Only Believe: Short but Important
- Jon Kalis
- Jul 4
- 5 min read
Why I Wrote This
This is my personal testimony, which I give in the blog.
It is also the simplest doctrine of Christianity.
We all know John 3:16 where the key word is “Believe.”
Theologies and doctrines to explain this complicate the simple.
Think of the thief on the cross; all he said was “Lord remember me,” and
Jesus said “Today you will be with me in Paradise. (Luke 23:33)
This works for you, too. Only Believe!
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Beliefs shape our lives from the moment we take our first breath. Whether we recognize them or not, they influence our choices and feelings. Our beliefs provide a lens through which we view the world. But what does it truly mean to believe?
The term "believe" encompasses several meanings. It can imply accepting something as true or real, such as the values we cherish or the ghost stories that capture our imagination. Belief can also refer to a firm religious faith, such as trust in a higher power.
Alternatively, to believe means having confidence in the effectiveness of something—like trusting that regular exercise leads to better health. Ultimately, belief is a powerful force that influences every aspect of our lives.
Beliefs are not always based on personal experience or observation. Many of us hold deep-seated beliefs, such as the idea that life is fundamentally good, pain should be avoided, and there exists a greater force beyond our understanding. Philosophers might call this a sense of intuition. The poet Emily Dickinson articulated this notion beautifully, expressing certainty about things she had never seen.
For example, her poem "Hope Is the Thing with Feathers" conveys an unwavering belief in hope's presence even during dark times. More on point to salvation is this:
I never saw a moor;
I never saw the sea,
Yet know I how the heather looks
And what a billow be.
I never spoke with God,
Nor visited in heaven.
Yet certain am I of the spot
As if the checks were given. — Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)
Belief is more than just knowledge; it carries emotional weight that drives our actions. Even in the absence of direct proof, our convictions create our reality. Dickinson’s words serve as a reminder that belief often reflects a deep understanding of the world, arising from intuition rather than concrete evidence.
In Christianity, belief assumes an even deeper significance. Jesus, a figure of immense significance, often used the term "believe" to call for trust and hope. A powerful moment in the Bible, found in Mark 5:36, depicts Jesus speaking to a grieving father whose daughter has died. In the midst of sorrow, Jesus tells him to "only believe." This command suggests that belief can spark hope, even when circumstances appear bleak.
The story of that anguished father illustrates belief's transformative power. Darkness and despair surrounded him as friends discouraged him, proclaiming his daughter was lost. Yet, in his moment of grief, Jesus’ words reignited a glimmer of hope. The call to "only believe" was not just a plea for faith; it was an invitation to look beyond the current pain and embrace a future rich with possibilities.
Butthe most important function of belief is its power to give enternal life: 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. - Jesus in John 3:16
Belief may appear in various forms; some may seem minor while others could change our lives. For instance, we can believe in the goodness of humanity, the transformative power of love, or the strength of community. Conversely, some beliefs lead to self-doubt or fear, undermining our self-worth. Research indicates that nearly 70% of people experience impostor syndrome at some point, revealing how damaging such beliefs can be.
Navigating these conflicting beliefs—empowering affirmations versus self-deprecating thoughts—requires careful discernment. Identifying which beliefs support our growth and which ones hold us back is essential. The path to self-discovery often involves questioning and reassessing these beliefs.
To truly harness the power of belief, we must understand its origins. Do our beliefs stem from family influences, societal expectations, or unique life experiences? By reflecting on the origins of our convictions, we can begin to challenge those that no longer serve us and nurture those that do. For example, someone raised in a household that emphasized hard work may develop a deep-seated belief in perseverance, which subsequently becomes a guiding principle throughout their life.
In our increasingly skeptical world, it is tempting to rely solely on observable evidence. However, remaining open to belief can lead to extraordinary experiences. Embracing life's intangibles—joy, love, and spirituality—can enrich our lives and broaden our perspectives.
Creating an environment that nurtures positive beliefs is crucial. Surrounding ourselves with uplifting individuals can reinforce the idea that life is filled with beauty and potential. Engaging in conversations that inspire and participating in communities that align with our values can boost our confidence and sense of belonging.
Ultimately, belief is a deeply personal journey. It evolves with each experience, challenge, and triumph. The lessons learned from our beliefs often influence our self-perception and relationships with others.
As we explore the various dimensions of belief, let us reflect on Jesus’ command to "only believe." This simple yet profound message invites us to trust in positive outcomes, even amidst uncertainty.
Final Thoughts
We are all believers, navigating personal paths shaped by our convictions. Whether visible or hidden, our beliefs significantly influence our experiences, perceptions, and relationships. The depth of belief encourages us to seek beyond tangible evidence and embrace a future filled with hope.
But it is not the depth of belief but the object that determines our eternal destinty. Jesus Christ is our Savior, and won our salvation on the cross of Calvary. His blood washed away our sins and secured eternal life with Him.
Let’s embark on an adventure sharing this important truth of Jesus and His love. Let's go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature! The message is profound, but sweet, simple and short: Only Believe!
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Only Believe!
Fear not, little flock, from the cross to the throne,
From death into life He went for His own;
All power in earth, all power above,
Is given to Him for the flock of His love.
Refrain
Only believe, only believe;
All things are possible, only believe,
Only believe, only believe;
All things are possible, only believe.
Fear not, little flock, He goeth ahead,
Your Shepherd selecteth the path you must tread;
The waters of Marah He’ll sweeten for thee,
He drank all the bitter in Gethsemane. - Refrain
Fear not, little flock, whatever your lot,
He enters all rooms, “the doors being shut,”
He never forsakes; He never is gone,
So count on His presence in darkness and dawn. -- Refrain
Paul Rader, 1921
(My father knew Paul Rader)
Be not afraid, Only believe. Mark 5:36
When I was a little boy in the early 1950’s William M. Branham held healing services at Saint Nicholas Arena in New York City. My mother took me to them. As we stood in the healing line, he said to her, “Little mother, your son has asthma; he was born with it. If you will only believe right now, Jesus is going to heal him.” She believed, and so did I. As we did, everyone began singing this song. And Jesus healed me!
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