An A, B Converstation: True Belief And Salvation

A: How do you know you are saved?

B: I believe in God!

A: But, are we saved by our belief in God?

B: Yes, Acts 16:31 says we are!

A: And James 2:19 says the demons believe in God as well – are they saved?

B: Well, no. Look, let’s just put it this way; I know in my heart I’m saved, ok?

A: But, a person’s heart is wicked and can’t be trusted, according to Jeremiah 17:9.

B: Well, tell me then; what does Acts 16:31 actually mean?

A: The belief God required for salvation is not just that you know of Him and believe that He is a good guy that can and will save you. He demands more. Some of us will find that out the hard way, Matthew 7:21-23.

A: True belief in God requires a deep, unwavering faith, Ephesians 2:8 a complete trust in Him, Proverbs 3:5-6 a willingness to do His work, James 2:17, and a turning away from the sin in your life, Acts 3:19.

B: Wow! This believing thing sure sounds hard. I don’t think I can do all that!

A: You’re right, you can’t, Romans 3:23. But, God can, Romans 12:2.

A: But, you need to understand that God doesn’t just wave some magic wand to change you, you have to seek Him always in everything, Matthew 6:33 and study – not just read – the Bible, 2Timothy 2:15.

A: You see, true belief requires a lifetime of faith, trust, submission and repentance. Therefore you must continue to seek Him and continue to study His word, and that will lead to true belief!

B: Seek, study and believe. I think I can handle that.

A: Yeah, He makes it easy for us, Matthew 11:30