TO BELIEVE

 
            Recently I was watching the Australian Grand Prix of F1 racing on the Speed Channel.  On the long straight they were reaching speed over 190 M.P.H., and then braking into a very tight turn.  Formula 1 machines are the fastest of all road course racers because of their weight to horsepower ratio, aero dynamics, and handling characteristics.  They are so expensive I will never be able to believe in them—only  about them.
 
            The proper understanding of the word believe in regard to our relationship with God will determine where we will spend eternity. To believe about something is to have some information in our minds called intellectual assent or head knowledge. To believe in or on something or someone, relates to the next degree called trust.

To illustrate this, my wife and her employer will be the example.  She works for a veterinarian at his clinic.  His name is Joshua.  Over the years he has provided a weekly salary to her—meeting the financial commitment he made to her.  He is there daily to provide a service to the pet owners of our area.  He gives direction, instruction, and encouragement to the vet techs.  He provides needed equipment to diagnose physical animal problems and perform necessary surgical operations.  He provides a building, heated or cooled, for proper working conditions.  He is also a wise and good boss. Because my wife believes (has confidence and trust) in him, she has the resulting joy and peace in her employment.
 
            All of that is to say that true and saving faith in God is not just knowing something about Him, as some 90% Americans say they do, but believing in Him. The illustration of my wife's employer is lacking because she earns a salary, wherewith God we cannot earn anything, especially salvation.

Salvation is something given to us all by grace—it is a gift.  John 3:16 says, "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him, shall not perish, but have eternal life."  1 John 5:11-12 says "And this is the testimony; God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life."

When the Father drew me to Christ and brought me to repentance and faith to receive forgiveness of my sin through Jesus' death and resurrection, the results were peace and joy.  I now have, or own, eternal life and live in the confidence of that each and every day.  Because of that, God provides all I need for life. If you haven't already done so, can I encourage you to move from belief about Jesus, to belief in Jesus? .

Ken Dressler