By Wayne Robbins 12/24/2024
One of the key elements of salvation is belief. Jesus Himself emphasized this truth when He said, "Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins" (John 8:24). Belief is the foundation upon which salvation begins, but true belief requires evidence. God, in His love and wisdom, has provided us with all the evidence we need to develop a confident and saving faith.
The apostle John explained the purpose of his Gospel, saying, "And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name" (John 20:30-31). The miracles of Jesus, the prophecies fulfilled in His life, and the testimonies of those who witnessed His resurrection all serve as compelling evidence that He is the Son of God.
Belief, however, is more than intellectual acknowledgment. James reminds us, "You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!" (James 2:19). This underscores the importance of an active, obedient faith. Saving faith moves us to act according to God's will. James further explains, "Faith without works is dead" (James 2:26). True belief leads to repentance, confession, and baptism—essential God-given steps in the process of salvation.
Peter, preaching on the Day of Pentecost, instructed those convicted by the truth of the Gospel, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). Similarly, Jesus Himself declared, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16:16). True belief is inseparable from obedience to God’s commands.
God desires for us to have a faith that is grounded in evidence and truth. Jesus said, "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). The Scriptures provide us with the truth, and through them, we gain the evidence needed to build a strong and unwavering faith. As the writer of Hebrews explains, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). Faith is not a blind leap in the dark; it is a confident trust in God based on the evidence He has provided.
One of the most accessible forms of evidence for God’s existence is His creation. Paul writes, "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse" (Romans 1:20). The intricate design of the universe, the beauty of nature, and the complexity of life all point to a Creator. As David declared, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork" (Psalm 19:1).
God has ensured that those who seek Him will find Him. Jesus promised, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7). The evidence of God’s existence and the truth of His Word are available to anyone willing to open their eyes and hearts to it.
Faith also comes through hearing God’s Word. Paul wrote, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). The Bible is God's revelation to humanity, providing the guidance, wisdom, and evidence we need to believe and obey Him. Through the Scriptures, we learn about God's love, His plan for salvation, and His desire for all people to be saved.
In addition to creation and Scripture, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the ultimate proof of God’s love and power. Paul summarized this beautifully, saying, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). The resurrection of Christ is the cornerstone of our faith, as Paul declared, "And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!" (1 Corinthians 15:17). But Christ is risen, giving us hope and assurance of eternal life.
God has made it possible for you to believe. He has given us the evidence of creation, the testimony of His Word, and the ultimate sacrifice of His Son. The question is, will you open your eyes to the truth and respond in faith? Jesus said, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29). God calls each of us to believe, trust, and obey, for in doing so, we find the salvation and hope He offers through Jesus Christ.
Do you believe?
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