As we wind down our ABIDE sermon series, John’s purpose for writing his book (to inspire belief in his readers – John 20:31) is standing out to me. Particularly the raw reality that as Jesus hung on the cross, he hung between belief and unbelief. He had a thief on either side of him: one believed, one ridiculed. I feel John’s intent surge to the forefront as he poses what continues to hang in the balance: will you be a sinner who receives Jesus or a sinner who rejects him? Answering that question is of utmost importance; therefore, John penned a most compelling account of Jesus' life and ministry that inspires everyone to believe.
Given John’s focus to move his readers to belief in Jesus, let’s look at many of the profound things he had to say about belief throughout his book:
To those who believe, an extraordinary right is given.
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent… but born of God. (John 1:12-13)
God’s wrath is removed from those who believe.
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him. (John 3:36)
Those who believe cross over from death to eternal life.
“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” (John 5:24)
Belief in Jesus is doing the work of God.
Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” (John 6:28-29)
True believers hold to Jesus’ teaching.
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)
Some who believe are afraid to say so, fearing they may lose praise from men.
…many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God. (John 12:42-43)
What a beautiful belief compilation! When we believe in Jesus we become his child, God’s wrath is removed from us, and we are given eternal life. Belief in Jesus is how we do the work of God as we hold to his teachings and care more about pleasing God than men. In response to such glorious Scripture, let us solidify devotion to belief in Jesus and extend this vital reality to others like John did for us.