What Does It Mean To Believe In Jesus Christ? – Benny Shobo

What does it mean to believe in Jesus Christ according to John 3:16? “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”. When we believe in Jesus Christ, we often cultivate a strong desire to live according to his teachings and examples. When we truly believe in Jesus, we accept and embrace Jesus as the Son of God, we trust in his love and sacrifices, live a transformed lifestyle, develop a relationship with God, and become committed to his discipleship. John 12:44, “Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me”.

To believe in Jesus is more than being accepting of His existence as the Son of God. To believe in Jesus is to know Jesus Christ beyond facts, to have a vivid and initiate relationship with Jesus, to become like Jesus, and to receive and to submit wholeheartedly to His Lordship, Authority and Power; being the Second Person in the Holy Trinity of the Godhead. Philippians 3:10, “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death”. It involves accepting him as the Son of God, the Messiah, and trusting in his sacrifice on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. It’s a commitment to following him, surrendering to his will, and building a personal relationship with him.

To believe in Jesus is to Know Him as He is. The Greek word for knowing Jesus, is ” Ginosko” It means to know Jesus in the context of a personal, relational knowledge of God is. Ginosko signifies an experiential, intimate, and personal understanding of God, rather than just intellectual knowledge. It involves knowing God through a deep, personal relationship beyond mere facts or information. It emphasizes our knowledge gained through personal experience, encounters and interactions. It signifies a spiritual and heart-level understanding, not just an intellectual grasp, of God’s nature and will. John 1:12, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name”.

What does it mean to believe in Jesus Christ?

1.  Surrendering, knowing and submission to Son of the Living God in all areas of our lives. Luke 22:42b. Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me”.

2. Love, reverence and obedience to the words and commandments of God. “John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commands”.

3.  Identify with the sacrifices and sufferings of Jesus. Romans 8:17, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory”.

4.  Become like Christ and be an Ambassador for Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:20, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God“.

5.  Believe steadfastly in the Kingship, Agape love, rebukes, corrections, directions and righteous judgement of Jesus. Hebrews 12:6, “For whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives”.

6.  Live a holy, righteous, pure, humble and truthful life. 1 Peter 1:16, “For it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy”.

7.  Yield to the governance and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:14, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God”.

8.  Trust in Jesus Christ, in His Power, grace, mercy and goodness. Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding”.

9.  Seek a deeper, richer and intimate relationship with Jesus. Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart”.

10.  Fulfil the Great Commission of Jesus to us, to preach the Gospel and win souls for the Kingdom of God. Matthew 28:18-20, ” Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”.

Mark 16:15, “He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation”.


God bless you!