Do You Believe in Jesus?

Graham Cole begins an essay with this paragraph: “He took the blade. It was bright silver. He loved the way it glistened. It felt good in his hand. He cut deep into her chest again and again. He showed no emotion, no recognition of her humanity. She lay motionless, her life gone. He made no attempt to cover the body. Later that night over a beer he openly talked to a stranger in the bar about what he had done. The stranger felt ill.”
 
What does the paragraph mean? If the words refer to a serial killer boasting about his latest savage triumph, the sentences are ghastly, and the man in the bar should call the police. On the other hand, if the words refer to a forensic pathologist who talks about his autopsy of a particularly interesting corpse, there is no criminality (though there may be a lack of professionalism in talking like this to a stranger). How we interpret the quoted lines depends entirely on the context.

Understanding context is a problem we face today when people talk about “believing in Jesus.” There can be a wide variety of meanings, depending on the context, when someone uses that phrase. To some folks, “believing in Jesus” means merely acknowledging that he was an actual person who really lived on this earth a couple of thousand years ago. These individuals often view Jesus as the founder of a major religion, just as Muhammad or Buddha were. I know many people who “believe in Jesus” like they believe in George Washington. They recognize that he is an important historical figure, but don’t really believe he has any relevance for life today.

For others, “believing in Jesus” is seen as a significant religious commitment. Yet, their understanding of the Jesus in whom they claim to believe can be very distorted. For example, some people think of Jesus as basically a divine policeman who is looking over their shoulder, trying to catch them doing something wrong. Feelings of guilt and remorse are what fuel a relationship with this type of Jesus. In the eyes of others “gentle Jesus, meek and mild” always turns the other cheek, is always completely accepting, and is never angry or disappointed with us or our behavior. For some, Jesus is essentially a personal “genie,” whose main purpose is to grant our every wish. If we desire to be healthy, wealthy, or wise, all we have to do is “pray in faith” and this “Jesus,” will give us what we request. Others (in quasi-Christian groups) see Jesus as a pretty impressive second-string god, but certainly not to be identified with the one, true God.

Friend, do you truly believe in Jesus? By that I mean, do you believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God? Do you believe that he died on the cross in your place and conquered death by rising from the grave? Do you believe that your acceptance by God depends not upon anything you do or avoid doing, but rather on what Jesus has done for you through his death and resurrection? Do you believe that Jesus is truly “the pearl of great price,” and that nothing in life is more important than knowing, loving, and serving him?  Do you believe what the Bible teaches about Jesus when it says (John 3:36) “Whoever believes in the Son (Jesus Christ) has eternal life. Whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.” If you do not “believe in Jesus” this way, I fear you may be making a huge, eternal mistake.