Belief
Category
Salvation & Redemption
Biblical Definition
A trusting response to God's revelation in Christ that receives His testimony as true and rests in Him for life and salvation.
Origin(s)
Greek: πιστεύω
Transliteration
pisteuō
Literal meaning
to believe, trust, rely on, entrust oneself to
Key Scripture(s)
John 1:12; John 3:16-18; John 6:29; John 11:25-27; John 20:31; Acts 16:31
Theological Significance
John uses the verb 'believe' again and again to show the proper response to Jesus' signs, words, and identity. Belief in this Gospel is not bare mental agreement but personal trust that receives Jesus as the Son of God and the source of life.
Common Misunderstanding(s)
Biblical belief is not wishful thinking or detached acknowledgment of facts. It involves entrusting oneself to Christ.
Practical Application
This word calls readers to move beyond curiosity about Jesus to personal reliance upon Him.