Believe in or believe on

Scripture John 8.31-38, 48-56, 58, 59

This scripture shows the clear light on the differences in the way we believe.

Look carefully at the very first scripture.

John 8:31 KJVR Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye
continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

This phrase “on him” is the Greek word autos, which means self. It is a third
person pronoun, much as you would say “her” or “him”.

Rephrase the verse to read – the Jews which believe him. Seems simple enough
– if we believe Jesus, then everything is fine.

Look at John 3:16 KJVR 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.

The difference here is so very slight, you might believe it to be nothing, but lets
look more carefully at how even a slight change can make a world of difference.

Genesis 2:16-17 KJVR And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every
tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: (17) But of the tree of the knowledge of
good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof
thou shalt surely die.

Genesis 3:1-3 KJVR Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field
which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God
said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? (2) And the woman said unto
the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: (3) But of the fruit
of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat
of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

Somehow, a slight transition occurred.

God said

The woman said

Only a slight difference, but it made all the difference in the end.

It is important, that if we wish to be a true student of the word, that nothing is

assumed. If there is a variation in the English format that we read, then go to the
original and see if there is really a difference.

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In this case, there is a difference.

In him are two words as compared to on him, which is only one.

In him is “eis autos”. The eis implies motion into or toward something.

It is not enough to just believe, you must have motion with that belief, it must
have a tangible pull or pressing toward Jesus. If you don’t experience an honest
pull in the direction, fueled by your belief (faith), then you “believe on”. Jesus
has become little more than knowledge of words on a page.

Jesus was dealing with this in these Jews that were following him. He recognized
a failing in their belief but was kind in saying in verse 1-2, continue to listen and
someday you will actually hear. On that day, you will be free.

So, the first indication of an improper belief system is a lack of motion. If your
belief is not pulling you along, then it needs to be checked for life.

Question: What technique of study has been illustrated here that is helpful as
you study?

Question: Can you define the phrases “believe in” and “believe on”? What is the
difference?

The second sign that your belief is incorrect is a pride in your belief such that you
will not want to hear that you are incorrect.

The preacher will get into his/her pulpit and bring strong warning from God
concerning incorrect beliefs or behavior that is not pleasing. The incorrect
believer will look around to see who this word applies to.

The true believer will always feel that their faith is short of what it should be.
Why? If it is our faith that draws us along then we are always seeking after a
higher place, a better knowledge, a closer walk. The only way to get to this
“higher” place is to seek it – therefore the believer is always at a place that is
inadequate. To be comfortable in Christ is to begin to “believe on” and not
“believe in”.

You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.

This phrase is quoted often, but do we really understand it?

The phrase “know the truth” is one word, ginosko – which means complete
knowledge and is past tense – the knowledge is complete.

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“Make you free” is two words, humas eleutheroo – interpreted means you are
redeemed from power and punishment of sin

Please read John 8.32 and determine if the statement is valid. If it is invalid,
what is the problem with it?

The Jews began in Egyptian captivity and were carried into captivity numerous
times. Even at the time of Jesus, the Jews were a conquered nation, under the
control of Rome.
Here is the third indication of a person who “believes in”. They will refuse to
recognize their own failings and will actually believe that they are living in truth.

They had no understanding that they were in sin. In verse 34 Jesus tries once
again to open their eyes. If you are in sin, then you are a servant to that sin.

A servant is only allowed in the house for as long as the master desires. Because
Jesus is free, it is by his decision that he remains. Again he tries to make the
point that freedom through him is a real freedom.

The amazing part of this conversation is who it is with. It is the Jews who are
supposedly his followers.

Question: How can admitting that sin is slavery help us in our battle against
temptation?

Jesus continues.

John 8:37-38 KJVR (37) I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill
me, because my word hath no place in you. (38) I speak that which I have seen
with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.

By acknowledging that they are Abraham's children, he connects them to

everything that Abraham obtained for them. Look at Genesis 12.1-4 and 22.1-3.
These scriptures indicated a singular feature of Abraham which separates him
from others; faith and obedience. God told Abraham to do it and without
question, it happened.

Question: Are the Jews with Jesus exhibiting the kind of faith that Jesus just
connected them with?

In verses 39-47, Jesus continues to expose the Jews for what they are, superficial
and accusing rather than deep and believing. It is not our desire to learn of

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superficial Jews, so lest move to verse 48 and see if we cannot reveal more of this
man Jesus.

John 8:48-49 KJVR Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well
that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? (49) Jesus answered, I have not a
devil; but I honor my Father, and ye do dishonor me.

In today’s society, there is many times tension between races, and that tension
occasionally boils over into words. Recall when George Allen called a man in the
audience macaca. This is a demeaning comment, an insult.

It is not the greatest insult that could be leveled against someone, but calling a
Jew a Samaritan is.

The Jews have lost every argument for their position and now resort to insult.

Jesus responded by indicating that they were dishonoring him. This was
something that was not to be done according to Jewish law.

From here, use lesson commentary, page 164-168