Previously, we discussed the topic of hope. In this discussion, we will focus on belief as we submit to the Holy Spirit to teach us from scriptures.
What is “believing” or “belief”?
It is accepting that a situation exists or is real and not an illusion. This is usually based on factual knowledge either through personal encounter or through the testimonies of others. Genesis 15: 6 says and he (Abram) believed the LORD, and the LORD reckoned it to him as righteousness. Abram’s belief was based on what he had heard from God.
We read from Exodus 4: 5 so that they may believe that the LORD, the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you. This verse lays the foundation of belief on an encounter with God. We further read in Numbers 14: 11… and how long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the signs that I have done among them? The verse affirms that belief comes from factual knowledge of an encounter manifesting in signs or wonders.
We read from Hebrews 11: 6 that… for whoever would approach him (God) must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. This confirms that belief comes from the knowledge that a fact exists or a fact is true and in this instance, God exists and rewards those who search for him. Belief is therefore founded on provable facts about God.
Why do we believe or why belief?
We believe because of the factual nature of our foundation. We read from 2 Chronicles 20: 20… believe in the LORD your God and you will be established; believe his prophets. Our belief in God honours him and by that he sees to our welfare. God rewarded Abram (Abraham) and continues to reward those who believe in him. Belief is not merely accepting that a state of affair exists but living in God’s purity.
We believe to prove God’s capacity. Jesus said in Mark 5: 36 do not fear, only believe. Fear defeats belief whilst belief overcomes fear. Belief is the basis of faith because it recognizes God’s word as true hence we believe to build our faith. Jesus said in Mark 9: 23-24… All things can be done for the one who believes. Immediately the father of the child cried out, I believe; help my unbelief. The child’s father believed in Jesus’s capacity and therefore the child got healed.
Again Jesus illustrated belief as the foundation of faith when he said in Mark 11: 23-24… if you do not doubt in your heart, but believe that what you say will come to pass, it will be done for you. Believing produces the fruits of faith in that belief does not doubt the obvious. Strong belief is the soil that enables faith to thrive in our hearts. What then is the character of believing in Jesus?
It is born from what we see and hear
The Pharisees said in Mark 15: 32 let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe. In Mark 16: 11-14 the people did not believe Jesus was alive because they had not seen him. Jesus said in John 1: 50 do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? In John 2: 22 the disciples believed the scripture and the word Jesus had spoken because they knew who he was.
In John 11: 45 many of the Jews who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did believed in him. Jesus tried to draw a parallel between worldly belief which is based on sight and divine belief which is based on what scripture says, hence our knowledge of God. Jesus said in John 3: 12 if I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?
It is the basis for our salvation
We read from Mark 16: 16 the one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned. (Read also Acts 16: 31; Romans 10: 9). Jesus said in Luke 8: 50 do not fear. Only believe, and she will be saved. From Jesus’ statement, it sounds convincing to say that when fear overcomes our belief, it obstructs our chance of receiving salvation and healing.
Scripture affirms the fact that belief in Christ Jesus produces salvation. It is written in John 1: 12 but to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God. John went further to state in John 3: 14B-16… so must the Son of Man (Jesus) be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
What does believing in God do?
It makes us God’s true disciples, John 8: 31; 10: 26. It enables us to see God’s glory, John 11: 4. It opens us up to receive God’s blessings, John 20: 29. God counts us as righteous, Romans 4: 3; Galatians 3: 6; James 2: 23. It justifies us in Christ Jesus, Romans 4: 24-25; 10: 10. It enables God’s word to work in us, 1 Thessalonians 2: 13-14.
Do we believe in God through Christ Jesus? All the aforesaid will elude us if we do not believe or believe wrongly. We must believe only in God through Jesus Christ and his word of life.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, we believe that you are the Messiah sent from heaven above to heal our sins. Help our unbelief so we may receive and live the fullness of life in righteousness, your peace. Heal our souls thou great physician of our souls in your holy name, Amen!!
