Is simply believing in Christ grants salvation?

[JesusFollowerForever]

In the Gospels, Jesus consistently teaches that eternal life is not merely the result of believing in Him, but also requires a deeper commitment to following His example and obeying His commands. While belief is central to salvation, Jesus emphasizes that it must be accompanied by genuine action, love, and self-sacrifice.

One of the most famous verses in the Gospel of John is John 3:16, where Jesus explains that "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." At first glance, this verse seems to suggest that belief alone is sufficient. However, when we look at the broader context of Jesus' teachings, it becomes clear that He is not only asking for intellectual belief but for a belief that leads to a transformed life—a belief that manifests in action, repentance, obedience, and love.

In John 14:15, Jesus gives a further clarification, saying, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." Here, belief in Jesus is tied directly to the act of following His teachings. True belief is not just acknowledging who Jesus is, but also choosing to live according to His will. For Jesus, love is not simply an emotional feeling, but a choice to live in a way that reflects His commandments. This idea is echoed throughout the Gospels, where Jesus calls His followers to live out their faith, not just profess it.

In Matthew 19:16-21, a man approaches Jesus, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus initially directs him to keep the commandments, but then challenges him further. He tells the man to sell all his possessions and follow Him. This statement reveals that belief alone is not enough; following Jesus requires a radical commitment, one that involves self-sacrifice and a willingness to give up what may be most dear in order to follow His path. It is not just about agreeing with His teachings but about letting those teachings transform every aspect of one's life.

Similarly, in Mark 10:29-30, Jesus speaks about the sacrifices His followers will face for His sake. He promises, "there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time... and in the age to come, eternal life." Jesus here emphasizes that following Him means prioritizing Him above all else, even relationships and possessions. The result of believing and doing as Jesus asks us to do is eternal life. But the crucial point is that the pursuit of eternal life involves sacrifice—a willingness to follow Jesus, even when it is difficult.

In the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-28, Jesus teaches that eternal life is closely connected to how one loves others. When asked by a lawyer what he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus points to the commandment to love God with all one’s heart and to love one’s neighbour as oneself. Jesus shows that this love is not passive but is demonstrated in concrete actions. The story of the Good Samaritan exemplifies the kind of love that leads to eternal life—love that transcends social boundaries and is willing to take risks for the sake of others. It is a love that goes beyond words and requires active, sacrificial service to others.

In John 6:47-51, Jesus describes Himself as the "bread of life," further explaining that those who believe in Him will have eternal life. However, He also stresses that this belief is tied to partaking in His body and blood, symbolizing full participation in His life and mission. It’s not enough to simply acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah; one must partake in His life, embracing His teachings and actions as their own. Jesus’ statement here points to the necessity of living out the faith, not just professing it.

What becomes clear through these passages is that belief, in the context of Jesus' teachings, is not a passive acknowledgement but an active, ongoing commitment. It involves more than just intellectual assent, it is a call to action, to live according to His will, to love others sacrificially, and to prioritize Him above all else. Eternal life is not a mere future promise for those who believe but is experienced now, in the transformation of the heart and the way one lives. It is a life of obedience, sacrifice, and love that follows the example set by Jesus Himself.

Thus, Jesus makes it clear that belief alone is insufficient for eternal life. It must be a belief that leads to action, to living a life that reflects His teachings and embodies His love. Eternal life is for those who not only believe in Him but also follow Him in word and deed. The path to eternal life is one of commitment, sacrifice, and love, shaped by a deep, personal relationship with Jesus that transforms the way one lives.

 

[Clare73]

Yes, true faith results in obedience to the law of Christ.

No obedience = no faith.

 

[d taylor]

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Yes when a person makes Jesus the object of their belief, the result of that moment in time, belief in Jesus. Gives the person God's free gift of Eternal Life salvation and they become a pernamnet born again child of God.
Believing in Jesus is all that is required by God to become a born again child of God. Repentance, obedience to God, loving God, etc.. being a result of a persons belief is a lie. A person may experience a change in their life, but again a person may not.

The parable of the soils shows the 3 types of believers: the 2nd soil, the 3rd soil and the 4th soil

The best site teaching God's Free Grace is Grace Evangelical Society

 

[1Tonne]

As D Taylor stated, God gives us grace because we have faith in Him. But because we believe, we will then choose to leave our sin. It would be wrong to know that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and then simply to carry on in our sin. So, repentance is a result of belief.

