“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

What does it mean to “believe” on the Lord Jesus Christ?  No question could be of greater importance since believing in Jesus is the Bible’s requirement to possess eternal life and enter heaven.

Believing in Jesus is not mere “head” belief, mental assent, or just acknowledging the fact and existence of Jesus Christ.  “Thou believeth there is one God . . . the devils also believe and tremble.” James 2:19  Satan “believes” in Jesus – he knows there is a Jesus, but Satan is not saved.

John G. Paton was a missionary to the natives of the New Hebrides in the South Pacific.  He was translating the Gospel of John and pondered a long time for a word in the native language which means “believe.”  One day, while he pored over his work, a tired local worker entered the missionaries hut, flung himself down on a chair, and remarked how good it was to “lean his whole weight” on the chair.  With happy surprise, Dr. Paton said, “I have found my word!”  Every time he needed a word for “believe” in his translation, he put in the word which meant, “I am resting my whole weight upon.”

Faith is when we rest our whole weight on the Lord Jesus Christ.  To believe in Jesus is to stop believing in yourself and on your efforts to save you.  Faith is resting your soul, your daily life, and your eternal destiny on the finished work of Christ and in His eternal care for you.  Jesus said, “Come unto Me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  Matthew 11:28  Faith is resting your whole weight on the Lord Jesus.  Bow in prayer now.  Believe in Jesus.  Rest entirely in Him.  He cares for you.