Matthew 12:28. But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
What Does It Mean to Believe in Jesus?
To believe in Jesus is more than agreeing with facts—it’s receiving Him personally. As John 1:12 says, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
Believing is also about living with Christ. In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” This is a relationship, not religion.
And believing means surrendering to Christ. Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Believing in Christ is not like trusting people, who may fail or break promises. When we believe in Jesus, we trust that He comes to live in us—forever. He knows we are broken and unfaithful, yet He will never leave us. Nothing can separate us from His love. Through the Holy Spirit, He strengthens and empowers us. That’s what it means to believe in Jesus.
Some say, “Believe in Jesus and you’ll go to heaven when you die.” While that’s true, it’s not the whole gospel. When you believe in Jesus as the Christ, God gives undeniable evidence of His presence now. The moment you believe, you receive the authority to become a child of God.
You’ll witness the authority of Jesus Christ actively working in your life. You’ll be set free from the power of Satan. You no longer need to follow the patterns of this world or worship false idols. Instead, you will worship the living God. The Holy Spirit will lead you to your eternal home in heaven—and guide you here and now. So you don’t have to fear anything in life.
When you pray in the authority of Jesus, all things become possible: “You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it” (John 14:14). Jesus not only broke the power of Satan—He walks with you daily.
In the moment you believe, you are rescued from the power of Satan, sin, and hell—and adopted as God’s child. Your life begins to transform. Listen to Jesus’ words: “The Spirit of truth… lives with you and will be in you” (John 14:17). Because the Holy Spirit lives in you, you can be certain that God is with you.
Our faith is not like the world’s faith. When you trust in Jesus, you understand that all your burdens were already laid on Him at the cross. Even in trials and pain, the Holy Spirit teaches, comforts, and reminds you of God’s promises: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit… will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26).
And you are anointed: “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth” (1 John 2:20). God has poured out His Spirit into every part of you—your soul, your mind, your very thoughts and emotions.
Even someone suffering from mental illness, when they receive Jesus, is filled with the Holy Spirit. “But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you” (Matthew 12:28). When God’s kingdom enters, Satan’s must flee. You now carry that same authority: “…to have authority to drive out demons” (Mark 3:15).
Through God’s Word, healing begins—spiritual, mental, and even physical: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus gave us this promise: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). His power and authority are with us today and forever.
Sadly, many believers live unaware of this authority. They struggle with weakness, worldliness, and Satan’s lies because they don’t realize what Jesus has already given them. That’s why many churches feel powerless in the spiritual battle.
But Jesus made this promise: “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18). It’s time to rise and reclaim the authority of Christ in our lives and in our churches.
Prayer. Father, open my eyes to see the truth of this world and the power You’ve given me. Help me to walk in the spiritual authority that comes from Christ, and use it to bring healing and salvation to this generation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.