Believing 

   “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” (John 3: 16) 

   What is belief?  In the case of Christ it means more than just believing that He existed, it also means believing what He taught and living accordingly.

   Many people say they believe in Jesus, but do they believe who and what He was?  Some claim He was a great teacher, others a prophet, and still others simply a good man.  If that is all one believes of our Lord they have missed the whole point of His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection.

   He was in fact a great teacher, a prophet, and certainly a good man.  But He was so much more.  He was and is the Son of God, the Messiah.  He is the only doorway through which we might enter heaven.  Without Jesus life is an exercise in frustration with no hope for the future.

   Believing in Him, honestly believing, means following His way.  He taught a new way of life, one of love and forgiveness.  He commanded a greater love of God and love and forgiveness for all mankind.

   The truths He taught are what will lead us to eternal life, but we must not only know His teachings but act on them.  Jesus said, “And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand.” (Matt 7: 16).

   Belief in Christ is not simply an acknowledgement that He existed, it is a way of life.  Just knowing the words of Jesus isn’t enough, we must act on them if we are to save our soul.

 

Lord, give me the wisdom to know and understand Your words.  Give me the strength to do what they ask of me.  Give me the perseverance to remain on the path You set before me.  Amen