Only Believe

[MichaelScorn]

“But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, *said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid, only believe.””
‭‭Mark‬ ‭5‬:‭36‬ ‭NASB2020‬‬

Sometimes we can complicate what God is looking for. The simplicity of faith is far more powerful than the biggest mountain.

 

[ResidentAlien]

“But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, *said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid, only believe.””
‭‭Mark‬ ‭5‬:‭36‬ ‭NASB2020‬‬

Sometimes we can complicate what God is looking for. The simplicity of faith is far more powerful than the biggest mountain.

Amen.

 

[Solitude]

2 Timothy 4:1-5
1 I charge thee, before God and Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead, by his coming, and his kingdom: 2 Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine. 3 For there shall be a time, when they will not endure sound doctrine; but, according to their own desires, they will heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. 4 And will indeed turn away their hearing from the truth, but will be turned unto fables. 5 But be thou vigilant, labour in all things, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill thy ministry. Be sober.

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

“But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, *said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid, only believe.””
‭‭Mark‬ ‭5‬:‭36‬ ‭NASB2020‬‬

From this verse it appears that faith is the absence of fear.

 

[GWH]

“But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, *said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid, only believe.””
‭‭Mark‬ ‭5‬:‭36‬ ‭NASB2020‬‬

Sometimes we can complicate what God is looking for. The simplicity of faith is far more powerful than the biggest mountain.

1John 3:23.

 

[shittim]

"Seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God", written before personal, one on one relationship with the Savior, was available to us.
blessings

 

[studentoftheword]

Great Read here ------folks ======

https://biblehub.com/topical/t/the_simplicity_of_faith.htm

The Simplicity of Faith

Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of the simplicity of faith is a profound theme woven throughout the biblical narrative, emphasizing the straightforward and unencumbered nature of genuine belief in God. This simplicity is not to be mistaken for naivety or lack of depth; rather, it reflects a pure and sincere trust in God's promises and character, untainted by doubt or the complexities of human reasoning.

Biblical Foundation

The simplicity of faith is first exemplified in the life of Abraham, often referred to as the father of faith. In Genesis 15:6, it is written, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This verse highlights the uncomplicated nature of Abraham's faith—he simply believed God's promise, and this belief was sufficient for God to declare him righteous.

In the New Testament, Jesus frequently underscores the importance of childlike faith. In Matthew 18:3, He states, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Here, Jesus points to the unpretentious and trusting nature of children as a model for believers, suggesting that faith should be free from skepticism and self-reliance.

Faith and Works

The simplicity of faith is further explored in the relationship between faith and works. The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Ephesians, writes, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). This passage emphasizes that salvation is a gift received through faith, not earned by human effort, underscoring the simplicity and accessibility of faith to all who believe.

James, however, complements this understanding by asserting that genuine faith naturally results in action. In James 2:17, he writes, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." This does not complicate the nature of faith but rather affirms that true faith, while simple, is dynamic and transformative.

Faith in Practice

The simplicity of faith is also evident in the lives of early Christians, who demonstrated unwavering trust in God amidst persecution and hardship.
The Book of Acts records numerous instances where believers, filled with the Holy Spirit, acted with boldness and simplicity, trusting in God's provision and guidance. Acts 4:13 notes, "When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus."

Challenges to Simplicity

Despite its straightforward nature, the simplicity of faith can be challenged by human tendencies toward doubt and self-reliance.
The Apostle Paul warns against being led astray from the simplicity that is in Christ. In 2 Corinthians 11:3, he expresses concern, "But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ."

Conclusion

The simplicity of faith is a call to trust God with a pure heart, free from the encumbrances of doubt and human wisdom.
It invites believers to embrace a childlike trust in God's promises, recognizing that faith, while simple, is profound in its ability to transform lives and bring about God's purposes.

 

[Beckworth]

“But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, *said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid, only believe.””
‭‭Mark‬ ‭5‬:‭36‬ ‭NASB2020‬‬

Sometimes we can complicate what God is looking for. The simplicity of faith is far more powerful than the biggest mountain.

