Last Sunday, I started a sermon series on the Apostles’ Creed. This ancient baptismal confession begins with I BELIEVE IN GOD. . .
Most people in the world today believe in God. But, do they believe in the God of the Bible or a god of their own making?
Following are some statements by people who BELIEVE IN GOD.
“I believe in one God. I don’t believe in religion. I don’t believe in Christians or Muslims. I think it’s all the same God, and I don’t believe in Hell. But as far as God, of course I believe in God.” – Jay-Z
“I believe that there are many paths to God, or many paths to the light. I certainly don’t believe there is only one way.” – Oprah
“Sometimes I believe in God, sometimes I don’t. I think it’s 50-50 maybe. But ever since I’ve had cancer, I’ve been thinking about it more. And I find myself believing a bit more.” – Steve Jobs
“I believe in Jesus, I believe in God, I’m very spiritual, I pray. At the same time there isn’t one religion that doesn’t hate or speak against or be prejudiced against another racial group or religious group or sexual group. I guess you could say I’m a very religious woman who is confused about religion.” – Lady Gaga
Jay-Z, Oprah, Steve Jobs, and Lady Gaga all BELIEVE IN GOD. But is belief in God enough? I don’t think so. And neither did James who wrote, You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. (James 2:19)
The demons James writes about not only believed in God, they believed in the true God, and they believed the truth about God. Yet, despite their belief, they were still demons.
Likewise, many today who BELIEVE IN GOD still live like demons. Belief, even right belief, is not enough. Believing in God simply qualifies a person to be a demon.
Belief or faith is one side of a two-sided coin. The other side of the coin is repentance. Faith is turning to God. Repentance is turning from sin. We can’t do one without the other. And that’s why mere belief in God is not enough.
So, the question is not simply do you believe in God, but have you turned from sin and turned to God?
