What does it mean to have faith in Jesus?

Answer

Many individuals discuss “having faith in Jesus,” but what does this actually entail?

The Bible equates the expression “faith in Jesus” with believing in Jesus as the Savior. Romans 3:22–23 states that “righteousness is bestowed through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” When we place our faith in Jesus, we trust in Him, and God bestows His righteousness upon us.

Having faith in Jesus means relying on Him. Simply. Completely. Without hesitation. On one occasion, before Jesus healed two blind men, He inquired, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They replied, “Yes, Lord,” and He healed them “according to [their] faith” (Matthew 9:28-29). The men simply relied on the power and goodness of the Lord, and they regained their sight.

When an individual has faith in Jesus, it signifies that he or she believes in who Jesus is (God in human form) and trusts in what Jesus has accomplished (died and resurrected). This faith in the person and work of Christ is what brings salvation (see Romans 10:9-10;1 Corinthians 15:3-4). “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God” «Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. », (1 John 5:1).

John 3:16 declares, “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.” The crux is belief, in response to God’s love. Anyone who puts his or her faith in Jesus is assured of eternal life.

Without faith in Jesus, we remain in sin.

And cannot be accepted into God’s presence in His perfect heaven. With faith in Jesus, we are given access to the Father as God’s own children «But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: », (John 1:12).

To have faith in Jesus is to reject all other ways of salvation. We cannot trust in Jesus and anything else. We trust in Jesus alone. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” «Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. », (Acts 4:12). Salvation is exclusive. Jesus is the only way «Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. », (John 14:6).

Are you ready to place your faith in Jesus? Do you trust Him to save you? There is no special prayer you must pray. However, you can respond right now with a prayer similar to this:

“Dear God, I realize I am a sinner and could never reach heaven by my own good deeds. Right now I place my faith in Jesus Christ as God’s Son who died and rose again to give me eternal life. I trust in Jesus alone. Please forgive me of my sins and help me to live for you. Thank you for accepting me and giving me eternal life.”

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