Answer # 63

What do you mean, believe? The word believe implies faith, a conviction, trust, certainty.

If we believe on or in Jesus Christ - and, more important, if we believe what He says - we come to know Him. Notice what I John 2:4 says about those who claim to know Jesus Christ: "He who says, `I know Him,' " - that is, he who believes on Christ "and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."

Anyone who says he believes but refuses to obey is a liar, according to God. He doesn't really believe what Jesus Christ said. What did Jesus say? What did He command us to believe? "Repent ye, and believe the Gospel" (Mark 1:15, Authorized Version). The Gospel deals with obedience! Notice:

"If you want to enter into life, keep the 'commandments" (Matthew 19:17).

"Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments" (I John 2:3).

"For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome" (I John 5:3).

Acts 5:29 says, "We ought to obey God." And to whom does God give His Spirit? "To those who obey Him" (verse 32).

"Faith [belief] without works is dead" (James 2:26).

Why is obedience so necessary? Because "the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good" (Romans 7:12). The law of God is good for you. Sin is bad for you. That's why Jesus Christ commands you to obey God's law - it's for your own good!

Will you believe Him?