Is it possible to believe in something or someone without knowing what or Who that something or someone truly is?
I believe so.
Let's start by defining the word "believe." Merriam-webster.com defines it as "(A) : to have a firm religious faith and/or (B) : to accept something as true, genuine, or real ".
When people say that they "believe in Jesus Christ", they are saying that they have a firm religious faith in Him or that they accept that He is true, genuine, or real. The question I have is this..."according to the Bible, does this type of faith lead to eternal salvation?"
The simple answer is "yes." BUT, the proof of what you say that you believe is how you live your life.
If no one ever sees Christ in you, in the works that you do, how can you have truly believed in Him or have you only acknowledged Him?
(John 14:12)
Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.
So, if you truly believe in Jesus, you will do as He did and if you do as He did, people will see Him in you.
Believing is all that is required for eternal salvation. Not works, so that none may boast, but believing. Yes, you will do works if you believe, but works are not the requirement, but the proof of your belief.
(Ephesians 2:8-10)
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and [a]that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
Just believe and then live out your belief.
(Acts 16:31)
They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
How do you believe?
(Romans 10:9)
that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;
So, it is with your heart that you believe and with your mouth you confess and speak what your heart believes that saves you.
(Romans 10:10)
for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.
Got it?
Do you believe?
