How You Can Know What it Really Means to Believe in Jesus
If someone asked you what it really means to believe in Jesus, how would you answer?
Most of us have read or heard the verse:
If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.
Romans 10:9–10
For years, I struggled to know what it means to “believe in your heart.”
Isn’t belief in your head? Isn’t it something you understand to be true . . . something with which you agree? What does that have to do with your heart?
You may be guessing that this is something I’ve spent some serious time thinking and praying about and I’ve come to the following 3-part conclusion.
What It Means to Me to Believe in Jesus
♥ Know – in my head.
“This is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.”
John 17:3
It is agreeing that Jesus is who the Bible says He is and because of this truth entering into a personal relationship with Him.
♥ Love – with my heart.
“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.”
Mark 12:30
Love is more than a feeling. Love is caring about and wanting to please the One I love. That means I will trust Him with my life.
♥ Trust – with my life . . . in all I do and say.
“If you love me, obey my commandments.”
John 14:15 and John 12:44
“If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me.”
Trusting Jesus means accepting His will as it is communicated through God’s commands in God’s Word. When I trust the Lord, I accept that His way is best and make it the desire of my heart to obey His will as He has revealed through His Word.
No, I won’t do this perfectly this side of heaven, none of us will. That’s why we need a Savior. That’s why we need Jesus.
But you and I can make Knowing, Loving, and Trusting Jesus our heart’s desire . . . we can make it the most important priority of our lives.
And we can pray and ask God to give us everything we need.
A Prayer to Really Believe in Jesus
Father, thank you for loving us so much that You sent Jesus to save us from the eternal consequences of our sinfulness. Thank you for promising to forgive us when we humbly come to You in repentance.
I am so very sorry for my sins. Please forgive me for failing to obey Your commands . . . forgive me for failing to love the way You want. I am so thankful that Jesus’ lived the perfect life I am unable to live. I am so very thankful for His willingness to suffer my punishment and for making it possible for me to come to You and receive a new forgiven life.
Lord, I believe. Please help me overcome my unbelief. (Mark 9:24) I will SEEK You first. By the power of Your Spirit, help me KNOW, LOVE, and TRUST Jesus. He said, “The Father and I are one.” (John 10:30) He has shown us Your love and Your will. Thank you! I give You my life, please help me use all You give me in ways that bring You glory today, tomorrow, and always. Amen.
Do you believe in Jesus? Do you want to believe?
Go to God in prayer. Ask Him to forgive your sins. And prayerfully pick up your Bible asking God to help you KNOW, LOVE, and TRUST Jesus because it is through Him that you and I can have a restored relationship with God.
If you’re looking for a Bible reading plan that will help you grow in faith . . . check out 5-Min. N.T. Devotions.
May God bless you and give you everything you need to grow in faith.
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Knowing, loving and trusting in Jesus today.
Blessings, Deb!
To you as well, Martha! Hugs!
Yes, it’s that simple! Knowing Him, Believing Him, Trusting Him takes committed, daily time in His Word, prayer, worship…
Take care Deb! Stay healthy!
Marie
It does, Marie! Praying to remain close to Him in Word, prayer, and worship! God be with you and bless you!
It was once explained to me this way: when I accept that a man can successfully push a wheelbarrow on a tight-rope across Niagara Falls, it is believing is my head. When I decide to climb in the wheelbarrow when he does it, I am believing in my heart
I like that. Thanks, Jan! God bless you!