Believe In Or Believe On

Believe in or believe on Scripture John 8.31-38, 48-56, 58, 59 This scripture shows the clear light on the differences in the way we believe. Look carefully at the very first scripture. John 8:31 KJVR Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; This phrase “on him” is the Greek word autos, which means self. It is a third person pronoun, much as you would say “her” or “him”. Rephrase the verse to read – the Jews which believe him. Seems simple enough – if we believe Jesus, then everything is fine. Look at John 3:16 KJVR For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. The difference here is so very slight, you might believe it to be nothing, but lets look more carefully at how even a slight change can make a world of difference. Genesis 2:16-17 KJVR And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: (17) But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Genesis 3:1-3 KJVR Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? (2) And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: (3) But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. Somehow, a slight transition occurred. God said The woman said Only a slight difference, but it made all the difference in the end. It is important, that if we wish to be a true student of the word, that nothing is assumed. If there is a variation in the English format that we read, then go to the original and see if there is really a difference. 1

In this case, there is a difference. In him are two words as compared to on him, which is only one. In him is “eis autos”. The eis implies motion into or toward something. It is not enough to just believe, you must have motion with that belief, it must have a tangible pull or pressing toward Jesus. If you don’t experience an honest pull in the direction, fueled by your belief (faith), then you “believe on”. Jesus has become little more than knowledge of words on a page. Jesus was dealing with this in these Jews that were following him. He recognized a failing in their belief but was kind in saying in verse 1-2, continue to listen and someday you will actually hear. On that day, you will be free. So, the first indication of an improper belief system is a lack of motion. If your belief is not pulling you along, then it needs to be checked for life. Question: What technique of study has been illustrated here that is helpful as you study? Question: Can you define the phrases “believe in” and “believe on”? What is the difference? The second sign that your belief is incorrect is a pride in your belief such that you will not want to hear that you are incorrect. The preacher will get into his/her pulpit and bring strong warning from God concerning incorrect beliefs or behavior that is not pleasing. The incorrect believer will look around to see who this word applies to. The true believer will always feel that their faith is short of what it should be. Why? If it is our faith that draws us along then we are always seeking after a higher place, a better knowledge, a closer walk. The only way to get to this “higher” place is to seek it – therefore the believer is always at a place that is inadequate. To be comfortable in Christ is to begin to “believe on” and not “believe in”. You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. This phrase is quoted often, but do we really understand it? The phrase “know the truth” is one word, ginosko – which means complete knowledge and is past tense – the knowledge is complete.

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“Make you free” is two words, humas eleutheroo – interpreted means you are redeemed from power and punishment of sin Please read John 8.32 and determine if the statement is valid. If it is invalid, what is the problem with it? The Jews began in Egyptian captivity and were carried into captivity numerous times. Even at the time of Jesus, the Jews were a conquered nation, under the control of Rome. Here is the third indication of a person who “believes in”. They will refuse to recognize their own failings and will actually believe that they are living in truth. They had no understanding that they were in sin. In verse 34 Jesus tries once again to open their eyes. If you are in sin, then you are a servant to that sin. A servant is only allowed in the house for as long as the master desires. Because Jesus is free, it is by his decision that he remains. Again he tries to make the point that freedom through him is a real freedom. The amazing part of this conversation is who it is with. It is the Jews who are supposedly his followers. Question: How can admitting that sin is slavery help us in our battle against temptation? Jesus continues. John 8:37-38 KJVR (37) I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. (38) I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. By acknowledging that they are Abraham's children, he connects them to everything that Abraham obtained for them. Look at Genesis 12.1-4 and 22.1-3. These scriptures indicated a singular feature of Abraham which separates him from others; faith and obedience. God told Abraham to do it and without question, it happened. Question: Are the Jews with Jesus exhibiting the kind of faith that Jesus just connected them with? In verses 39-47, Jesus continues to expose the Jews for what they are, superficial and accusing rather than deep and believing. It is not our desire to learn of

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superficial Jews, so lest move to verse 48 and see if we cannot reveal more of this man Jesus. John 8:48-49 KJVR Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? (49) Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honor my Father, and ye do dishonor me. In today’s society, there is many times tension between races, and that tension occasionally boils over into words. Recall when George Allen called a man in the audience macaca. This is a demeaning comment, an insult. It is not the greatest insult that could be leveled against someone, but calling a Jew a Samaritan is. The Jews have lost every argument for their position and now resort to insult. Jesus responded by indicating that they were dishonoring him. This was something that was not to be done according to Jewish law. From here, use lesson commentary, page 164-168

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