In the Gospel of John, we read the English verb “to believe” fifty-four times in the English Standard Version. By contrast, the original Greek verb πιστεύω (pisteuō), which underlies and is commonly translated as forms of “believe,” occurs ninety-eight times in John’s Gospel. This is no small feature. Central to Jesus’ message as recorded by John is belief in him—belief that he is the Son of God, sent by God, so that many would believe in him and have eternal life.

Yet, in our age belief can be difficult. Doubts arise in our mind. Afflictions of this life especially challenge us at times and lead us to wonder: Is it all real? Did Jesus really live, die on a cross, rise from the dead on the third day, and ascend into heaven where he rules over all today? Nevertheless, even in Jesus’ day many did not believe, though they saw him and witnessed the signs he performed to prove that he was the Messiah sent by God to save his people.

It is at times like this when unbelief assaults us with questions, uncertainty, and hesitancy, that we should turn to the Gospel of John to hear Jesus call us to belief in him—to believe, with good reason, that he is our Lord and Savior, who gives eternal life to all who believe in him.

For example, John 3:16, which is one of the most commonly memorized verses in the Bible, reminds us of God’s love for whoever believes in Jesus and that, by believing, they should not perish but have eternal life. Hear the comfort of these words. Are you suffering and even facing the possibility of death sooner than later from disease or illness? Be comforted by the hope of eternal life—hope that is grounded in the Savior, Christ Jesus, who calls us to believe him when he promises the abundance of eternal life. Read more»

Daniel Rowlands | “Believe in Jesus Christ” | January 26, 2026

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