How we act in life is based on our beliefs. For example, if I told you that there is a land mine in the path, if you choose not to believe me, then you will walk straight into it. If you choose to believe me, then you will act accordingly and go around it. Likewise, those who truly believe will choose not to continue to sin. Their desire will be to honour God. (I am not talking about sinless perfection either)
James 2:14-20 says, "What use is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? In the same way, faith also, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.
But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to acknowledge, you foolish person, that faith without works is useless?"
Notice in the last verse that it says that some may say we simply need faith to be saved but these people are foolish. They think that all they need to do is believe and then they can continue in sin and they are still saved. But these people ignore James 2:24 "You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone"

 

[Dan Perez]

As D Taylor stated, God gives us grace because we have faith in Him. But because we believe, we will then choose to leave our sin. It would be wrong to know that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and then simply to carry on in our sin. So, repentance is a result of belief.

How we act in life is based on our beliefs. For example, if I told you that there is a land mine in the path, if you choose not to believe me, then you will walk straight into it. If you choose to believe me, then you will act accordingly and go around it. Likewise, those who truly believe will choose not to continue to sin. Their desire will be to honour God. (I am not talking about sinless perfection either)
James 2:14-20 says, "What use is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? In the same way, faith also, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.
But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to acknowledge, you foolish person, that faith without works is useless?"
Notice in the last verse that it says that some may say we simply need faith to be saved but these people are foolish. They think that all they need to do is believe and then they can continue in sin and they are still saved. But these people ignore James 2:24 "You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone"

Romans 10:9 says , That if you should CONFESS with your mouth the Lord Jesus and should believe in your heart

that God raised Him from the DEAD you will be SAVED >

For with the HEART he believes to RIGHTEOUSNESS and with the MOIUTH he confesses to SALVATION Rom 10:10

dan p

 

[stevevw]

These types of posts are becoming more common. As though we are recognising the lack of Christians putting everything on the line for Christ. Its like there not too much difference between Christs church and the world.

I think if Christians followed literally the teachings then we would see a radical change of Christ in action. It would be a powerful testimony in this day and age.

Like with the Good Samaritan where we are to even go to the length of giving the shirt off our back to help another. You would think that we would see a revolution in helping the needy. Even to the point where people make their own lives more uncomfortable and inconvienced.

But everyone too busy running around trying to get this this and that latest tech or fashion. Taking pics for their social media page.

Maybe there will be some sort of revival where bold Christians stand up and lead the way back. Set the example of Christ. Usually when theres a great falling away God will send His messengers.

 

[NewLifeInChristJesus]

In the Gospels, Jesus consistently teaches that eternal life is not merely the result of believing in Him, but also requires a deeper commitment to following His example and obeying His commands. While belief is central to salvation, Jesus emphasizes that it must be accompanied by genuine action, love, and self-sacrifice.

The "deeper commitment" doctrine has a fatal flaw. There is no way possible for a lost person to make (and keep) a "deep commitment to following His example and obeying His commands". We do see ancient Israel making such a commitment: "You go near and hear all that the LORD our God may say, and tell us all that the LORD our God says to you, and we will hear and do it" (Dt 5:27).

But God knew that they did not have the heart needed to fulfill that commitment: "Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever!" (Dt 5:29)

Just as was true then, any commitment that a person makes today to hear and do all that God says isn't worth the paper it's written on. So, it must be grace that sees us through to the end.

One of the most famous verses in the Gospel of John is John 3:16, where Jesus explains that "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." At first glance, this verse seems to suggest that belief alone is sufficient. However, when we look at the broader context of Jesus' teachings, it becomes clear that He is not only asking for intellectual belief but for a belief that leads to a transformed life—a belief that manifests in action, repentance, obedience, and love.

God has chosen to save from His wrath only those who put their trust in the gospel message that Jesus Christ died on the cross to save them from their sins (1 Cor 1:21). Everyone deserves His wrath, and no one is worthy of escaping His wrath. A person's faith does not save him. God is the only one who can save people, and He chooses to do so on the basis of their faith. A person's "transformed life" doesn't save him. The "manifestation of action, repentance, obedience, and love" does not save a person. God personally saves people from His wrath, and Scripture is clear about who He chooses to save...

...it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe (1 Co 1:21).​

 

[1Tonne]

These types of posts are becoming more common. As though we are recognising the lack of Christians putting everything on the line for Christ. Its like there not too much difference between Christs church and the world.

I think if Christians followed literally the teachings then we would see a radical change of Christ in action. It would be a powerful testimony in this day and age.

