At times the word “belief or believe” becomes a catch all word for faith. Is it possible for one to believe and yet not come to faith? If belief is a one time stop, then we would conclude that belief means faith. If on the other hand belief is about a journey then the journey leads to faith. The Word of God is the standard for all of us, we must therefore turn to what God has revealed to come to a correct understanding about belief and faith.
Jesus first miracle was turning water into wine at the wedding feast (John 2). At that time Jesus made known His glory, that is His power. What effect did this miracle have on the disciples? John writes that the disciples believed on Him (John 2:11). Alright, they believed but the question is did they have faith? Jump ahead in time to the events in John chapter 6. Jesus teaches that men must eat His flesh and drink His blood. The basis being that He was the living bread sent from God the Father (John 6:57,58). What was the reaction of His disciples. John writes that many of His disciples walked no more with Him (John 6:66).
In John 2 they believe and are disciples or followers of Jesus. In John 6 the teachings of Jesus confuses them and many walk no more with Him. Might we argue that these are two separate groups of disciples? What if the disciples were growing in number as the fame of Jesus spread? Jesus knew that the Pharisees were aware that the number of Jesus’ disciples was growing larger than John’s (John 4:1). The greater likelihood is many were coming to believe in Jesus but based on John 6, such belief does not mean faith. Belief can be a state of mind whereas faith is always a state of action.
Moving forward to the 12th chapter of John. John writes that even though Jesus had done so many miracles in front of Him, they believed not on Him (John 12:37). In the verses to follow we are given definitions to help our thinking. Among the chief rulers of the Jews many BELIEVED on Him. If belief is a one time stop, then these rulers are saved. God’s word clears up the doubts created by the doctrines of men. Even though they BELIEVED on Him, they would not confess Him (John 12:42). The reason they failed to confess Him was the Pharisees had laid down the law if anyone did confess Him, they would be thrown out of the synagogue.
Does not Jesus teach that if a man failed to confess Jesus that Jesus would likewise deny him (Matt. 10:33). These rulers believed based on the evidence that Jesus was Who He said He was. Faith, being an active force, would have required them to take a stand publicly about what they believed in their heart about Jesus. The Pharisees as a group had rejected the council of God by refusing to be immersed by John (Luke 7:30). Why then could they not be disciples of Jesus? Would it not be the same reason, that they rejected the council of God? They believed but they were not willing to confess.
Take the case of Abraham. God promised Abraham that through his lineage one would come that would bless all humanity. The Bible says that Abraham believed (Gen. 15:6). It was counted to him for righteousness. A one time stop? In chapter 17, God issues the promise again but adds that the start will be with Sarah and Abraham. The Bible then shows that Abraham fell on his face and laughed (Gen. 17:17). The life of Abraham from Haran to Canaan and all points in between is about a growth of belief which led to faith.
Faith is believing in God’s existence and it is also knowing that God rewards those who diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6). The diligently seeking of God defines for us that faith is an active force in our hearts which leads us to trust in God. Jesus taught that the Jews who believed in Him must continue in His word, otherwise they are not His disciples.