Most of us are pretty good at stating what we believe: “I believe in the two-party system,” or “I believe in 8 hours sleep each night.” Fine to hold such convictions, and equally fine to order one’s life around such principles.
But when I tell someone that I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I am dealing in a bigger reality than any conviction that structures my life. Believing in Jesus is more dynamic and far more life-changing than trusting in the circuit theory of electricity.
Let’s start with what the Bible says about believing, and what that belief requires.
In John 1:12, the Apostle John writes, “But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” To believe (translated from the Greek word “pisteo”) meant more than just knowing, and more than simply adhering to Jesus’ name and teachings. The New Testament notion of believing incorporates following, obeying, and even swearing allegiance to Jesus. It connotes a deep and ongoing commitment to Jesus’ life, teachings, actions, sacrifice, resurrection and second coming.
In John chapter 3, Jesus speaks directly with the Pharisee Nicodemus about what it takes to enter the kingdom of God. Here, Jesus brings belie ...
