In John’s Gospel, the Bible tells us to believe in Jesus, and we shall be saved. But what does that really mean? To believe says there is something to act upon. Therefore, to believe in Jesus, one must believe that he is the Son of God who died for the forgiveness of sins and accept it.
Then, this world must become the foremost in our lives. His words must be allowed to dwell in our hearts and give direction to life. Jesus must become the Lord of your life, for he is already the Lord of all. We just have too much pride to admit it. That’s why, when we are in real trouble, without thinking, we call on Him to help. That is the only way to heaven for eternity.
This is what Jesus himself says to that end: ‘If you believe in me, believe in the Father and that the Father sent me. I am in Him, and He in me; therefore, I will be in you, and you in me. Therefore, you will love me, and if you love me, you will keep my words. And a new commandment I give to you, that you love one another the same way I love you. It’s not new to tell you to love, but it’s not the way you have known. It’s a better way that brings comfort to those who are loved and those who love.
Accompanying Bible Verses:
- John 3:16 (NIV): “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.”
- John 14:23 (NIV): “Jesus replied, ‘Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.'”
- 1 John 4:7-8 (NIV): “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”