How does believing in Jesus fulfill God's work according to John 6:29? The crowd’s anxious question John 6:28 describes the people asking Jesus, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” They assumed God expected a checklist of religious deeds—rules to keep, rituals to complete, merits to earn. Jesus’ unexpected reply John 6:29: “Jesus replied, ‘This is the work of God: to believe in the One He has sent.’” • Single focus—“the work,” not “works.” • God’s primary requirement is faith in His sent One, not human effort. • The verb “believe” (pisteuō) carries the ideas of trusting, relying, resting. Why faith fulfills God’s work • Faith receives, rather than achieves—Ephesians 2:8-9. • God sent His Son as the sole means of life—John 3:16-18; 1 John 5:11-12. • Belief honors God’s testimony about His Son—1 John 5:9-10. • From Genesis onward, God counts faith as righteousness—Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3. • Without faith it is impossible to please Him—Hebrews 11:6. Believing in Jesus therefore accomplishes exactly what God desires: embracing His redemptive gift. What believing in Jesus looks like • Acknowledging His true identity—John 6:35, “I am the bread of life.” • Relying on His finished work—John 19:30. • Submitting to His authority—John 5:24. • Abiding daily—John 15:4-5. • Persevering, not a one-time nod—Colossians 2:6-7. Fruit that flows from genuine faith • Inner transformation—2 Corinthians 5:17. • Obedient living—Ephesians 2:10; James 2:17-18 (works as fruit, not root). • Assurance of eternal life—John 6:47; 1 John 5:13. • Joyful proclamation—Acts 16:30-31. Living it out today • Trade self-reliance for Christ-reliance. • Measure spiritual life not by performance, but by ongoing trust in Jesus’ person and work. • Let every act of service spring from gratitude, never from an attempt to earn standing with God. |
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