I have noticed a problem in certain discussion of faith in Christ is people use the same words to mean
different things, and then argue that the other is wrong when they are using different meanings so
discussions can go round in circles.
So, a belief simply is a model of the world, whether true or false, ie actually representing real things
or just a framework of ideas.
Belief in someone is meaning trusting them, their integrity and approach, putting their judgement
as ones guide to how problems are solved and things are progressed. It is about actions that
spring from the belief or trust and involves movement or progression.
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 3:16
In the above phrase both ideas easily get mixed together. A belief or model of the world with Jesus playing a role is enough for eternal life. Or this could be extended to trusting in who Christ is and His words as the foundation of ones actions leads one to eternal life.
Now the two aspects of believe have different consequences. One suggests being passive and gaining a mindset and the other about moving and action in life having an authority or source of decisions being made and choices taken.
Now God the Father has always been a giver of frameworks, warnings, direction, advice, support and not one who gives theoretical models and passive positions of safety. In fact a lot of His messages are warnings as to the opposition and cost of taking Him as the guide for ones walk, and how violent and evil the opposition are, and how they will take innocents and happily kill them.
Jesus emphasises belief is about obedience and love, by saying His friends will obey Him, and the mark of His people is their love.
Jesus supports the foundation view of belief by this phrase
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Matt 7:24
So Jesus is saying the way you are wise is obeying and doing, and the foolish do not
But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.
Matt 7:26
So I would conclude the foolish deny eternal life is about action and the walk, and the wise follow Jesus's words in obedience.
Now ofcourse I could be wrong, but core to Christs message and that of the apostles is our walk in the Spirit and the Kingdom.
"For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life."
1 Thess 4:7
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.
2 Tim 1:9
It is impossible to deny these scriptures and claim to be following Christ,
because they are so clear and simple.
The issue is about sanctification and how we change. Often our struggles
can be life long and complicated by many things, which need patience and
endurance, but in the Lord we have the strength to overcome.
different things, and then argue that the other is wrong when they are using different meanings so
discussions can go round in circles.
So, a belief simply is a model of the world, whether true or false, ie actually representing real things
or just a framework of ideas.
Belief in someone is meaning trusting them, their integrity and approach, putting their judgement
as ones guide to how problems are solved and things are progressed. It is about actions that
spring from the belief or trust and involves movement or progression.
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 3:16
In the above phrase both ideas easily get mixed together. A belief or model of the world with Jesus playing a role is enough for eternal life. Or this could be extended to trusting in who Christ is and His words as the foundation of ones actions leads one to eternal life.
Now the two aspects of believe have different consequences. One suggests being passive and gaining a mindset and the other about moving and action in life having an authority or source of decisions being made and choices taken.
Now God the Father has always been a giver of frameworks, warnings, direction, advice, support and not one who gives theoretical models and passive positions of safety. In fact a lot of His messages are warnings as to the opposition and cost of taking Him as the guide for ones walk, and how violent and evil the opposition are, and how they will take innocents and happily kill them.
Jesus emphasises belief is about obedience and love, by saying His friends will obey Him, and the mark of His people is their love.
Jesus supports the foundation view of belief by this phrase
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Matt 7:24
So Jesus is saying the way you are wise is obeying and doing, and the foolish do not
But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.
Matt 7:26
So I would conclude the foolish deny eternal life is about action and the walk, and the wise follow Jesus's words in obedience.
Now ofcourse I could be wrong, but core to Christs message and that of the apostles is our walk in the Spirit and the Kingdom.
"For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life."
1 Thess 4:7
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.
2 Tim 1:9
It is impossible to deny these scriptures and claim to be following Christ,
because they are so clear and simple.
The issue is about sanctification and how we change. Often our struggles
can be life long and complicated by many things, which need patience and
endurance, but in the Lord we have the strength to overcome.