Knowing vs. Believing

Knowing vs. Believing: The Heart of True Faith

We often encounter individuals who possess intellectual knowledge about God and the Bible but lack a genuine, saving faith in Jesus Christ. The story of the author’s friend, Ralph, who is intelligent and inquisitive yet resistant to the Gospel, illustrates this common dilemma. This article delves into the distinction between mere intellectual assent and true belief, exploring the reasons why some reject the Gospel despite overwhelming evidence and highlighting the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that goes beyond mere head knowledge.

The Story of Ralph: A Case Study in Intellectual Resistance

The author shares the story of his friend Ralph, a bright and analytical individual who, despite engaging in deep conversations about faith and witnessing his wife’s conversion, remains unconvinced. Ralph’s stated reason for his unbelief is a need for “further proof.”

Analytical Nature vs. Spiritual Discernment: While Ralph’s analytical mind is an asset in many areas, it may also present a barrier to faith. He approaches spiritual matters with the same intellectual rigor he applies to technology and business, demanding empirical evidence for matters of faith. This highlights a common challenge: faith often requires a leap beyond the purely rational, a willingness to trust in what cannot be fully proven.

Scriptural Insight: The Pharisees’ Blindness

John 5:39-40 provides a powerful insight into the nature of true belief:

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.”

Evidence vs. Willingness: Jesus addresses the religious leaders of his day, who meticulously studied the Scriptures yet rejected Him as the Messiah. He points out that their disbelief was not due to a lack of evidence. They had witnessed his miracles (John 2:1-11 – water to wine, Matthew 8:5-13 – healing a centurion’s servant, Mark 5:21-43 – raising Jairus’ daughter). Their rejection stemmed from a willful refusal to accept the truth.

John 5:36 further clarifies this, with Jesus saying, “But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me.” Jesus highlights multiple witnesses to his divinity, including John the Baptist, the miracles he performed, and God the Father himself.   

The Choice to Believe: A Matter of the Will

The example of the Pharisees demonstrates that belief is often a choice. Even when confronted with compelling evidence, individuals can choose to reject the truth if it conflicts with their preconceived notions or personal agendas.

Reasons for Resistance: We can put ourselves in the Pharisees shoes, and consider the reasons why someone might resist believing in Jesus. Pride, fear of losing social standing, or a desire to maintain control over one’s life can all be powerful deterrents to faith. Perhaps they felt threatened by him, or were unwilling to humble themselves to accept him.

Personal Reflection: It’s valuable to reflect on our own experiences and those of others. Have we witnessed individuals choosing to believe things that are demonstrably false? Have we ourselves resisted truth at times? What were the underlying motivations?

Self-Determination: A Hindrance or a Help?

The desire for self-determination can be a significant obstacle to faith.

Without God: Some individuals reject God because they want to be the ultimate authority in their own lives. They resist submitting to a higher power, preferring to chart their own course. With God – The Prosperity Gospel: Even within Christianity, a distorted view of self-determination can manifest in the “Prosperity Gospel,” which often presents God as a means to achieve personal success and fulfillment, rather than the sovereign Lord to whom we owe our allegiance. This reduces God to a genie who will grant our desires, rather than submitting our desires to God and trusting him.

True Freedom in Surrender: True freedom, however, is found not in autonomy but in surrender to God’s will. Romans 6:22 states, “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.”   

Religion vs. Relationship: Beyond Head Knowledge

Jesus makes a critical distinction between studying the Scriptures and coming to Him for life.

The Danger of Ritualism: It’s possible to engage in religious activities—Bible study, prayer, ministry—without having a genuine relationship with Christ. These activities, while good in themselves, can become empty rituals if they are not rooted in a love for God and a desire to know Him personally. Isaiah 1:11-17 provides an Old Testament example, where God rejects outward acts of worship that are not accompanied by justice and righteousness.

Head Knowledge vs. Heart Knowledge: Knowing about God is not the same as knowing God. True faith involves a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, a transformation of the heart, and a commitment to follow Him.

Refreshing Our Relationship: Avoiding Empty Rituals

The article concludes with a call to self-examination. We must consider whether our acts of service have become routine, devoid of genuine connection with God.

Re-igniting Our Passion: If we find that our faith has become stale, we need to take steps to refresh and reinvigorate our relationship with God. This might involve:

• Repentance: Acknowledging any areas where we have prioritized knowledge over relationship or allowed our service to become mechanical.
• Renewed Focus: Making a conscious effort to spend time with God in prayer and meditation, seeking to know Him more deeply.
• Authentic Worship: Engaging in worship that is heartfelt and genuine, not merely performative.
• Serving with Love: Approaching our acts of service with a renewed sense of love and devotion to Christ.

Choosing Life in Christ

The distinction between knowing about God and truly believing in Him is of paramount importance. It’s the difference between a life of empty religion and a life filled with purpose, meaning, and eternal hope. Let us choose to move beyond mere intellectual assent to a vibrant, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, embracing the abundant life He offers to all who come to Him in faith. Let us not be like those described in 2 Timothy 3:5, “having a form of godliness but denying its power.” Instead, let us embrace the power of a genuine relationship with Christ, allowing it to transform us from the inside out.