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To understand what true belief is, start asking yourself two simple, but very important questions. First: "Do you believe in God?" and also: "Do you believe God?" These questions are not asking the same thing. The first, "Do you believe in God?" is aimed at whether or not you believe God exists. Many readily answer that they do believe there is a God, but that is the extent of their belief. The second question, "Do you believe God?" is pointed at not only believing that He exists, but just as importantly, believing that what He says is true.
We can demonstrate this difference between these two questions by using this example. An automobile mechanic tells you that your car’s brakes are so bad, that unless you get them worked on now, you could get in a serious wreck. You obviously believe that the mechanic exists, but this doesn’t mean that you believe that what he says is true. If you truly believed what he said, you would fix your brakes, if you were able. What does this tell us? True belief causes action.
How does his apply to God? It applies in the very same way as with the auto mechanic. If we truly believe that what God says is true, we will act on that belief or faith. But if we merely believe that God exists, we will be indifferent, and let what he says go in one ear and out the other, just like we would do with the mechanic at the repair garage.
The sad fact is that too many people believe in God, but don’t believe God. They don’t believe that He will do what He said. Jesus said that unless people repent they will perish. What does it mean to repent? It means to confess your sins, and forsake (or once and for all turn away from) your sins. But too many people who say they believe in God, read those important words of Jesus, show that they don’t really believe God because they disregard them. We can tell they do by the way they act. They haven’t fully turned from their sinful, unrighteous habits and practices. And remember what we already concluded, that true belief causes action. This means that one who really does believe that what God says is true, will repent, or will totally and completely turn their back on all they know is wrong, and turn toward all they know is right.
How about you friend? Do you not only believe in God, but also believe God? Do you believe that unless you repent, you will perish? If you do, you will see the absolute necessity of repentance. If you would like to learn more about what God says, more about how to repent, or if you would like to spend time with people who truly believe all that God says, and live like it, come to the Church of God in Carmichael.
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