How Does Faith Actually Save You?
Jesus declared: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” (John 6:47)
Jesus Christ leaves no doubt that faith in Him is essential for salvation. Yet the faith He speaks of is far more than simply agreeing that He exists or acknowledging certain biblical truths.
Biblical faith is a wholehearted trust, that must be established in the firm knowledge of His existence, having an assurance of the power of His word, and of the accomplishment and victory of His work of redemption. Faith in Him produces in our lives as believers confident reliance that results in a transformed life.
This is very important: to believe, in the biblical sense, is more than intellectual acceptance of certain facts about what is heard concerning Jesus. Saving faith is the response of the heart, not the head: that embraces Jesus Christ personally, receiving His word as truth, and willingly submitting to His authority.
Genuine biblical belief should produce in the lives of every believer: A total confidence in Him, that will produce dependence upon Him, leading to desire to walk in obedience to His will.
Jesus also taught: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)
It is essential that as believers we receive the revelation that saving faith is active and not passive: It is a living faith that responds to Almighty God’s grace with obedience; it is a faith that continues and endures.
True faith in the lives of believers does not merely profess Jesus Christ with the lips; we are to follow Him with our lives, trusting in His promises, obeying His commands, and remaining steadfast because our lives have become rooted in Him. Jesus taught that salvation belongs to those who truly believe in Him. Such belief is not empty confession but living faith that receives Him, follows Him, and delights to do the Father’s will.