Belief is part of everyday life. We could not function in society without it. Most of the time, without thinking too much about it, we believe what people tell us. Similarly, we trust people when they do something for us in routine matters like sharing or preparing food and drink. And when we commit ourselves to some form of transport we do so expecting it to deliver us safely to our destination.
These three aspects of belief can be distinguished by three different short words. The first is believing about something – we accept the truth of it. The second is believing in someone – we trust the integrity and ability of that person to do what he or she has promised. The third is believing on something or someone – such as having confidence to step on board a bus, train or plane and commit yourself completely to its driver or pilot to do for you what you cannot do for yourself.
If you want to get from one place to another you might believe certain facts about the destination, route, and means of transport. You might believe in the ability of the driver and the reliability of the vehicle. But until you step on board the vehicle you will not get anywhere. You could stand and admire it, even debate and discuss it, but its purpose and benefit for you only comes when you actually believe on it and commit yourself to it.
Perhaps you believe facts about Jesus Christ. Perhaps you believe in Him as a real person whom you admire, someone who loved sinners so much that He died to save them and rose from the dead to give them eternal life. But if you are to benefit from this and be saved yourself you must believe on Him – take that step of faith and commit your soul to His safe keeping. Leave aside your own efforts at trying to get right with God. Rest your soul on what Christ did when He died on the cross to take away your sin.
