"But he ['Abraham'] said to him [the 'rich man'], 'If they do not hear
Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.' "
Since faith is sovereignly given to sinners through Hearing the gospel preached (Rom. 10:17), and not through Seeing miracles performed--we should not be surprised to see this principle taught here (above) by our Lord Jesus.
Sometimes well-meaning and sincere Christians mistakenly think that sinners will be converted by *seeing* various spectacular religious marvels (like even one rising from the dead). But this is not the case at all. Instead, God would have His church faithfully preach the Good News. Through this message, the Holy Spirit will convert those whom God chooses to redeem.
[Puritan quote of the day: "If we once get the victory over ourselves, all other things are conquered to our ease." --Richard Sibbes, in, "The Soul's Conflict with Itself"]
