Purposeful Decision
There is something to be said about a purposeful decision. There are many things we do accidentally or even due to circumstances, but a purposeful decision is one where we are evaluating the potential results and outcome and determine the course we are taking. This may apply to our jobs, our health, our finances, but it is never as important as when we make a purposeful decision in our relationship with Jesus Christ. This is a pivotal decision, a life changing decision, a turning point in our lives, and we should recognize the significance of this purposeful decision.
I am careful in the words I used when I state, “…make a purposeful decision in our relationship with Jesus Christ.” I know some may argue Scripture tells us we only need to believe Jesus is Lord, citing verses like Romans 10:9.
That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
However, the Greek word used here for believe is “pisteuo”, which at the root means to give your whole trust and respect to someone. There is a substantial difference in just believing Jesus is Lord and putting all your trust in Him; or believing God raised Him from the dead and giving all your respect to God for His resurrection power.
We have to be careful with the intent of the original words used in Scripture. You see, Satan and all the demons believe Jesus is Lord, and they witnessed God raising Jesus’ lifeless body. If you read Romans 10:9 with a current English understanding of the word believe, then all the demons would have salvation… but this is not the meaning. Satan does not put his trust in Jesus. There is no demon giving respect to God, as Satan and all the demonic entities have rejected God and His authority.
When I consider “pisteuo”, I am thinking this is indicating a relationship with God. Actually, this is not only indicating a relationship, but it is defining the type of relationship with God – one where we give Him all of our trust and respect.
There is a considerable difference between just believing and making a purposeful decision for this kind of a relationship with Jesus Christ. Forget just believing… anyone can do this, but few make the purposeful decision to give all their trust and respect to God.
This is where I want to be… what about you?
Glenn Sasscer
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July 12th, 2010 at 11:42 am
Believing God created it all is religion. Wondering how it works is science.
July 13th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
Good distinction, Lorenzo, although not accurate. Believing God created it all is faith, not religion. Religion is manmade and often crippling to faith.
By definition, some sciences become their own religion in the way they establish unfounded assumptions, rules, and laws, although these are only the extremes like species evolution (no proof, no facts, only assumptions and theory). Survival evolution is proven, however not a basis for species evolution.
Wondering how it all works is a good definition of science. The basis for all of the true sciences can be found and supported in Scripture… this doesn't take religion to find it, it only takes faith.