Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of "believes" in the Bible is central to the Christian faith, encapsulating the essence of trust, faith, and reliance on God and His promises. The term is derived from the Greek word "pisteuō," which means to have faith in, to trust, or to be convinced of something or someone. In the biblical context, believing is not merely an intellectual assent but involves a deep, personal trust and commitment to God.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, belief is often associated with trust in God and His covenant promises. Abraham is a prime example of belief, as seen in
Genesis 15:6: "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This verse highlights the foundational aspect of belief as trust in God's promises, which is counted as righteousness. The Hebrew word for believe, "aman," conveys a sense of firmness and stability, indicating a steadfast trust in God.
New Testament ContextThe New Testament places a significant emphasis on belief as the means of receiving salvation through Jesus Christ.
John 3:16 is perhaps the most well-known verse illustrating this: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." Here, belief is presented as the key to eternal life, emphasizing the necessity of faith in Jesus as the Son of God.
In the Gospel of John, belief is a recurring theme, underscoring the importance of faith in Jesus' identity and mission.
John 20:31 states, "But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name." This verse encapsulates the purpose of John's Gospel: to inspire belief in Jesus as the Messiah and the source of eternal life.
The Apostle Paul also emphasizes belief as central to the Christian experience. In
Romans 10:9-10, he writes, "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved." Here, belief is linked with confession and is essential for justification and salvation.
Faith and WorksWhile belief is foundational to salvation, the New Testament also addresses the relationship between faith and works.
James 2:19-20 cautions, "You believe that God is one. Good for you! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. O foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is worthless?" This passage highlights that genuine belief is evidenced by actions, suggesting that true faith results in a transformed life.
The Role of the Holy SpiritBelief is also associated with the work of the Holy Spirit, who enables and strengthens faith. In
1 Corinthians 12:3, Paul states, "Therefore I inform you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, 'Jesus be cursed,' and no one can say, 'Jesus is Lord,' except by the Holy Spirit." The Spirit plays a crucial role in bringing individuals to faith and sustaining their belief in Christ.
ConclusionThe biblical concept of belief encompasses trust, faith, and reliance on God and His promises, particularly as revealed in Jesus Christ. It is a dynamic and active faith that results in a transformed life, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Belief is not merely intellectual assent but involves a heartfelt commitment to God, leading to salvation and eternal life.
Greek
4100. pisteuo -- to believe, entrust... Word Origin from pistis Definition to believe, entrust NASB Word Usage believe
(118), believed (73), believers (3),
believes (29), believing (10), do (1
...Strong's Hebrew
539. aman -- to confirm, support... root Definition to confirm, support NASB Word Usage believe (26), believed (11),
believes (2), bringing (1), carried (1), chronic (1), confirmed (5), doorposts
...Library
God, when oneBelieves in Him as You and I Do...
... V. God, when onebelieves in Him as you and I do? God, when onebelieves
in Him as you and I do, imposes then on man a duty towards...
God Justified, Though ManBelieves Not
... God Justified, Though ManBelieves Not. A Sermon (No.2255). Intended... him. Will
God fail to keep his promise to anyone whobelieves on him?...
PelagiusBelieves that Infants have no Sin to be Remitted in...
... A Treatise on the grace of christ, and on original sin, Chapter 35 [XXXII.]"Pelagius
Believes that Infants Have No Sin to Be Remitted in Baptism....
That He whoBelieves Can Immediately Obtain (IE , Pardon and Peace...
... Third Book. 43. That he whobelieves can immediately obtain (ie, pardon
and peace). In the Acts of the Apostles: "Lo, here is water...
Treats of the Sublime Favours God Bestows on Souls which have...
... THE AUTHOR SHOWS THE DIFFERENCE SHEBELIEVES TO EXIST BETWEEN SOUL AND SPIRIT ALTHOUGH
THEY ARE BOTH ONE. THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS SOME NOTEWORTHY THINGS....
Moreover, the Promise of the Gospel is that WhosoeverBelieves in...
... Second Head of Doctrine Article 5 Moreover, the promise of the gospel
is that whosoeverbelieves in Christ crucified shall not?...
One Has Succeeded in Finding Definite Truth, when HeBelieves...
... Chapter X."One Has Succeeded in Finding Definite Truth, When HeBelieves Heretical
Wits are Always Offering Many Things for Vain Discussion, But We are Not...
Xenophanes; his Scepticism; his Notions of God and Nature...
... Chapter XII."Xenophanes; His Scepticism; His Notions of God and Nature;
Believes in a Flood. But Xenophanes, a native of Colophon...
Of the Resurrection of the Flesh, which Some Refuse to Believe...
... Book XXII. Chapter 5."Of the Resurrection of the Flesh, Which Some Refuse
to Believe, Though the World at LargeBelieves It. But...
Of the Obstinacy of those Individuals who Impugn the Resurrection...
... Book XXII. Chapter 25."Of the Obstinacy of Those Individuals Who Impugn the
Resurrection of the Body, Though, as Was Predicted, the Whole WorldBelieves It....
Thesaurus
Believes (34 Occurrences)...Believes (34 Occurrences). Mark 9:23 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all
things are possible to him who
believes." (WEB WEY DBY NAS RSV NIV).
...Trusts (35 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Romans 4:5 But to him who doesn't work, butbelieves in him who justifies
the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness. (See RSV NIV)....
Ages (114 Occurrences)
... (WEY). John 3:36 He whobelieves in the Son has the Life of the Ages; he who disobeys
the Son will not enter into Life, but God's anger remains upon him. (WEY)....
Only-begotten (5 Occurrences)
... (DBY). John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son,
that whosoeverbelieves on him may not perish, but have life eternal. (DBY WBS)...
Justified (46 Occurrences)
... Acts 13:39 and by him everyone whobelieves is justified from all things, from which
you could not be justified by the law of Moses. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS NIV)....
Disappointed (69 Occurrences)
... Romans 9:33 even as it is written, "Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and
a rock of offense; and no one whobelieves in him will be disappointed." (WEB...
Eternal (166 Occurrences)
... NIV). John 3:15 that whoeverbelieves in him should not perish, but have
eternal life. (WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). John...
Believe (239 Occurrences)
... Mark 9:23 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to
him whobelieves." (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Doesn't (300 Occurrences)
... 11:23 For most certainly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain,'Be taken up
and cast into the sea,' and doesn't doubt in his heart, butbelieves that what...
Zoology
... The bubale, addax and Barbary sheep of Tristram's list are North African species
which the writerbelieves do not range as far East as Egypt, and which he...
Resources
What does John 3:16 mean? | GotQuestions.orgDoes Mark 16:16 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? | GotQuestions.orgIs Jesus God's Son? How could Allah, being one, have a Son? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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