1: What Is True Faith in Jesus? – Beyond Belief to Devotion

1. Introduction

In a world where religious pluralism and cultural syncretism are widespread, many profess belief in Jesus while simultaneously practising other forms of worship. This raises a foundational question: what does it mean to truly believe in Jesus Christ according to the Bible? This entry examines the biblical nature of faith, exploring how it is far more than mental agreement—it is a wholehearted commitment that excludes all rivals to Christ’s lordship.

2. Biblical Definition of Faith

The New Testament word for faith (pistis, Greek: πίστις) implies trust, loyalty, and allegiance—not merely belief in the existence of Jesus but personal reliance upon Him as Saviour, Lord, and God.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
— Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)

Biblical faith contains three interwoven dimensions:

  • Intellectual belief in truth (John 17:17),
  • Emotional trust in the person of Christ (John 14:1),
  • Volitional commitment expressed in obedience (Romans 1:5).

Thus, true faith is dynamic and relational—producing a lifestyle that reflects the truth and demands of the gospel.

3. Jesus’ Teaching on Faith and Discipleship

Jesus Himself defined belief in terms that required total commitment:

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
— Luke 9:23 (ESV)

Believing in Jesus involves more than acknowledging His divinity; it demands:

  • Turning away from all other forms of allegiance (Matthew 6:24),
  • Abiding in His words (John 8:31),
  • Obeying His commands (John 14:15).

According to Jesus, true faith leads to fruitfulness (John 15:5–6), not passive affiliation. Mere verbal confession without life transformation is insufficient:

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?”
— Luke 6:46 (NIV)

4. Faith vs. Idolatry – The Covenant Context

Biblical faith draws from the covenantal relationship model of the Old Testament. Believing in the Lord was not just mental assent but covenant loyalty. God’s people were repeatedly warned not to “go after other gods,” even while still professing to belong to Yahweh (Deuteronomy 6:13–15).

Similarly, the New Covenant demands exclusive fidelity to Jesus Christ:

“For we are the temple of the living God… Therefore ‘come out from among them and be separate’, says the Lord.”
— 2 Corinthians 6:16–17 (cf. Ezekiel 37:27)

In the New Testament, Paul strongly equates faith with turning from idols:

“They turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.”
— 1 Thessalonians 1:9 (NRSV)

Hence, true faith is incompatible with idolatry—whether literal (bowing to images) or figurative (trusting in wealth, status, or false spirituality).

5. The Faith that Saves: Heart, Mind, and Will

Faith must be understood holistically. It involves:

  • Heart (love and desire for Christ) – Mark 12:30
  • Mind (understanding His truth) – Romans 12:2
  • Will (commitment and obedience) – James 2:17–24

James warns that even demons “believe” intellectually but do not submit to Christ:

“You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!”
— James 2:19 (ESV)

True faith transforms a person from within and aligns their whole being to Jesus as Saviour, Lord, and Treasure (Philippians 3:7–8).

6. Contemporary Dangers of Superficial Faith

In many contexts today, faith has been reduced to a prayer, a label, or a tradition. However, a biblically faithful believer:

  • Rejects all idols (1 John 5:21),
  • Worships God in Spirit and truth (John 4:24),
  • Endures in obedience and trust (Hebrews 10:38–39).

False or nominal faith offers no salvation (Matthew 7:21–23). Jesus expects not just acknowledgement but allegiance.

7. Conclusion

Faith in Jesus Christ is exclusive, transformative, and covenantal. It cannot coexist with idolatry, spiritual compromise, or divided loyalty. It demands full surrender, not partial belief. To believe in Jesus truly is to love Him supremely, follow Him wholly, and reject every rival god.

8. Reflection and Prayer

Reflection Question:
Is your faith in Jesus total—heart, mind, and will—or is it partial, competing with other allegiances?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I want to believe in You as You truly are—my Saviour, my Lord, and my only God. Cleanse me from every form of hidden idolatry. Teach me to love You fully and to walk in loyalty. Strengthen my faith that it may be pure, living, and obedient. In Your name, Amen.

Home