John 3:16 is a believing that is more than a mental conviction. It is a belief (full trust) on which you stake your whole life. The NT word “believe in Christ” has been oversimplified. In the NT it carries the idea of “believe into.” Try reading it that way for new insights. This is what Jesus is saying. “Believe into” means that we have come to the place that our life is in total solidarity with Christ. That is where our salvation is found. Paul came to that place when He said, “I am crucified “with Christ” (Galatians 2:20). Those who are “in Christ” walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh (Romans 8:1-20). In Christ we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). In Christ is the blessing of Abraham (Galatians 3:14). Keep believing into Jesus and see how it will bring you to a deeper relationship with Him.
January 15, 2019|Categories: Believe, Christ, Devotionals, Faith, Relationships, Trust|Tags: Believe Into Me, Full trust, In Christ, Mental Conviction, New Creation, Solidarity with Christ|
About the Author: H. Lamar Smith
Native of Alabama. Graduated from Valley High School, Valley, AL. Graduate of Trevecca Nazarene College, 1966. Graduate of Trevecca Nazarene University, M.A. 1992. Pastored churches in Tennessee, Kentucky, Oklahoma and Alabama.