[He] was believed on in the world…
Summary: This passage confronts us with the core challenge of the Gospel message: Do you believe in Jesus?
I sometimes have to laugh at how my mind works. When I read the passage for this meditation, I wondered, “What is the difference between ‘believed on’ and ‘believed in’?”
It turns out the answer is “Not much!”
“Believed on” is an old-fashioned way of saying “believed in,” so basically they mean the same thing.
Okay. But what about the word “believed?” What does that mean?
This may be one of the most important questions in history.
The Greek word “pisteúō” is the word used for “believed.” It can mean “to have faith,” to commit to, or to trust.*
So what does it mean to believe in, have faith in, commit to, or trust Jesus?
Does it mean that we just say we believe, and then go on with our day? Let’s see what Jesus says:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven…” (Matthew 7:21)
Ouch? Who does, then? Who gets to go to heaven?
Jesus answers by saying, “… only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (ibid)
What does that mean?
When Paul writes that Jesus was “believed on in the world,” he is talking about people who trusted Jesus with their lives. They are people who would choose to die rather than deny Jesus.
That is a pretty radical commitment!
What kind of person does that, anyway?
Of course, not everyone who believes in (on?) Jesus meets a violent death. Most live a full, rich life. What sets them apart is that their lives are lived for Jesus, not themselves.
And what does Jesus want us to do?
When asked what the greatest commandments are, Jesus summarizes God’s will both succinctly and memorably:
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’“ (Matthew 22:37-39)
Amen. So be it.
Application: Live for Jesus!
Food for Thought: How does believing in Jesus change us?
* “G4100 – pisteuō – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (NIV).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 5 May, 2026. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4100/niv/mgnt/0-1/>.
Belief in Jesus has a transformative effect. It leads us to become more and more like Him over time. It bears fruit seen in our relationships and daily life. We become characterized more and more by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. We are called to be holy – separate from the world, set aside for His purposes. If there is no change, there is a problem.
2 Corinthians 3: 18: And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate a the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Philippians 1: 3 – 6: I thank my God every time I remember you. 4In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Thank you, Rich!
“If there is no change, there is a problem.”
I couldn’t agree more!
Having faith, committing to, or trusting Jesus means we recognize our own sin and how that sin has separated us from our Holy Creator. We recognize then that there must be atonement for sin, of which we are incapable of providing for on our own accord. When we believe in Jesus, we believe that He is the Son of God, God in sent in the flesh, to live a sinless life, who died and was resurrected, providing the atonement we ourselves are incapable of providing. In confessing our sin, we are confessing our agreement with the judgment of our sin. In accepting the gift of atonement through Jesus, we are confessing that He has conquered death and sin, and has restored us to God. We are born again, not physically, but spiritually. Just as a newborn baby, we grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord, and in our relationship with God through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. So we seek to live a life that is set apart from the world, a life that is pleasing to God. Our works are not what justify us, rather they are the fruit of the sacrificial love that Jesus has created in us through the sacrificial love He has given us.
How does believing in Jesus change us?
Our standing with God changes.
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Our relationship with God changes.
Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
We confess Jesus to be our Lord and Master; we seek to no longer bow to self or other pursuits.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Our motivations change; our thoughts, words, and deeds change.
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Our relationships with others change; self-gratification dies and sacrificial service lives within us.
John 13:34-35
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
Thank you, Chris!
I love how you point to our changed relationship with the Creator. That is at the heart of everything.
Great comments R and CH!
How does believing in Jesus change us?
We become new beings, a new creation as God gives life, resides in our hearts, guides each as we become empowered by His Holy Spirit, seeking life His will over our own.
We become positionally, children of God, growing up, maturing according to His will, to the degree we give ourselves to Him. He is the Potter, we are the clay as He forms each into the unique child He has always intended.
Colossians 3:2, Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Romans 12:2, Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Romans 15:13, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Thanks, Ron!
As clay pots, I guess you might say that God’s love softens us up. 🙂
Great verses!