DOES IT MATTER WHAT YOU BELIEVE?

Many people say it doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are sincere? To believe this is to believe a lie. We have often discussed this in connection with the denominational world as we try to teach the truth. I want to look at it a little differently.

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). This passage tells us that we must believe two things: 1) that God is; 2) that He rewards those who seek Him.

First, we must believe that God exists. We recently studied the existence of God in our Sunday Bible Class. There are many “arguments” that can be used to prove God’s existence. However, I do not think we need to cover these since we believe in God (why else would we be here). That discussion is for another place, another time.

I want us to think a few minutes about the second thing we must believe. We must believe that God is a “rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” I heard someone say one time that “Faith is trusting God to do what He said He would do when we do what He tells us to do.” Do we have faith?

Forgiveness. God has promised that He will forgive us when we are obedient to the gospel. When we obey the plan of salvation, our sins are gone. It is as if they never existed. Yet, how many times have you heard, or said, “God just can’t forgive me for that”? In Acts 2, God was willing to forgive those who had crucified His Son (it seems likely that some of them were there). “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). There is also the concept of continued forgiveness. “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:7, 9). Do we believe God?

Presence and Protection. “Let you conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we may boldly say: The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6). God has promised to be with us at all times, in all circumstances. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). We may not have a complete understanding of God’s providence, but He has promised to watch and care over us. Do we believe God?

Eternal Salvation. “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). Here, and in many other places, God promises eternal life in heaven to those faithful in Christ. Do we believe God?

It’s not enough just to believe God exists (which I’m sure we all do), but we must believe He will do what He has said. Do you believe God?

--Lamar