How Do You Define...Belief?
Brad Reiches
Nov 1 2006 10:15PM
Brad Reiches
Nov 1 2006 10:15PM
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Thursday, November 2, 2006
GodThoughtsWired!
GodThoughtsWired!
"How Do You Define...Belief?"
YOUR ETERNAL DESTINATION WILL BE DETERMINED BY IT
YOUR ETERNAL DESTINATION WILL BE DETERMINED BY IT
"The demons also believe..."
James 2:19
TRIVIA QUESTION: Who said the following?
"You are the Son of God...
I know who You are - the Holy One of God...
They knew who He was."
-Mark 1:24, 34; 3:11, see also, 5:7
That's right...DEMONS! Curious, isn't it? Disturbing? It is to me! In truth, "demons" are among the most "believing" groups in all the Bible. So what's the answer? "Is Belief...Enough?" Are we going to find demons in Heaven? How do we explain this apparent contradiction?
Thankfully, the answer is found in scripture, and it is clear and definitive. A careful study of the definition(s) of the word "belief" will give us the answer. Biblically, there are two different definitions that are pertinent to our study.
Thankfully, the answer is found in scripture, and it is clear and definitive. A careful study of the definition(s) of the word "belief" will give us the answer. Biblically, there are two different definitions that are pertinent to our study.
BELIEF: Definition A. "Congnitive assent," "Acknowledge as true." i.e. "I 'believe' that you are who you say you are.
BELIEF: Definition B. "have faith in," "be conviced of," "trust, rely on, have confidence in." i.e. "I 'believe' in You as my Lord and Savior."
The demons have "Definition A Belief," as do all persons who "profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him" (see Titus 1:15-16). The "Laodicean Church" (see Revelation 3:14-22), The "Apostate Church" of these last days, (see 2 Thessalonians 2; Hebrews 1:1-3), along with the "many" that Jesus refers to in Matthew 7:13-27, are also carriers of this, "Definition A Belief."
The demons have "Definition A Belief," as do all persons who "profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him" (see Titus 1:15-16). The "Laodicean Church" (see Revelation 3:14-22), The "Apostate Church" of these last days, (see 2 Thessalonians 2; Hebrews 1:1-3), along with the "many" that Jesus refers to in Matthew 7:13-27, are also carriers of this, "Definition A Belief."
It is only the "Definition B Belief," that saves us. It is only the "Definition B Belief," that leads to salvation and eternal life with God. It is the "Definition B Belief" that Jesus refers to in John 3:15-16 and 6:47. The belief that saves us is a belief that puts it's trust in God and submits to Him as Lord and Savior. In perfection? No, that's why Jesus had to die. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). But, in willingness? Absolutely!
So, back to the original question: "Is Belief in God...Enough?" And the answer? "It all depends on your definition."
Well, I think that's "enough" for today...however, I STILL HAVE ONE MORE QUESTION. In fact, the ramifications of this question, along with your answer, are the very reason that the GodThoughts Ministry exists. The question is this:
"Which do you have?
Definition A? Or, Definition B?
Definition A? Or, Definition B?
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