“He who believes in Me has everlasting life” (John 6:47). “Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).
Believing on Jesus is a central and critical doctrine of the Bible—essential to a relationship with Him and all spiritual blessings that He provides! Believing is such a pivotal and thrilling part of knowing Christ that we sing about it often. “‘Almost persuaded’ now to believe.” “Come to Christ, on Him believe.” “Sinner, O won’t you believe it?” “I know whom I have believed.” “When at the Cross I believed.” “They who believe on His name shall rejoice.” “Freely bestowed on all who believe.”
But, what does it mean to believe in Jesus? More specifically, when we read in the Bible about “believing” and when we sing about “believing,” is it merely talking about a heartfelt, mental assent to the truthfulness of who Jesus is and what He did for us on the cross? Or, is it something else? Maybe even something more?
The Bible teaches, plainly and repeatedly, that truly “believing” as God expects and requires (and as that word is often used in the New Testament) is equivalent to obeying. Someone might read that statement and immediately object, “Believing is not the same as obeying. There are many people, in the Bible and today, who believe but do not obey.” That statement is true. But, we are talking about those who truly and acceptably believe, as God uses that word.
Scripture often uses the words “believe” and “obey” interchangeably, emphasizing God’s view of faith as an obedient faith. Highlight John 3:36 in your Bible. “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him” (NASB). Note carefully that “eternal life” is for one who “believes” but “not” for one who does not “obey.” The words, in God’s dictionary, mean the same thing. In your margin next to John 3:36, write Hebrews 3:18-19. “And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief.” Again, the words are synonymous.
In the margin next to John 3:16, you might write these two references above, and add Hebrews 5:9. John 3:16 says, “Whoever believes…should…have everlasting life.” Hebrews 5:9 teaches, “He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” Eternal salvation is for those who have an obedient faith. Believing, as God defines it, includes obeying.
When we read or sing about “believing,” let’s make sure that we understand that as God understands it.