What does it mean to "believe" Jesus was sent by God? Jesus’ Own Words on the Matter “For I have given them the words You gave Me, and they have received them; they knew with certainty that I came from You, and they believed that You sent Me.” What “Believe” Means Here • More than mental agreement—embracing Jesus’ origin, authority, and message as absolute truth. • Personal trust: committing oneself to Him because He speaks and acts for the Father. • Ongoing posture, not a one-time nod; a settled conviction that shapes daily life. Recognizing the Divine Mission • Sent, not self-appointed—He carries heaven’s seal of approval (John 5:36-38). • Perfectly represents the Father’s character (John 14:9) and speaks the Father’s words (John 12:49-50). • Fulfills prophetic expectations (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18-21). • His miracles, teaching, death, and resurrection all authenticate the sending (Acts 2:22-24). Why This Belief Matters • Salvation hinges on it—“Whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life” (John 5:24). • It reorients identity: no longer merely creation of God, but child of God (John 1:12). • It grounds obedience; if He comes from God, His commands carry divine weight (John 15:10). • It fuels mission—those who truly believe become witnesses so “the world may believe that You sent Me” (John 17:21). • It anchors hope; the One sent from God promises to return for His own (John 14:2-3). Living Out This Conviction • Receive His words daily—Scripture reading and obedience show we treat His message as God’s (James 1:22). • Rely on His sufficiency—trust His finished work instead of self-effort (John 19:30; Hebrews 10:14). • Reflect His character—love, truth, and holiness display allegiance to the Sender (Ephesians 5:1-2). • Rest in His authority when facing opposition, knowing heaven backs the One it sent (Matthew 28:18-20). Supporting Scriptures • John 6:29 – “This is the work of God: that you believe in the One He has sent.” • John 3:34 – “For the One whom God has sent speaks the words of God.” • 1 John 4:14 – “We have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world.” • Hebrews 1:1-2 – “In these last days He has spoken to us by His Son… through whom He made the universe.” Believing Jesus was sent by God, then, is wholehearted confidence that He is heaven’s authorized, perfect representative—embracing Him, depending on Him, and living under His lordship every day. |
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