Belief is essential to salvation (Eph. 2:8). Without it, one cannot please God (Heb. 11:6). However, one cannot believe anything and be saved. Some belief in another Jesus or another gospel (2 Cor. 11:4; Gal. 1:67). We must believe in Jesus and His word (Jn. 8:24; Mk. 8:38).

Biblical belief is not simply a mental acknowledgment of the truth. It is a conviction that results in action. Noah acted by faith in building the ark (Heb. 11:7). If he believed God would deliver him, but refused to build the ark, he would have drowned. True faith leads to action.

Some have a dead faith (Jas. 2:26). They believe Jesus is the Christ, but then do not act upon His word. There were Jews among the rulers who believed in Jesus but would not confess Him because “they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (Jn. 12:42-43). Those who seek to please men are not the servants of Christ (Gal. 1:10). Therefore, biblical faith means we will act upon God’s commands, including baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Do you have biblical faith?

Steven F. Deaton