Is it enough to believe Jesus is God?

Hey, thanks again for sending in questions related to our recent sermons. We’re in our series of the upper Jesus final private moments with his disciples. And last week, John 14, we studied Jesus famous declaration, I am the way, the truth and the life, the only way. And so we said, not only does that mean that Jesus is the only way compared to other religions, but he’s the way.

He’s saying there’s nothing in addition to him, it’s him only.

And the only thing we need, therefore to be a Christian is nothing. Which I quoted Tim Keller who says, most people don’t have that. Most people don’t have nothing. So the question comes in this week, really asking, what does it take then to become a Christian? And perhaps is it enough to believe that Jesus is God?

Is that enough? If you see him as divine, are you therefore saved? And I would say, I think the real critical piece is, is if you come to Jesus with need, with knowing that he can fulfill it for you, specifically in terms of forgiveness, we come in with repentance, looking to him to solve our moral deficiency.

Because belief that Jesus is God, you could believe that and not be repentant or admit that you have a need, reach out to him for help, salvation. James 2 famously says, Even the demons believe in God and shudder.

We see demons throughout Jesus ministry very aware that they even declared Jesus to be, you’re the Son of God, son of the Most High, whatever. And so here’s demons, we presume they’re not saved, and they’re declaring Jesus to be God, to be divine. And so I think the real critical piece there is like a desperation reaching out to him for salvation.

You see, maybe the thief on the cross, what did he know?

He just knows he’s in trouble. He knows he’s guilty. And Jesus says, you can come with me, right? Did that thief know about virgin birth? Did he know Jesus divine claims, did he know?

I don’t. It’s hard to know what he knew, but he at least knew I’m in trouble. And this guy over here says I can be with him. And so I’m throwing my lot in with him. It’s at least that.

And so I think if that piece is missing, kind of throwing yourself on the mercy of Jesus, expecting Him to pick you up, right? There has to be some amount of that in our faith, otherwise I don’t think we can come to Him. That’s the all you need is nothing, all you need is need kind of ideas as trusting him to bring you into his kingdom, to forgive you, to pay for your sins, right?

It’s all. I’m just leaning on him.

Which certainly the demons would never do. Right? All right, well, thanks for the question. Hope that’s helpful. And we’ll see you next time.