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There is a great misunderstanding - almost universal - that is rampant in society today.

It has been the cause of great endeavors and efforts resulting in a misdirection and misunderstanding of Christian belief and works. The use of the name "God" in vain (not just as a curse word), needs to be understood. Especially in regard to eternal life.

It is a popular belief (almost universal) throughout secular and pseudo-religious society. Simply put, this belief says that if one desires to be saved spiritually, one must believe in and come to Jesus Christ in repentance and surrender to inherit eternal life.

However, one cannot receive salvation and eternal life unless it all begins with God the Father.

When one comes to repentance and belief in Jesus, it all begins with God the Father. God the Father must first draw one to Jesus Christ. If someone believes in Jesus Christ, the enablement of this belief (if it is genuine) must begin by God the Father first drawing one to Jesus Christ.

Also, many use the name “God” believing that this is all that is necessary for becoming a Christian. They simply think “I believe in God”, and their religious belief is complete and will result in being saved and given the gift of eternal life. It is certainty proper to pray to God singular, but we need to understand that God the Father and Jesus Christ are "God". However, they are differentiated regarding their individual roles in the matter of salvation.

Contrary to the belief of many, the calling to receive eternal life is a joint activity of both God the Father, and Jesus Christ. The popularity of “believing in God” only, cannot save. As the scripture confirms, the demons believe in God and tremble: "You believe that God is one; you do well. So do the demons believe and shudder [in terror and horror such as [a]make a man’s hair stand on end and contract the surface of his skin]!" (James 2:19)

Then Jesus affirms: “Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.” (John 14:6)

Those who use the name God, and believe only in the name “God”, must first believe in His Son Jesus Christ in order to receive eternal life. But God the Father must first draw one to Jesus Christ. One cannot come to Jesus and receive eternal life unless God the Father first draws him: “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him [giving him the desire to come to Me]; and I will raise him up [from the dead] on the last day.” (John 6:44).

The calling by God the Father begins with repentance toward God the Father, and then faith in Jesus Christ, by whom one has access: “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20:21)

Some believe that they are safe and saved by talking about God, say they "believe in God", but do not understand that if God is calling them to salvation, they will be led to acceptance and belief in His only begotten Son. Repentance should be toward God the Father, who then draws one to faith in His Son Jesus Christ.

In all things, God the Father is the initiator. The one who is chosen for eternal life will then be led to believe in Jesus Christ for eternal life.

“We are assured and know that God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren. And those whom He thus foreordained, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified (acquitted, made righteous, putting them into right standing with Himself). And those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity and condition or state of being]. What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?]” (Romans 8:28-31)

"God's Words For US" from Cecelia Lester

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