This passage in Mark 5 is about a man named Jairus whose daughter is at the point of death and he begs Jesus to come heal her. What Jesus overheard was a servant telling Jairus not to bother Jesus anymore because his daughter was dead. Jesus tells Jairus not to worry, “only believe”. What was Jesus asking Jairus to believe? He was asking him to believe that Jesus could heal his daughter. To believe that He had the power and could do this; to believe in His divinity; to trust Him that He could make her well again. JESUS IS NOT ASKING JAIRUS TO BELIEVE TO BE SAVED FROM HIS SINS. This story is not about a person’s soul salvation. This story is about physical healing.

The scripture must not be taken out of its context to try to prove something that it is not talking about.

There’s another story in this same chapter about the woman who touched his robe in order to make herself “well” physically. Jesus tells her “ Your faith has made you WELL.” Verse 34. He was talking about her physical condition, her health— not her salvation from sins. And the same with Jairus’s daughter. This is a chapter about Jesus’s miracles, physical healing— not salvation from sins.

 

[shittim]

He also taught us in this that one can be so filled with Holy Spirit power it flows out to those around us.
The story in Acts of Peter walking to the synagogue and people laying out their sick close enough his shadow might pass over them was another time Holy Spirit flowed out of a believer to heal.
"Lean not on your own understanding, but in all things acknowledge Him"....
blessings

 

[Ceph]

This passage in Mark 5 is about a man named Jairus whose daughter is at the point of death and he begs Jesus to come heal her. What Jesus overheard was a servant telling Jairus not to bother Jesus anymore because his daughter was dead. Jesus tells Jairus not to worry, “only believe”. What was Jesus asking Jairus to believe? He was asking him to believe that Jesus could heal his daughter. To believe that He had the power and could do this; to believe in His divinity; to trust Him that He could make her well again. JESUS IS NOT ASKING JAIRUS TO BELIEVE TO BE SAVED FROM HIS SINS. This story is not about a person’s soul salvation. This story is about physical healing.

The scripture must not be taken out of its context to try to prove something that it is not talking about.

There’s another story in this same chapter about the woman who touched his robe in order to make herself “well” physically. Jesus tells her “ Your faith has made you WELL.” Verse 34. He was talking about her physical condition, her health— not her salvation from sins. And the same with Jairus’s daughter. This is a chapter about Jesus’s miracles, physical healing— not salvation from sins.

Faith applies eternally to every good thing Jesus can do; especially his fundamental promise of salvation from our sins.

 

[Beckworth]

Great Read here ------folks ======

https://biblehub.com/topical/t/the_simplicity_of_faith.htm

The Simplicity of Faith

Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of the simplicity of faith is a profound theme woven throughout the biblical narrative, emphasizing the straightforward and unencumbered nature of genuine belief in God. This simplicity is not to be mistaken for naivety or lack of depth; rather, it reflects a pure and sincere trust in God's promises and character, untainted by doubt or the complexities of human reasoning.

Biblical Foundation

The simplicity of faith is first exemplified in the life of Abraham, often referred to as the father of faith. In Genesis 15:6, it is written, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This verse highlights the uncomplicated nature of Abraham's faith—he simply believed God's promise, and this belief was sufficient for God to declare him righteous.

In the New Testament, Jesus frequently underscores the importance of childlike faith. In Matthew 18:3, He states, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Here, Jesus points to the unpretentious and trusting nature of children as a model for believers, suggesting that faith should be free from skepticism and self-reliance.

Faith and Works

The simplicity of faith is further explored in the relationship between faith and works. The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Ephesians, writes, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). This passage emphasizes that salvation is a gift received through faith, not earned by human effort, underscoring the simplicity and accessibility of faith to all who believe.

James, however, complements this understanding by asserting that genuine faith naturally results in action. In James 2:17, he writes, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." This does not complicate the nature of faith but rather affirms that true faith, while simple, is dynamic and transformative.

