This final appeal really clarifies for us, what it means to believe. John has already shown us that:
a. There are those who believe because of seeing Jesus signs (John 2:23-25) but it’s a false faith.
b. There are those who believe but it did not last (John 8:30-31) which is also a false faith.
c. There are those who believe but love this world more than Christ (John 12:25) which is a false faith.
d. Those who believe but don’t confess Christ (John 12:42-43) which is a false faith.e. There are those who believe but don’t obey Christ (John 8:51; 12:47-48 (today’s text)) which is a false faith.
“It is an inconclusive affirmation that says, ‘I believe in Jesus’. It would be naïve and gullible to affirm the salvation of an individual based solely on that statement.” Thankfully, we are not left without guidance.
