Believe

 


Believe


"Therefore they said to Him, “What are we to do, so that we may accomplish the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” John 6:28-29 

Believe. This word appears in the Gospel of John more than 90 times. A quick search of the biblical meaning of this word led me to this explanation:

"The word “believe” in the Bible means more than simply agreeing in our minds that something might be true. It means “trust”—that we believe so strongly in God that we are willing to commit our lives to Him and live the way we know He wants us to live."

Some people (like my husband) would argue verses like: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13 so why not 'enjoy' life until your dying breath where you can call on the Lord and be saved? The same rationale is used for the dying thief being crucified with Jesus. There is no mention of him being baptized or a disciple of Jesus yet he is told “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43 simply because he believes at his last moment.

To these people (my husband) I would say yes, both verses are true and that shows God's mercy but are you assuming He is even more merciful to allow you to have a moment in your dying breath to call upon Him? I truly believe that even if someone were to think 'I always have a scapegoat so I can live how I want' that they are just not ready to understand what that really means. I believe that belief they have is a seed and that over time, the Holy Spirit will convict their heart to want to really understand and grow in relationship with their 'scapegoat'. 

Everyone's belief will start at different places which is a beautiful thing in itself. 

When I heard the below testimony, I was reminded of this verse: "Isaiah boldly says, “I was found by those who did not seek me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.” Romans 10:20

I hope you can recognize how merciful and loving our God is in this man's testimony and appreciate that God's timing is always perfect. 


May God Bless you and the Peace of Christ surround you.

- A

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