Faith in Practice

The simplicity of faith is also evident in the lives of early Christians, who demonstrated unwavering trust in God amidst persecution and hardship.
The Book of Acts records numerous instances where believers, filled with the Holy Spirit, acted with boldness and simplicity, trusting in God's provision and guidance. Acts 4:13 notes, "When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus."

Challenges to Simplicity

Despite its straightforward nature, the simplicity of faith can be challenged by human tendencies toward doubt and self-reliance.
The Apostle Paul warns against being led astray from the simplicity that is in Christ. In 2 Corinthians 11:3, he expresses concern, "But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ."

Conclusion

The simplicity of faith is a call to trust God with a pure heart, free from the encumbrances of doubt and human wisdom.
It invites believers to embrace a childlike trust in God's promises, recognizing that faith, while simple, is profound in its ability to transform lives and bring about God's purposes.

Yes, this article has some very good points about faith. And I agree with most of it. But we could also, write about the simplicity of “repentance” or the simplicity of “confession” or the simplicity of “baptism.” Because the scripture 2 Cor. 11:3 talks about the simplicity THAT IS IN CHRIST—-all of it, not just faith. Actually, the word “faith” is not in that scripture; so it is ALL simple. Every command Christ has given us—REPENT, Acts 2:38, CONFESS, Romans 10:9-10, and BAPTISM, Acts 22:16 and Mark 16:16, are simple, easy to understand and easy to do. It’s straightforward, just take what it says and obey it. Trust what God says in His word.

 

[Eli1]

I figured that this would turn into another salvation debate but YES, believing in God is the best choice anyone can do in their lifetime.

 

[studentoftheword]

Beckworth

Without the right Saving Faith you can't even come to God ------Saving Faith is the foundation of Believing in God -----

AI
The scripture Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him". This passage explains that faith is a prerequisite for pleasing God, requiring a belief in His existence and His willingness to reward those who seek Him out. Therefore, a person cannot please God without faith.

Hebrews 11

Faith in Action
11 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.

3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

4 By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.

5 By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.”[a] For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.

8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11 And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she[b] considered him faithful who had made the promise. 12 And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.

13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

17 By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, 18 even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.”[c] 19 Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.

20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.

21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.

22 By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones.

23 By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.

24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.

29 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.

30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.

31 By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.

 

[shittim]

And perceiving His communication.

 

[studentoftheword]

No one can come to God ---Folks ----God comes after us by Him Drawing us ---we can choose to accept that Draw or Reject that Draw -----Free Will kicking in here ------

AI--------Jesus is speaking here ------Folks

John 6:44 states, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up on the last day".
This verse emphasizes that a person's ability to come to Jesus is a result of the Father's drawing or enablement,

we are all born Sinners ----Sinners do not want to come to God -----as Satan is their god and Satan's job is to keep sinners ---sinning ---and keep Sinners From God -----God has to pursue us ---and we have to accept that pursuit ---God does not force anyone to accept His pursuit ------

 

[LightBearer316]

Only Believe - Salvation Comes by Faith Alone, Not by Works

The foundation of the gospel is that salvation is by grace through faith — not through any human act, ritual, or work.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:​

Not of works, lest any man should boast.”​

— Ephesians 2:8–9 KJV​

If baptism were a requirement for salvation, Paul could never have written this next verse:

“For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.”​

— 1 Corinthians 1:17 KJV​

Paul clearly separates baptism from the gospel that saves.

Salvation Occurs Before Water Baptism
Scripture provides clear examples where people are saved before baptism ever occurs.

• Cornelius and His Household:

“To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.​

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.​

...Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?”​

— Acts 10:43–47 KJV​

They believed, received the Holy Spirit, and then were baptized — showing salvation precedes baptism.

• The Thief on the Cross:

“And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.​

And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”​

— Luke 23:42–43 KJV​

The thief was saved by faith alone, never baptized — yet Christ promised him eternal life.

Baptism Represents a Spiritual Reality Already True
Paul explains baptism as a symbolic picture of union with Christ’s death and resurrection — not as a means of obtaining it.

