If a person is interested in going to Heaven, it most definitely matters what one believes about Jesus. I realize that John 3:16 tells us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” The passage speaks of “believing in him,” but inherent in that belief is Jesus is God’s only begotten Son.
There are those who claim to believe in Jesus as being a true person that walked this earth, but some believe He was just another great religious leader. Still others believe Jesus was a prophet like Jeremiah, Daniel or Moses. Jesus left no doubt that He was more than any of these. In Matthew 16:13-14, we note, “When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, ‘Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?’ So they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets’” (NKJV). None of these, of course, were true. Jesus wanted to firmly establish that His followers knew exactly who He is. In Matthew 16:15-16 we find, “He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’”
There is the what is to be believed about Jesus, as shown by His next words. “…Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:17-18).
Jesus was stating that upon the very truth He was indeed the Christ the Son of the living God, His church would be built. That church is composed of people who have acknowledged that same truth Peter acknowledged. The Scriptures teach that with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:10). Jesus stated what is to be confessed. “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32-33).
This acknowledgement is necessary for salvation, and it is a prerequisite to baptism for the remission of sins. When the Ethiopian eunuch had Jesus preached unto him, he realized he needed to be baptized and inquired of Phillip the evangelist what would Hinder him. He was told, “If you believe with all your heart, you may” (Acts 8:37). The next verse shows the eunuch was subsequently baptized. In summary, a person might believe of Jesus, but if a person wants to live in eternity, he must accept the fact that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God.
Inherent in that belief is all ‘Jesus taught and did’ (Acts 1:1). He overcame death for mankind. He established His church, the kingdom, which He will turn over to the Father upon His return (1 Corinthians 15:24). Yes, it most definitely matters what one believes about Jesus!
Arlis Richardson has preached for decades for the churches of Christ in the USA, and now he is retired.
