Believing In vs. Believing Like
I’d just like to take a minute to tell you about my favorite scripture. It’s John 8:31 - 32.
Jesus said to the Jews who believed in him, “If you abide in my word you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth shall set you free.”
Many people quote the last phrase in these verses, but don’t really understand it’s meaning within context. I took a look at the definition of some of the words used, taking the original Greek language it was written in into account. The word translated as abide here can mean to learn and accept. The word word is the expression of a thought. Truly means really. Disciples are students. The word for truth here means reality. And the phrase set you free is a pretty big concept referring to freedom of soul, etc. Technically it can mean to release from a state or situation that limits freedom of thought or behavior. So what is Jesus really saying in these verses? It seems he is saying...
If you learn and accept my way of thinking then you are really a student of mine who wants to learn my ways. And in doing so you will know what reality is, and that knowing will make you free.
I think it is important to note that Jesus said this to people who already believed in him. That indicates to me that we can believe in Jesus and still not be his disciple. There is a difference in believing in him and in actually learning his ways. I have heard it said like this, “When you believe
in Jesus you get saved. When you believe like Jesus you get free.” I have found this to be true. I believed in Jesus for many years, but was still tormented with depression, suicidal thoughts, etc. But then I started learning to believe like Jesus by inviting the Holy Spirit of God into my life to teach me. I read the Bible and began to understand it it. I began to learn how Jesus/God thinks, and with his help began to train myself to think like him. Now I am free from depression and suicidal thoughts without medication. Not only am I free of those things, but I am now filled with hope, joy, love, and life! So if you are someone who believes in Jesus, but don’t feel that you are experiencing the things he promises like abundant life, peace, joy, hope, the miraculous, etc. maybe you’ve only been taught to believe in him, but not yet like him. There’s good news for you! Just ask him to teach you to believe like him, and then begin learning the things he teaches through the Bible as revelation instead of information. Line up the way you think with what you learn. It will change you’re life! And if you’re someone who is not yet ready to believe in or like Jesus, but genuinely want to know what the truth about life and existence is, I encourage you to just tell the possibility of Jesus that you want to know the truth and if it’s him to please reveal himself to you. He does not hide himself from anyone who is genuinely seeking Truth.
Jesus said to the Jews who believed in him, “If you abide in my word you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth shall set you free.”
Many people quote the last phrase in these verses, but don’t really understand it’s meaning within context. I took a look at the definition of some of the words used, taking the original Greek language it was written in into account. The word translated as abide here can mean to learn and accept. The word word is the expression of a thought. Truly means really. Disciples are students. The word for truth here means reality. And the phrase set you free is a pretty big concept referring to freedom of soul, etc. Technically it can mean to release from a state or situation that limits freedom of thought or behavior. So what is Jesus really saying in these verses? It seems he is saying...
If you learn and accept my way of thinking then you are really a student of mine who wants to learn my ways. And in doing so you will know what reality is, and that knowing will make you free.
I think it is important to note that Jesus said this to people who already believed in him. That indicates to me that we can believe in Jesus and still not be his disciple. There is a difference in believing in him and in actually learning his ways. I have heard it said like this, “When you believe
in Jesus you get saved. When you believe like Jesus you get free.” I have found this to be true. I believed in Jesus for many years, but was still tormented with depression, suicidal thoughts, etc. But then I started learning to believe like Jesus by inviting the Holy Spirit of God into my life to teach me. I read the Bible and began to understand it it. I began to learn how Jesus/God thinks, and with his help began to train myself to think like him. Now I am free from depression and suicidal thoughts without medication. Not only am I free of those things, but I am now filled with hope, joy, love, and life! So if you are someone who believes in Jesus, but don’t feel that you are experiencing the things he promises like abundant life, peace, joy, hope, the miraculous, etc. maybe you’ve only been taught to believe in him, but not yet like him. There’s good news for you! Just ask him to teach you to believe like him, and then begin learning the things he teaches through the Bible as revelation instead of information. Line up the way you think with what you learn. It will change you’re life! And if you’re someone who is not yet ready to believe in or like Jesus, but genuinely want to know what the truth about life and existence is, I encourage you to just tell the possibility of Jesus that you want to know the truth and if it’s him to please reveal himself to you. He does not hide himself from anyone who is genuinely seeking Truth.
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