in a genuine desire for truth but in a desire to affirm their own preconceived notions.
2. Doubting Thomas – Proof That Led to Faith
Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples, famously doubted Christ’s resurrection until he could see and touch the wounds himself (John 20:24-29). When Jesus appeared to him, Thomas responded in faith, saying, “My Lord and my God!” Thomas’s initial doubt shows the human desire for tangible proof, but his ultimate transformation happened when he encountered Christ personally.
3. The Woman at the Well – Seeking Christ, Finding Life
In contrast, the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-26) didn’t demand proof; she listened to Jesus, engaged in conversation, and recognized the truth in His words. Her heart was open, and through that openness, she found the Messiah. She sought living water—something deeper than just intellectual validation—and her life was changed.
The Problem with Always Seeking Proof
- An Endless Cycle of Doubt: No amount of evidence will ever be enough if the heart is not open to belief. The demand for constant proof can lead to skepticism rather than faith.
- Emotional and Spiritual Distance: Faith is not just intellectual; it is relational. Seeking only proof keeps us at a distance from Christ, whereas seeking Him draws us closer.
- Missing the Presence of God: Miracles and signs can confirm faith, but they are not a substitute for a personal relationship with Jesus.
Seeking Christ: A Transformational Approach
Instead of demanding proof, seeking Christ means:
- Developing a Relationship with Him: Christianity is about knowing Jesus personally, not just knowing about Him. Through prayer, Scripture, and worship, we come to experience His presence and guidance.
- Trusting in His Word: Jesus’ words, the “Words in Red” in many Bibles, carry life-changing truth. When we read Scripture with an open heart, we allow God to speak directly to us.
- Walking in Faith, Not Just Sight: 2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds us that “We walk by faith, not by sight.” This means trusting God even when we don’t have all the answers.
- Being Open to His Revelation: Jesus often reveals Himself in ways we don’t expect—through circumstances, people, and the Holy Spirit’s quiet whispers.
How to Move from Seeking Proof to Seeking Christ
1. Pray with an Open Heart
If you struggle with doubt, bring it to God. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you in a personal way. Jeremiah 29:13 promises, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
2. Read Scripture with Faith
Rather than approaching the Bible like a history book that must be proven, read it as God’s living Word. Let it challenge, encourage, and shape your faith.
3. Surround Yourself with Believers
Faith grows in the community. Engage with people who seek Christ passionately and let their faith inspire you.
4. Take a Step of Faith
Sometimes, belief follows action. Just like Peter had to step out of the boat to walk on water (Matthew 14:29), we must sometimes step into faith before we fully understand.
Conclusion: The Difference That Changes Everything
The way we approach Christ determines the depth of our faith. If we spend our lives seeking proof, we may always find reasons to doubt. But if we seek Christ—if we desire to know Him personally—our faith will be built on a firm foundation.
Simon Ish Kerioth, in Words in Red, began as a skeptic, but his encounter with Jesus changed him. Likewise, our own transformation happens when we stop searching for mere evidence and start seeking Christ Himself.
So, are you seeking proof, or are you seeking Christ? The answer to that question can change everything.