Like with the Good Samaritan where we are to even go to the length of giving the shirt off our back to help another. You would think that we would see a revolution in helping the needy. Even to the point where people make their own lives more uncomfortable and inconvienced.

But everyone too busy running around trying to get this this and that latest tech or fashion. Taking pics for their social media page.

Maybe there will be some sort of revival where bold Christians stand up and lead the way back. Set the example of Christ. Usually when theres a great falling away God will send His messengers.

You are correct in saying that a true revival starts with us. As you mentioned, we should help people who are in need and that may cost us something. When we help people, then people will see that we love them. This can then give us opportunities to share the Gospel. But sadly, many Christians simply do kind actions and then forget to say the Gospel.
Our kind actions give credibility to what we say. So, they are a witness. And we can either be a good or a bad witness.
If we do bad things, our word becomes compromised, and people will be less likely to believe what we say. The opposite of this is when we act in love, this will give our word credibility. For example, in a court of law, if you have 2 people with conflicting testimonies, one is a prostitute, and the other is a doctor. The doctor is the one most people would believe as his word is not compromised like the prostitute. He is a good witness.
So, your actions validate what you believe, and then, when you do say the Gospel, people will be more likely to believe what you say.
We need to be careful that we do share the Gospel out aloud. Our good deeds are not the power of God unto salvation. They only give us an opportunity to share and they give our words credibility. Then when we do say the Gospel, it will give glory to God.

Another example. If I were talking to someone downtown and a passerby heard me use God's name as a cuss word that would not be very good. Then if I were to go to a park a few days after this and say the Gospel to that same passerby, my words that I say have been tainted because of my previous conduct. He would think to himself, "This fuller does not even truly believe himself because he uses his own God's name as a cuss word." So, I am therefore not a good witness. My actions did not bring Glory to God. Instead, they were a disgrace. Our actions substantiate our words. Therefore, bringing Glory to God.

So, love our neighbour by caring for their needs. But also, love them enough to warn them of the condemnation that they are under. It would be unloving to know of God, everlasting life, Judgement, death and the way out, and then not to tell people of it. Love by deed and word.

 

[1Tonne]

The "deeper commitment" doctrine has a fatal flaw. There is no way possible for a lost person to make (and keep) a "deep commitment to following His example and obeying His commands". We do see ancient Israel making such a commitment: "You go near and hear all that the LORD our God may say, and tell us all that the LORD our God says to you, and we will hear and do it" (Dt 5:27).

But God knew that they did not have the heart needed to fulfill that commitment: "Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever!" (Dt 5:29)

Just as was true then, any commitment that a person makes today to hear and do all that God says isn't worth the paper it's written on. So, it must be grace that sees us through to the end.

God is a God of miracles, and if we put our faith in Him, He can change a heart of stone that does not obey Him to a heart of flesh that loves and obeys Him. In saying this, we will always have a battle of the flesh within us that may make us stumble on occasion. But, as time goes on, if we choose to fight the flesh, we will become stronger and stronger, and we will be attacked less. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
(I am not speaking of sinless perfection either)

God has chosen to save from His wrath only those who put their trust in the gospel message that Jesus Christ died on the cross to save them from their sins (1 Cor 1:21). Everyone deserves His wrath, and no one is worthy of escaping His wrath. A person's faith does not save him. God is the only one who can save people, and He chooses to do so on the basis of their faith. A person's "transformed life" doesn't save him. The "manifestation of action, repentance, obedience, and love" does not save a person. God personally saves people from His wrath, and Scripture is clear about who He chooses to save...

As you said, it is God who saves people. He gives them grace because they have put their faith in Him. Those who put their faith in Him will act in a way according to their belief. And if they believe that Jesus died on the cross for their sins, then they will not want to continue living in sin. It would be awful to have some understanding of what happened on the cross and then put another nail in. Our beliefs shape the way we act.
Overall, our deeds do not save us. They are simply a result of true belief. It is God's grace given to those who believe that saves.

