Jesus said, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.
For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.”
The work of God.
Baptism alone is not the work of God. Going to church alone is not the work of God. Doing good deeds alone is not the work of God.
The work of God is to believe in Jesus.
Do you believe in Jesus?
The question is not, “Do you believe that Jesus Christ existed/exists?”
The question is:
1) Do you believe Jesus Christ is who the Bible says He is, and
2) are you trusting Him as your Savior?”
-Do you believe that Jesus is God in human form?
-Do you believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins for which you deserve eternal separation from God?
-Do you believe that the sacrifice of Jesus, God incarnate, is the only adequate payment for your sins?
If so, that’s a good beginning.
But Biblical faith/belief is more than believing certain facts. Biblical faith is also trusting and relying on those facts.
For example, you may believe a certain medicine is a good product. And you may believe it can cure illness. But you can only be made well yourself if you take the medicine.
Have you taken Jesus is your Savior?
Are you relying on His death as the full payment for your sin debt?
Are you depending on His resurrection as the guarantee that you, too, will be raised to eternal life after death?
If you believe what the Bible says about Jesus, and if you are trusting in those truths—you “believe in Jesus.” You are saved.
If you are uncertain whether you truly believe in Jesus the next step is simple:
Believe.
Trust in Jesus.
Rely on Him for your salvation.
Allow God to turn you from sin to forgiveness and salvation.
You can confirm your faith by praying:
“God, I know that I have sinned. I know that my sin separates me from you. I know that if left unforgiven, my sin will separate me from you for eternity. I believe and trust that Jesus Christ is my Savior, that He died to pay the full penalty for my sins and that He rose from the dead on the third day. I am relying on His sacrifice alone to bring me into a right relationship with you. Thank you for forgiving me. Thank you for saving me. Help me to grow closer to you each and every day for the rest of my life.”
Bible references: John 6:29, 40, 47; 1:1, 14; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 6:23; 1 John 2:2; John 14:6; Acts 4:12.