“I Believe in God”—But Which God, and What Kind of Belief?
- Terry W. Bailey
- Jun 16
- 3 min read
Let’s make this plain: Saying “I believe in God” is about as vague as saying “I believe in air.” What matters is who you believe God is—and whether that belief leads to a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ, or whether it’s just lip service with no transformation.
📖 Scripture Makes It Crystal Clear
James 2:19 – “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.”
Even demons believe. So belief alone, by itself—just acknowledging God exists—isn’t enough to save a soul.
So What’s the Difference?
Let me break it down like I was talking to three folks on a front porch with sweet tea in hand:
🧍♂️ 1. The True Christian – “I Believe in God... and I Trust in Jesus”
This person doesn’t just know about God—they know Him.
Their belief is more than words—it’s faith: trusting Jesus as Lord and Savior, surrendering their life, repenting from sin, and walking with Him daily.
They’re not perfect—but they’re changed, and still being changed.
Evidence? The Holy Spirit lives in them, and it shows.
John 10:27 – “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”
🎭 2. The Fake Christian – “I Believe in God... But I’m Just Playing Church”
They know church lingo. They might sing the songs. They may even tithe or serve.
But there’s no inward change—no true repentance, no personal surrender to Christ.
They believe in the idea of God, but they’ve never made Him their Lord.
They're religious but Spiritually dead.
Matthew 7:21–23 – “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven… Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you.’”
🧑🔧 3. The Non-Christian – “I Believe in a Higher Power... I’m a Good Person”
They believe in something. Maybe they respect the idea of God.
They do good things. Help others. Stay out of trouble.
But they’re trusting in Goodness, not Grace.
The cross is a mystery to them—or maybe even an offense.
Sadly, good morals can’t save a soul. Only Jesus can.
John 14:6 – “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
🪶 Illustration: Goose Talkin’ Religion
Say What?
“They don’t know God from a Goose about being saved or not saved.”
Let’s run with that.
Imagine someone says, “I know everything about flying. I’ve studied birds. I’ve even dressed like one.”But they’ve never actually flown—never taken off, never been lifted by the wind.
Now here comes a goose. That bird was born to fly. Doesn’t just talk about it—it’s in his nature. He lives in the sky.
Same with salvation. Some folks talk the language of God, but they ain’t never been Born Again. They’ve never left the ground. No lift from the Spirit. Still earthbound in their sin.
🎯 The Bottom Line
Belief that saves is not just Head knowledge—it’s Heart surrender.
Saying “I believe in God” doesn’t mean a thing if you don’t know His Son.
Hell will be full of people who believed... about God—but never believed on Jesus.
💬 What You Can Say to Each Group:
To the True Christian:
“Stay humble. Keep walking with Jesus. Be ready to help others understand real saving faith.”
To the Fake Christian:
“Friend, you know church, but do you know Christ? Has He changed you? Or are you just checking religious boxes?”
To the Non-Christian:
“You don’t get into Heaven by being good. You get in by trusting Jesus—the only One who was good enough for all of us.”
🙏 A Simple Gospel Invitation
“If you’re ready to stop pretending, stop earning, and start trusting—call on Jesus. Tell Him you’re done running. Surrender your life. Receive His grace. And follow Him from this day forward.”
Pastor Terry
One Truth At A Time
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