2. Believe the Gospel
Belief in the gospel of Jesus is necessary for salvation!
Someone is not saved simply by hearing the gospel. We must believe it if we are to please God and receive His grace in the forgiveness of our sins.
"And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him."
Philippian Jailer
"And they said, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you and your household'"
Jews in Jerusalem on Pentecost
"Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified. Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do?"
Apostles' Great Commission
"And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned'"
Bible's Golden Text
"“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life"
The Gospel Produces Faith Through Evidence
This evidence includes Jesus' miracles, testimony about who Jesus is from God Himself, and finally the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
If one believes Jesus is Lord, they will act on what Jesus says. Belief is NOT just acknowledgement of who Jesus is. The devil and demons believe who Jesus is but are clearly not saved—James 4:19.
Examples of People Who Acted on Their Faith
"For by it [faith] the men of old gained approval."
"By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks."
"By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith."
"By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going."
When we see the necessity of an active, obedient faith in Christ and His gospel, it should motivate us to truly examine the evidence and know if these are really true or not.
If I believe, what will that faith cause me to do?