What It Is To Believe

It is our hope that one thing is clear, that salvation is not simply knowing but rather experiencing. We are not saved simply because we know the gospel or understand the way of salvation. We are saved when we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Salvation is received by faith. The Bible says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he that cometh to God, must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6.

But what is the meaning of faith? What is it to believe? First of all, God does not mean that we are saved by simply believing that there is a God. Nor does He mean that we should simply believe that His Word is true. These things are deeply rooted in the heart of every man. The person who says there is no God, must also reject the voice of his own conscience. But if we only believe that there is a God, we do not yet believe in the sense that the Bible uses that word. Faith is a word of the heart, and not one of the head. “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness.” Romans 10:10. And God says that we must believe, also defines for us what He means by that word. Listen!

“But as many as receive Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to those who believe on His name.” John 1:12. Those who receive Jesus as their Savior, are said to believe on His name.

“Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth.” 1 Peter 1:22. This verse says that to believe is to receive the Word of God joyfully and obey it.

“I tell you, No, but except you repent, you shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:5. This verse says that we must repent. If not, we will perish. But don’t misunderstand. To truly believe simply means that we turn from sin to Christ. Repent means to turn from. Repentance and faith go hand in hand.

“That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9, 10. Here it is stated that the person who truly believes will open his mouth and confess Jesus before all men.

Now, this is what it means to believe. To believe is to be sure that the Word of God is true, to receive it into our hearts and to obey it. Because we receive it, we turn from sin and come to the Lord Jesus, and receive Him as our Savior. Then we confess Him to our family, friends and acquaintances, and, if God wills, to the ends of the earth.

This is saving faith. And God’s Word says, “Whosoever believes (according to the meaning given in God’s Word) hath everlasting life.” John 3:36.

John E. Capron – Guest Blogger

HOW TO OBTAIN SALVATION

We have already explained that salvation means deliverance from sin and a useless life. One question remains. How can I obtain this eternal salvation? Below are listed the necessary steps to receive salvation. We trust that they are clear. Read them carefully, dear reader. Then receive God’s Word into your heart.

You need to be saved. You need to be saved because you are a sinner. It is essential that you realize this, because before you realize that you are a sinner, you won’t desire salvation. If a person is sick and goes to a doctor, the first thing the doctor does after examining him, is to point out the trouble. The sick person then realizes his need. Then the doctor prescribes the medicine. This is the way God works too. Before He can give His salvation to you, God must convince you of your sin, that sickness of soul which is your real trouble. It is sin which threatens you with eternal death. Read carefully God’s declaration below. In the word “all”, you too are included.

“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23.

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way.” Isaiah 53:6.

“There is none righteous, no, not one.” Romans 3:10.

You cannot save yourself. This is the hardest thing for us to receive. Adam and Eve made loin cloths from fig leaves to cover the results of their sin. It has always been man’s way to try to save himself. But you must realize that there is nothing you can do. You cannot save yourself. God’s Word says:

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy, He saved us.” Titus 3:5.

Jesus has already prepared salvation for you. This is the good news of the gospel. The Bible says:

“While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

“Who His own self bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24.

The way to receive salvation is by faith.

“But as many as received Him (Jesus), to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” John 1:12.

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said: ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved.’” Acts 16:30 & 31.

Dear reader, will you not just now receive Him?

John E. Capron – Guest Blogger