The fundamental work God requires us to do is to believe in the one He has sent.
In response to the query, "What must we do to do the works God requires?", Jesus provided a clear and direct answer. He stated, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." This profound statement shifts the focus from a list of strenuous tasks to a single, essential act of the heart and mind: faith.
The Essence of God's Requirement: Belief
Understanding this requirement is crucial for anyone seeking to align with divine will. It emphasizes that God's primary demand is not a series of ritualistic actions or impossible deeds, but rather a trusting relationship through His chosen representative.
- Trust and Acceptance: To "believe in the one he has sent" means to accept Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, and to place your trust in His teachings, sacrifice, and resurrection.
- Foundation for Action: This belief serves as the bedrock upon which all other righteous actions are built. True works, pleasing to God, are seen as outpourings of a heart transformed by genuine faith, rather than attempts to earn salvation or favor through merit.
- A Shift in Perspective: It moves away from a performance-based system to a grace-based one, where salvation and divine favor are received through faith, leading to a life lived in gratitude and obedience.
What Does "Believing" Practically Entail?
While belief is a singular concept, its practical implications are multifaceted and deeply impact one's life.
- Understanding and Accepting Truth: It involves acknowledging the truth of Jesus' identity and mission as revealed in scripture.
- Repentance: Turning away from actions that contradict God's will and turning towards a life guided by divine principles.
- Obedience (as a result of belief): A genuine belief naturally leads to a desire to follow Jesus' commands and live according to His example. This includes loving God and loving one's neighbor.
- Reliance and Trust: Relying on God's provision, guidance, and forgiveness, rather than self-reliance.
Here’s a simple table illustrating the distinction:
| Aspect | Traditional View (Often Misunderstood) | God's Required Work (As Taught by Jesus) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Performing many religious deeds | Believing in His sent One |
| Goal | Earning favor or salvation | Receiving grace and a transformed life |
| Nature of "Work" | External actions, rituals | Internal faith, trust, and acceptance |
| Outcome | Self-effort, potential futility | Spiritual relationship, genuine change |
Implications for Daily Life
Living out this requirement means integrating belief into every aspect of life. It is not a passive acceptance but an active, ongoing commitment.
- Daily Devotion: Spending time in prayer and reflection to deepen your understanding and relationship with God.
- Ethical Conduct: Allowing your faith to guide your moral decisions and interactions with others, striving for integrity and compassion.
- Service to Others: Expressing love for God by serving your community and those in need, motivated by gratitude rather than obligation.
- Sharing Your Faith: Communicating the message of belief to others, inviting them to experience the same transformative power.
By focusing on belief in the one God has sent, individuals are called to a profound and personal relationship, which then naturally blossoms into a life of purpose, love, and genuine good works.
