What does "Believe in Jesus and be saved" really mean?

 

1.    Believe what Jesus claimed about Himself?

2.    Believe His miracles and signs.

3.    Believe what He promised?

4.    Believe what He commanded?

5.    Obey what He commanded?

6.    Be committed to following Him, to the end, in whatever ways He directs us through His word.

7.    All of the above, and more?

Study the following Scripture, and then answer the questions that follow:

So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. 29 And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” 30 As he was saying these things, many believed in him.

31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”

34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. 38 I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.”

39 They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, 40 but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. 41 You are doing the works your father did.” They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”

48 The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?” 49 Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon, but I honour my Father, and you dishonour me. 50 Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it, and he is the judge. 51 Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” 52 The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.’ 53 Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?” 54 Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ 55 But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” 57 So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” 59 So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. John 8:28-59

1.    What does verse 30 say about certain people?

2.    In verses 31 and 32, what does Jesus say to those same people?

3.    From what follows in the discussion in John 8, how do they react when Jesus says His truth will set them free?

4.    Did they really believe in Jesus?

5.    What didn’t they believe?

6.    As they continue, is there anything else that shows they didn’t really believe in Jesus at all?

7.    How does the meeting conclude?

 

The next time someone tells you they believe in Jesus, ask a few questions to see what they really believe!

When you next baptize someone, make sure the person believes the essentials connected with salvation!

There are plenty of people who say they believe in Jesus, but who actually deny he is God. Will they be saved?

You and I will know quite a few who claim to believe in Jesus, but who would never set foot in a church building to worship, and never mention Jesus to others. Will their faith save them?

What is the implication of the following Scriptures:

Matthew 6:24-34

Matthew 10:32-33

Luke 13:1-9

John 8:24

John 15:14

Luke 9:22-26

Galatians 2:20

James 2

1 Peter 2:1-17

1 Peter 3:15-22

Believe in Jesus and you believe who Jesus claimed He was, what He promised, what He commanded,  how He lived.

If you’re a believer, we’re thrilled, and we would encourage you to live up to your belief. It’s a high calling!

David Hunter