Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "believes" in the Bible is central to the Christian faith, encapsulating the essence of trust, faith, and reliance on God and His promises. The term is derived from the Greek word "pisteuō," which means to have faith in, to trust, or to be convinced of something or someone. In the biblical context, believing is not merely an intellectual assent but involves a deep, personal trust and commitment to God.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, belief is often associated with trust in God and His covenant promises. Abraham is a prime example of belief, as seen in Genesis 15:6: "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This verse highlights the foundational aspect of belief as trust in God's promises, which is counted as righteousness. The Hebrew word for believe, "aman," conveys a sense of firmness and stability, indicating a steadfast trust in God. New Testament Context The New Testament places a significant emphasis on belief as the means of receiving salvation through Jesus Christ. John 3:16 is perhaps the most well-known verse illustrating this: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." Here, belief is presented as the key to eternal life, emphasizing the necessity of faith in Jesus as the Son of God. In the Gospel of John, belief is a recurring theme, underscoring the importance of faith in Jesus' identity and mission. John 20:31 states, "But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name." This verse encapsulates the purpose of John's Gospel: to inspire belief in Jesus as the Messiah and the source of eternal life. The Apostle Paul also emphasizes belief as central to the Christian experience. In Romans 10:9-10, he writes, "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved." Here, belief is linked with confession and is essential for justification and salvation. Faith and Works While belief is foundational to salvation, the New Testament also addresses the relationship between faith and works. James 2:19-20 cautions, "You believe that God is one. Good for you! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. O foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is worthless?" This passage highlights that genuine belief is evidenced by actions, suggesting that true faith results in a transformed life. The Role of the Holy Spirit Belief is also associated with the work of the Holy Spirit, who enables and strengthens faith. In 1 Corinthians 12:3, Paul states, "Therefore I inform you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, 'Jesus be cursed,' and no one can say, 'Jesus is Lord,' except by the Holy Spirit." The Spirit plays a crucial role in bringing individuals to faith and sustaining their belief in Christ. Conclusion The biblical concept of belief encompasses trust, faith, and reliance on God and His promises, particularly as revealed in Jesus Christ. It is a dynamic and active faith that results in a transformed life, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Belief is not merely intellectual assent but involves a heartfelt commitment to God, leading to salvation and eternal life. Greek 4100. pisteuo -- to believe, entrust ... Word Origin from pistis Definition to believe, entrust NASB Word Usage believe (118), believed (73), believers (3), believes (29), believing (10), do (1 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4100.htm - 12k Strong's Hebrew 539. aman -- to confirm, support... root Definition to confirm, support NASB Word Usage believe (26), believed (11), believes (2), bringing (1), carried (1), chronic (1), confirmed (5), doorposts ... /hebrew/539.htm - 6k Library God, when one Believes in Him as You and I Do... God Justified, Though Man Believes Not Pelagius Believes that Infants have no Sin to be Remitted in ... That He who Believes Can Immediately Obtain (IE , Pardon and Peace ... Treats of the Sublime Favours God Bestows on Souls which have ... Moreover, the Promise of the Gospel is that Whosoever Believes in ... One Has Succeeded in Finding Definite Truth, when He Believes ... Xenophanes; his Scepticism; his Notions of God and Nature ... Of the Resurrection of the Flesh, which Some Refuse to Believe ... Of the Obstinacy of those Individuals who Impugn the Resurrection ... Thesaurus Believes (34 Occurrences)...Believes (34 Occurrences). Mark 9:23 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." (WEB WEY DBY NAS RSV NIV). ... /b/believes.htm - 15k Trusts (35 Occurrences) Ages (114 Occurrences) Only-begotten (5 Occurrences) Justified (46 Occurrences) Disappointed (69 Occurrences) Eternal (166 Occurrences) Believe (239 Occurrences) Doesn't (300 Occurrences) Zoology Resources What does John 3:16 mean? | GotQuestions.orgDoes Mark 16:16 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? | GotQuestions.org Is Jesus God's Son? How could Allah, being one, have a Son? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Believes (34 Occurrences)Mark 9:23 Mark 11:23 Mark 16:16 John 3:15 John 3:16 John 3:18 John 3:36 John 5:24 John 6:35 John 6:40 John 6:47 John 7:38 John 11:25 John 11:26 John 12:44 John 12:46 John 14:12 Acts 10:43 Acts 13:39 Romans 1:16 Romans 4:5 Romans 9:33 Romans 10:4 Romans 10:10 Romans 10:11 Romans 14:2 1 Corinthians 13:7 1 Timothy 5:16 1 Peter 2:6 1 John 5:1 1 John 5:5 1 John 5:10 Proverbs 14:15 Isaiah 28:16 Subtopics Related Terms |
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