“What do you they believe in?” To this simple question, we can get, not just different answers but also different sorts of answers. One may say, “I believe in UFOs” – meaning I think UFOs are real. Another might say, “I believe in democracy”—meaning I think democratic principles are just and beneficial. But what does it mean when Christian congregations stand and say: “I believe in God”? 

One can believe in UFOs without ever seeing one personally, and in democracy without ever voting. In cases like these, “to believe” is just a matter of the intellect. But when we say “I believe in God”, we are saying that over and above believing certain truths about God, we are living in a relationship of trust in God and commitment to God.

“Faith” is a better word to use than “belief”, because while “belief” suggests bare opinion, “faith” (whether in a car or a doctor) conveys the message that you treat the person/thing as trustworthy and you are committing yourself accordingly. Now the same is true of “faith” in God, and in a more far-reaching way.

To believe (have faith) in God is to bow to His claim of lordship over me, to obey His command to trust and follow Jesus Christ His Son, and to rely on His promise to bless me here and hereafter. 

Note that the opening words are “I believe”—not “we”. Each one of us must for himself/herself. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, are you able to say “I believe in God” – personally, truthfully, most gladly — this morning?

Questions for Further Thought:

• Without commitment, is “faith” still faith?

• Can doubts exist alongside faith, or are they mutually exclusive?

WEI En Yi
[Adapted from and based on J.I. Packer’s Growing in Christ]