So you heard the story of Christ – so what? Many have heard the same story and have done nothing with their lives. They pass on by after hearing the story, unwilling to take action. They are unwilling to obey the simple gospel message of Christ. This was one of the many meanings of the parable of the sower – the seed cast to the wayside was immediately eaten by the birds. Most people simply lack belief.
Read the Parable: Matthew 13
In the previous post we underscored the value of hearing the gospel message, the question now is, do you believe it?
What does it mean to believe something? Belief is accepting that something is true, typically by valid evidence or testimony. We know that without faith and belief that salvation is impossible.
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6
You read the brief gospel message, and I would encourage you to read more on your own to fill out more of the details. But do you accept it as being true?
This is difficult for many people and it is something that remains difficult for many Christians throughout their lives. It is difficult to accept the fact that God clothed Himself with humanity, lived perfectly, was killed for sins, and then resurrected from the dead. No one is trying to say that it is easy to believe these things.
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18
But I believe that with the evidence presented throughout history, which we will not discuss specifically here, you can come to the rational conclusion that these events happened. Even if you are a rational thinking scientist, you can come to the conclusion that God exists, that the bible is true, and that the story of Christ is reality etched into human history.
The Historical Christ: Fact or Fiction
This is why the second step in the process of salvation is belief. Many people hear the gospel, but very few accept it as being true. And beyond that, even fewer follow through with the remaining steps required to obey the gospel (repentance, confession, baptism, faithful living).
So the question for you is this: do you accept as truth that Christ is God, the Son of God who lived perfectly and died to take away the sins of the world?
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!'”
John 1:29
I would encourage you to continue your study. Work with your local church of Christ until you understand the truth and follow through with the remaining steps of salvation. Why are you waiting? That salvation is free.
Belief alone is not enough, because even the demons believe in God and in the story of Christ. It must be followed up with additional action, and I would strongly encourage you to take that action.
What the Bible Says about The Church of Christ
