Many argue that “all that’s required for salvation is belief in Jesus,” often citing one of two passages of scripture.

“So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:31)

“that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

When we study scripture it is important to define biblical terms with biblical definitions. When we look at the term “belief” in scripture we find a very different interpretation. Scripture presents this term as more than merely an intellectual agreement with the truth of the Gospel. Rather, it is a response to that truth; one that produces genuine faith and lived obedience. 

James addresses this directly in 2:14-19

“What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!”

If belief were nothing more than acknowledgment, then such a definition would place many professing Christians on the same level as demons, who also recognize the truth yet do not submit to it.

When we turn to Hebrews 11, often referred to as the “hall of faith,” we gain a clearer picture of what true biblical faith looks like. Hebrews 11:1–2 states

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.”

 How did these elders obtain a good testimony? The remainder of the chapter shows that they not only acknowledged God as the one true God, but also acted in obedience to His commands. Their faith was demonstrated through their actions.

1. Noah: “By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” (Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭7‬)
2. Abraham: “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” (Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭8‬-‭10‬)
3. Sarah: “By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.” (Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭11‬-‭12‬)
4. Moses: “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command. By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.” (Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭23‬-‭25‬, ‭27‬-‭29‬)

By the testimony of these four individuals we come to understand that biblical belief and faith is not just mere acknowledgment of the truth of the Gospel (God’s word). Rather it is understanding joined with obedience. True belief or faith is trusting in God and His power to save, and that trust is confirmed through a life that responds in obedience to His commands.