What Is Belief?

Question from a Site Viewer
I have a question about one of your articles that states that believing is all I have to do to be saved. Are the devils gonna be saved? They have a firm belief.

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
James 2:19 (KJV)

Tim’s Answer
I have a simple rule when interpreting Scripture. It is this: context, context and context. I always try to view Scripture in it’s immediate context, the context of the book, and the context of Scripture as a whole. In order to understand a small part, we have to have the whole picture. So, we must define belief as it’s used in John 3:16 and other places. This sort of belief refers to a life change, as Luke 14 so plainly states. We have to give up everything; we must count the cost of being disciples of Jesus. Belief in Jesus, according to the larger context of Scripture, involves a complete turnaround. It involves giving up everything we have in order to follow Jesus. Everything. The devils do not exhibit that life change.

This article explains what I understand the term “belief” to mean in its Scriptural context.

May Jesus Christ bless you as you continue to seek Him.

Eric