Grow: First Steps with JesusSample

WHAT IS FAITH? 

In John 3:16 we learned that eternal life is promised to everyone who believes. If faith is the requirement then, what does it actually mean? 

Let us turn to John 1:12 to discover some of the dimensions of what it means to believe in Jesus.

John 1:12: Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. 

We will now consider the two dimensions of ‘receiving’ and ‘believing’.

When we receive a gift from someone, how do we react? Do we untie the ribbon, open the package, gaze at it for a while, close the gift, and hoard it in a safe place? That would be ridiculous! When I recently received a new watch as a gift, I immediately discarded the old one and put the new one on my arm. It became a part of my life and a signature of who I am. 

Faith is similar. We fully accept and receive the gift from God through Jesus. The gift of love, the gift of forgiveness, the gift of His sacrifice and the gift of a new life. All these and many more dimensions are included in this gift. Faith is learning how to receive the fullness of the gift from God.

Now, let’s also consider what it means to believe in the Name of Jesus. Someone’s name refers to their reputation and what they represent. To believe in Jesus then is to accept what He stands for, to adhere to His values. People who believe in Jesus actually identify with Him, take all that He represents, and make it a part of who they are. 

‘Receiving’ and ‘believing’ also include the principle of trust. When a good friend invites me to have lunch with him, stating that he may be 30 minutes late, but that I could order anything from the menu in the meantime, I will oblige. Why? Because, if I have a good relationship with that person, I will trust his character and his promise.

When we receive Jesus and believe in his Name, we own the promise to become children of God. It becomes a right that is bestowed on us. As we study the Bible and learn more about Jesus, we grow in our trust in Him. The more we learn and the more we trust, the better our relationship with Jesus will become.

This promise in John 1:12 is for every single person who believes, it definitely includes you!

Daily Affirmation: “Jesus, I believe that I am a child of God.”

Action Step for Today: Start writing down what would change for the better as you realize that you are a child of God.