Do You Believe That, or Believe In?

Sometimes we might call ourselves Christians, but are we, in the true sense of the word?

Do we consider ourselves Christians because of the traditions that we were taught?  Or assume that we qualify because we assent intellectually to the facts?  Do we think that we are heaven bound because we go to church and live good, moral lives?  All are good, but let’s take a closer look:

There is a difference between believing that and believing in.

Believing that:

Jesus is a historical fact   
Jesus was a great man; a wise man  
Jesus had a following and was crucified
(Hardly anyone would dispute these truths.)

Believing “that”, doesn’t give us eternal life in heaven.  However, believing “in” Jesus does.     

Believing in:

Jesus the Son of God, and although our human minds may not fully understand, Jesus is God
Jesus’ death on the cross as complete payment of our sin debt, thereby removing the barrier between us and God
Jesus’ resurrection on the third day and trusting that through faith in Him, we have eternal life (faith meaning that we believe what He tells us in His Word and that He will do just what He says He will do.  He will keep His promises because God is NOT a liar.)

Those that believe in have made a deliberate decision to trust the Lord and follow His ways.  

Only those that believe in, are in the true sense of the word, Christians.  Will you choose to belong to Jesus and secure your future, today?

Need help?  Follow this scripture roadmap to salvation:

”For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

Sin separates us from God.  But God made a way to Him by sending His Son Jesus, who took the punishment for our sins, because He loves us so.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3

The only way to have forgiveness is through God’s only begotten Son, Jesus.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

God proved Jesus is His Son and that He accepted His death on the cross as the way for us to have eternal life by raising Him from the dead on the third day.

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”  Romans 10:9-10

Jesus invites us, but He also warns us:

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not on the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. John 3:36

So we see in the verse above how important this decision is.  Once we make the decision to believe in Him, we must also choose to allow Him to be Lord of of our lives.  It doesn’t mean that we will live perfect lives, but that we will sit in the backseat, so to speak, and let Him do the driving.     

“And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.”  2 Corinthians 5:15

So what will you choose today? 

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock:  if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”   Revelation 3:20

By believing Jesus as our Savior, turning away from our sins, and making Him Lord of our lives, we can truly call ourselves Christians – true followers of Christ.  Will you pray a simple prayer and open the door of your heart to Jesus by asking Him to save you?  

It’s as simple as A B C – Admit you are a sinner
                                  Believe in Jesus as your Savior
                                  Commit your life to Him     

Need more help to understand the saving power of Jesus? Click the key on the sidebar.