Earlier in this thread, John 3:16 was mentioned. Within this verse, it uses the word "believes". This word in Greek is "pisteuō". This means to believe, commit unto, or trust.
So, what is true belief? Many believe and are not saved. A person can even think that they truly believe but when tested, they fail the test. So, they did not truly believe. For example, if you are going skydiving for the first time, on the ground you may be confident and say, "I will jump out of the plane. I have a parachute and so I will live." You believe you will be OK. But when you finally are at 10000 feet and you look out the door, you may say to yourself, "It's higher than I thought, and I would hate it if my parachute did not open. I am not going to jump."
So, even though you said you believed the parachute would save you, in the end, your true belief came out when you were tested. In the end, you did not trust the parachute and so you did not jump. We are justified by how we act and not by belief alone.
James 2:24 "You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone"

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

The "deeper commitment" doctrine has a fatal flaw. There is no way possible for a lost person to make (and keep) a "deep commitment to following His example and obeying His commands". We do see ancient Israel making such a commitment: "You go near and hear all that the LORD our God may say, and tell us all that the LORD our God says to you, and we will hear and do it" (Dt 5:27).

But God knew that they did not have the heart needed to fulfill that commitment: "Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever!" (Dt 5:29)

Just as was true then, any commitment that a person makes today to hear and do all that God says isn't worth the paper it's written on. So, it must be grace that sees us through to the end.

God has chosen to save from His wrath only those who put their trust in the gospel message that Jesus Christ died on the cross to save them from their sins (1 Cor 1:21). Everyone deserves His wrath, and no one is worthy of escaping His wrath. A person's faith does not save him. God is the only one who can save people, and He chooses to do so on the basis of their faith. A person's "transformed life" doesn't save him. The "manifestation of action, repentance, obedience, and love" does not save a person. God personally saves people from His wrath, and Scripture is clear about who He chooses to save...

...it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe (1 Co 1:21).​

Faith alone will not save you, Christ was clear on this! And commitment is a choice, few will make it, Christ said so, people prefer grace because it is easy, they follow the wide path Christ described.

Only Christ can save us and we have to commit and do as he asked and persevere. We have to remain faithful as Christ is faithful.

 

[1Tonne]

Grace alone will not save you, christ was clear on this! And commitment is a choice, few will make it, Christ said so, prople prefer grace because it is easy, they follow the wide path Christ described.

Only Christ can save us and we have to commit and do as he asked and persevere. We have to remain faithful as Christ is faithful.

It is by grace alone and not of works (Ephesians 2:8-9). But those who truly believe will act upon their belief, and so therefore bringing forth works. (Ephesians 2:10)
Works are a result of belief.
God grants us grace because we put faith in Him and then we will produce works.

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

It is by grace alone and not of works (Ephesians 2:8-9). But those who truly believe will act upon their belief, and so therefore bringing forth works. (Ephesians 2:10)
Works are a result of belief.
God grants us grace because we put faith in Him and then we will produce works.

Works as you say are a result of belief but I know they are essential for salvation also as we have to demonstrate we love GOD we have to do what he would do, works. GOD calls us to be Holy as he is Holy,

1 Peter 1:15-16​

But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”​

With true belief and God's help and perseverance all is possible.

 

[NewLifeInChristJesus]

God is a God of miracles, and if we put our faith in Him, He can change a heart of stone that does not obey Him to a heart of flesh that loves and obeys Him. In saying this, we will always have a battle of the flesh within us that may make us stumble on occasion. But, as time goes on, if we choose to fight the flesh, we will become stronger and stronger, and we will be attacked less. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
(I am not speaking of sinless perfection either)

As you said, it is God who saves people. He gives them grace because they have put their faith in Him. Those who put their faith in Him will act in a way according to their belief. And if they believe that Jesus died on the cross for their sins, then they will not want to continue living in sin. It would be awful to have some understanding of what happened on the cross and then put another nail in. Our beliefs shape the way we act.
Overall, our deeds do not save us. They are simply a result of true belief. It is God's grace given to those who believe that saves.

Earlier in this thread, John 3:16 was mentioned. Within this verse, it uses the word "believes". This word in Greek is "pisteuō". This means to believe, commit unto, or trust.
So, what is true belief? Many believe and are not saved. A person can even think that they truly believe but when tested, they fail the test. So, they did not truly believe. For example, if you are going skydiving for the first time, on the ground you may be confident and say, "I will jump out of the plane. I have a parachute and so I will live." You believe you will be OK. But when you finally are at 10000 feet and you look out the door, you may say to yourself, "It's higher than I thought, and I would hate it if my parachute did not open. I am not going to jump."
So, even though you said you believed the parachute would save you, in the end, your true belief came out when you were tested. In the end, you did not trust the parachute and so you did not jump. We are justified by how we act and not by belief alone.
James 2:24 "You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone"

I don't find much wrong with this. Another example of not entering in because of unbelief is a person who says he rests all his weight on Christ but then doesn't cease from his works (Heb 4:10).

