“For this is how God loved the
world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will
not perish but have eternal life.” John
3:16 NLT
In looking at this all too familiar
verse of scripture, let us dissect one of the most important words in all
Christendom. The word is belief or to believe. Many verses of
scripture say that if we simply believe in God we will be saved. As we delve a little deeper into the word we
find out that may not necessarily be true.
In the Hebrew the word for belief or
believe is emunah. This means to securely trust or rely upon.
It is not a casual belief, as some would assert. To simply believe
makes it easy for anyone to declare that they are a Christian. They minimize the importance of the word so much
so that accepting God’s existence seems enough for them. The belief the Bible is referring to is the
type of belief that tightly embraces not only the person of God, but also all
that He stands for and proposes throughout scripture. This type of belief means a total selling out
of ones self to a higher standard than is exhibited by the world. This belief seeks to receive blessing only to
turn it around and bestow it upon someone else that is in need. This belief is in no way cavalier in the face
of life. It doesn’t do as it wishes, but
rather seeks to do that which is pleasing and acceptable to the One in whom
their belief has been placed.
In the end, it is far more than
simply believing. Scripture tells us in
no uncertain terms that even demons believe in God1, so surely it must be
much more than just believing. Search
your heart and see if you are believing in
or trusting in and relying upon God.
There is a significant difference. Until
next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!
1 “You say you have faith, for you believe that there is
one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in
terror.” James 2:19
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