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?​

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”​

— Romans 6:3–4 KJV​

Baptism illustrates what faith has already accomplished — our old life buried, our new life raised in Christ.
The water doesn’t cleanse; it symbolizes what His blood already did.

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”​

— Ephesians 1:7 KJV​

Peter Himself Says the Water Does Not Save
Peter uses baptism as a figure (symbol) and directly clarifies it’s not a physical washing that saves.

“The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”​

— 1 Peter 3:21 KJV​

The word “figure” (Greek antitupos) means antitype — a symbol or representation.
It is not the water that saves, but Christ’s resurrection that gives life.
Peter’s own parenthetical phrase — “not the putting away of the filth of the flesh” — destroys the notion of baptismal cleansing.

The Order in Acts Always Shows Faith Before Baptism
Scripture is consistent — belief always precedes baptism.

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”​

— Acts 2:41 KJV​

“But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”​

— Acts 8:12 KJV​

“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.​

And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.”​

— Acts 16:31–33 KJV​

Faith always comes first, followed by baptism as an outward confession.

The Reality Is in Christ — Not in the Ritual
Paul warns the Galatians not to trust outward signs instead of inward faith:

“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.”​

— Galatians 6:15 KJV​

Baptism, like circumcision under the Old Covenant, is a sign of faith, not a substitute for it.
It points to the inward change that has already occurred.

Summary Table: What Scripture Teaches


Baptism is an outward testimony of an inward reality — a public declaration of what Christ has already accomplished within the believer.

It is:

• A symbol of death, burial, and resurrection with Christ (Romans 6:3–4 KJV).
• An act of obedience, not a condition for salvation (Acts 10:43–47 KJV).
• A figure that points to the conscience cleansed by Christ’s resurrection (1 Peter 3:21 KJV).

Salvation rests entirely on faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ,
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.”
— Titus 3:5 KJV

Grace and Peace

 

[Beckworth]

Faith applies eternally to every good thing Jesus can do; especially his fundamental promise of salvation from our sins.

That may be true, but that still does not justify taking a passage completely out of its context and using it to teach something different from what the passage is talking about.

 

[mailmandan]

“But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, *said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid, only believe.””
‭‭Mark‬ ‭5‬:‭36‬ ‭NASB2020‬‬

Sometimes we can complicate what God is looking for. The simplicity of faith is far more powerful than the biggest mountain.

1Corinthians 1:18 - For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that BELIEVE.

 

[mailmandan]

Yes, this article has some very good points about faith. And I agree with most of it. But we could also, write about the simplicity of “repentance” or the simplicity of “confession” or the simplicity of “baptism.” Because the scripture 2 Cor. 11:3 talks about the simplicity THAT IS IN CHRIST—-all of it, not just faith. Actually, the word “faith” is not in that scripture; so it is ALL simple. Every command Christ has given us—REPENT, Acts 2:38, CONFESS, Romans 10:9-10, and BAPTISM, Acts 22:16 and Mark 16:16, are simple, easy to understand and easy to do. It’s straightforward, just take what it says and obey it. Trust what God says in His word.

This is a good example of complicating the simplicity of faith. The problem with your argument is that you place repentance, confession and water baptism "after" faith and turn them all into works for salvation. Repentance actually "precedes" faith. Acts 20:21 - testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ *Notice the order. Repentance is a "change of mind" and the new direction of this change of mind is faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. *Two sides to the same coin. Confessing with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in our heart that God raised Him from the dead are not two separate steps to salvation but are chronologically together. Romans 10:8 - But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" TOGETHER that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, (notice the reverse order from verse 9-10) - that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Confess/believe; believe/confess. So, confession is a confirmation that Jesus is Lord, and one believes unto righteousness (which is why we will be saved if we confess) and is not a work for salvation after one believes unto righteousness. Water baptism "follows" believes in Him/salvation through faith. (Acts 10:43-47)

 

[shittim]

"Seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God".
blessings