 

[NewLifeInChristJesus]

Grace alone will not save you, Christ was clear on this!

I've read everything in the Bible multiple times and I never saw that concept mentioned anywhere.

And commitment is a choice, few will make it, Christ said so,

Never saw that one either.

pepple prefer grace because it is easy, they follow the wide path Christ described.

Jesus never preached against God's grace. He said His yoke is easy and His burden is light. He Himself is the narrow gate. The wide path which leads to destruction, which many are on, is not a path that includes God's grace.

Only Christ can save us and we have to commit and do as he asked and persevere. We have to remain faithful as Christ is faithful.

If you are saying that Christ will save us from His wrath only if we make a commitment to do as he asks and follow through on our commitment just as He followed through on His commitment to the Father, then certainly this is the most narrow of all paths to eternal life.

 

[timewerx]

Is simply believing in Christ grants salvation?​

If there is such a thing as "simply" believing:

John 14:12
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.

 

[1Tonne]

Works as you say are a result of belief but I know they are essential for salvation also as we have to demonstrate we love GOD we have to do what he would do, works. GOD calls us to be Holy as he is Holy,

1 Peter 1:15-16​

But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”​

With true belief and God's help and perseverance all is possible.

Hence, we are justified by works and not by faith alone.

I don't find much wrong with this. Another example of not entering in because of unbelief is a person who says he rests all his weight on Christ but then doesn't cease from his works (Heb 4:10).

I would view this verse as figurative. We do not totally cease doing works completely.
A person who has entered God's rest realises that their own deeds will not earn their way to heaven. So, we cease trying to earn our way there. But because we believe, we will then do works to honour God.

If there is such a thing as "simply" believing:

John 14:12
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.

This is an incredible verse.

When I reflect on it, I ask myself: How does my faith shape my life? How do I witness these "greater works"? Here's how:
Because I believe, I choose to love God—expressing that love through obedience to His Word. This means turning away from sin. But faith doesn’t stop at personal transformation; it moves me to action. I don’t just strive to be a good person. My belief in God, in heaven and hell, in judgment and salvation, compels me to share the Gospel. Jesus commanded us to go and preach to as many people as possible. To remain silent while others walk toward destruction would be unloving. Genuine faith and love drive me to warn and invite others to Christ. And when a non-believer responds in faith, I witness something truly incredible. I see a person once condemned to death come to life. Heaven itself rejoices when this happens. Given the choice, I would rather see one soul saved than witness a hundred miraculous healings.

 

[BNR32FAN]

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​

Yes when a person makes Jesus the object of their belief, the result of that moment in time, belief in Jesus. Gives the person God's free gift of Eternal Life salvation and they become a pernamnet born again child of God.
Believing in Jesus is all that is required by God to become a born again child of God. Repentance, obedience to God, loving God, etc.. being a result of a persons belief is a lie. A person may experience a change in their life, but again a person may not.

The parable of the soils shows the 3 types of believers: the 2nd soil, the 3rd soil and the 4th soil

The best site teaching God's Free Grace is Grace Evangelical Society

Anyone who does not experience a change in their life has not been born again. Being born again and becoming a new creation literally means that they have become dead to their old ways and have changed their way of life.

 

[NewLifeInChristJesus]

I would view this verse as figurative. We do not totally cease doing works completely.
A person who has entered God's rest realises that their own deeds will not earn their way to heaven. So, we cease trying to earn our way there. But because we believe, we will then do works to honour God.

I would argue that Hebrews 4:10 is literal in that it points to the fact that all saved people have stopped trying to gain salvation by their works (as you indicated). That it is imperative for everyone to make this choice is evident in the verse that follows...

Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. (Heb 4:11)​

Hebrews 4:11 points to significant consequences for not deciding to stop working for one's salvation. And verses 12-13 further warns that since God Himself can can clearly see the thoughts and intentents of our hearts, He knows for sure who has stopped working for their salvation and who has not.

 

[d taylor]

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People, christains, churches are ate up with this cancerous belief, that belief in Jesus is not enough to give a person God's free gift of Eternal Life.

 

[1Tonne]

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​

People, christains, churches are ate up with this cancerous belief, that belief in Jesus is not enough to give a person God's free gift of Eternal Life.

But there are also some people who are eaten up with a cancerous belief that you can simply continue sinning however you want once you believe and then you are still saved. This is wrong too. If we truly believe, then we will want to honour our creator.