So that's it, huh? Just believe that Jesus was raised from the dead and verbalize that he is Lord, and you're in. That's easy enough. There's nothing to this salvation thing: Just believe it and announce it. Yeah...no!
Just believing something does not mean you accept it for yourself. Many believe they should stop smoking, eat more vegetables, get to bed earlier - whatever. That belief could be a life changer or it could only be an indictment of their poor choices. It depends on whether the belief makes the 12 inch journey from their head to their heart or not.
James tells us, "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that---and shudder (Js 2:19). The demons shudder because their head belief about God does not transfer to their heart acceptance of him as Lord. Paul's Staten of belief in the passage above results in a declaration of lordship.
A declaration is a statement of fact as in declaring at a border that you have or do not have certain things or intentions. The border guard isn't concerned with your words but the truth band them. And when he checks your car, your words had better match up with your declaration.
Paul says that a saving declaration is that you believe Jesus was raised from the dead - that you accept the prof of his divinity. And, based upon that truth, you accept him as Lord or as ruler if your life. That is fundamental to salvation but this declaration must match your life or it is a lie, which voids your declaration of belief.
Jesus asks us, "“Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" (Lk 6:46). Why bother with the words ifs they do not match your actions? If Jesus is your Lord, as you say, then your choices will be made based not his will not your will but his.
So, what about you, are your head and your heart in agreement? Do you believe in the truth about Jesus and do you accept him as Lord? Is your declaration real? Does is resonate in your heart or just reside in your head? Jus' Ask'n.
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