Did you know that confession without belief is incomplete?
It’s easy to say, “I am a Christian,” attend church, recite prayers, and even quote Scripture. But true salvation requires more than just proximity to Christ; it demands genuine belief in Him.
The Apostle Paul makes this clear in Romans 10:8-10 (NIV): “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”
Belief is more than intellectual assent; it is wholehearted trust, reliance, and surrender to Jesus as Lord.
What Does It Mean to Believe Truly?
Many claim to follow Christ, yet their lives reflect misplaced trust in wealth, relationships, careers, or even religious routines.
Judas Iscariot walked with Jesus, witnessed miracles, and even preached the Gospel, yet he never truly believed (John 6:64-66). His story serves as a sobering warning: external association with Christ does not guarantee internal transformation.
Jesus Himself said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)
The Danger of False Assurance
Some people assume that because they come from a Christian home, attend church regularly, and know one or two Christian teachings, they are automatically saved. But salvation is not inherited, earned, or achieved by association; it is received through faith in Christ alone.
The Marks of a True Believer
It is only genuine faith in Christ that produces evidence. A true follower of Christ will:
1. Put Their Full Trust in Jesus because Faith Pleases God. (Hebrews 11:6)
2. Obey His Word and have confidence in His promises. (Philippians 1:6)
3. Maintain a living relationship with Him, not just religion, but devotion. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
4. Know Him intimately and recognize His voice above all others. (1 John 4:6)
5. Share the Gospel boldly because a believer cannot stay silent. (Matthew 28:19-20)
6. Persevere through trials and continually trust Him in suffering. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
7. Long for His return, constantly living with an eternal perspective on all things. (Titus 2:13)
A Call to Authentic/Genuine Faith:
I must reiterate that this is not a message of condemnation but of awakening.
- Examine your heart:
- Do you truly believe in Jesus?
- Is He your first love, or just a religious figure?
- Are you fully surrendered, or still clinging to idols?
Salvation is not about how close you are to Christianity, but how close you are to Christ.
“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38)
If you reject Christ, who will save you in your darkest hour?
When life crumbles, when doctors have no answers, when finances fail, and when relationships break, will your faith stand? Only Jesus remains unshaken. Every other foundation will collapse (1 Corinthians 3:10-12).
Prayer for True Faith:
“Lord Jesus, reveal any areas of unbelief in my heart. Help me not just to know about You, but to truly trust You. Strengthen my faith, that I may live fully surrendered to You. Amen.”
