What does believing in Jesus, as stated in John 12:44, require from us? Belief That Links Us to the Father Jesus declares, “Whoever believes in Me does not believe in Me alone, but in the One who sent Me” (John 12:44). Believing in Jesus is inseparable from believing in the Father who sent Him. Genuine faith therefore demands: • Acknowledging Jesus as the exact revelation of God (John 1:18; Colossians 1:15). • Accepting that the Father’s character, will, and redemptive purpose are perfectly embodied in the Son (John 5:19-23). Embracing Saving Faith Rather Than Mere Agreement Biblical belief is more than intellectual assent. • Trusting the Person: placing confident reliance on Christ’s finished work (John 3:36). • Receiving the Gift: “It is by grace you have been saved through faith… not by works” (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Crossing from death to life (John 5:24). Responding With Heartfelt Allegiance Faith produces a public, life-shaping allegiance. • Confessing Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10). • Renouncing self-rule and taking up the cross daily (Mark 8:34). • Staying unashamed even when costly (John 12:42-43 contrasts secret faith with open allegiance). Walking in the Light Belief brings us out of darkness into Christ’s light. • “Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness” (John 8:12). • Practicing truth and rejecting deeds of darkness (Ephesians 5:8-11). Obedience as the Fruit of Faith True belief yields obedience, never lawless license. • “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). • Faith without works is dead (James 2:17). • Good works prepared in advance are the believer’s new way of life (Ephesians 2:10). Reliance on God’s Word Because Scripture is wholly trustworthy, we stake everything on its promises and warnings. • Assurance: “Whoever has the Son has life” (1 John 5:12). • Warning: “Whoever rejects the Son will not see life” (John 3:36). Ongoing Relationship, Not One-Time Event Belief is continuous, growing, and relational. • Abiding in Christ’s words (John 8:31). • Persevering in faith to the end (Hebrews 10:39). Summary Points on What Believing in Jesus Requires • Recognize Jesus as God’s perfect representative and receive the Father through Him. • Place personal trust in Christ’s atoning death and resurrection for salvation. • Publicly confess and follow Him, even when costly. • Walk in His light, rejecting sin and darkness. • Obey His commands as evidence that faith is alive. • Rely on Scripture as infallible truth and grow in a lifelong relationship with the Lord. |
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