We're continuing to read through the Gospel of John. Today's reading is John 3:1-21.
-----
What does it mean to "believe in Jesus"? This is a valid question, since the answer determines whether one experiences eternal life or not.
The word "believe" occurs 243 times in the New Testament. John uses the verb form 100 times in his Gospel. This is a significant verb for John, and it is the reason for his writing (Jn. 20:31).
To "believe in Jesus" is to have confidence in Him, enough confidence that you put all your trust in Him. This believing involves committal, a full surrender, a no-holds-barred trusting. To "believe in Jesus" is to rely upon Him alone for eternal life.
Believing cannot be separated from receiving (Jn. 1:12). You can't believe in someone you don't receive. To "receive Jesus" means you welcome Him, acknowledge Him, accept Him, and take Him for yourself.
To "believe in Jesus" is to accept Him as revealed, not as you'd prefer Him. To "believe in Jesus" begins with agreeing that the Bible is one hundred percent accurate about Him. Believing continues as you conform to what that revelation requires. It is "whoever believes" (and continues to believe) "in Him" that "shall not perish." So you believed at one time. Do you still believe?
In context (Jn. 3:17-21), to "believe" means to love the light and live in it; it means to love the truth and live by it. Jesus is that Light (Jn. 1:4-5, 8; 8:12) and He is that Truth (Jn. 14:6).
To "believe in Jesus" is more than mental assent to information and more than fire insurance from Hell.
No comments:
Post a Comment