One of the most frequent replies given when persons are pressed as to believing on the Son of God for salvation is: "Of course I believe!" And then, if asked what they believe, the answer is quickly given: "Why, I believe the whole Bible!”
God has not said He will save you if you believe the whole Bible, but if you "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ." To admit that the Bible is true is a very different thing from trusting entirely to the Son of God for salvation. It is to God's only begotten Son who was a sacrifice for sinners on the cross that Scripture points as the object of faith. It is not even said that those who assent to the truth that He is the only Savior shall be saved, but those who "come unto God by Him.”
Many assent to what they read and hear about the Savior; but do they receive Him? That is the momentous question. Do they, as needy sinners, bow to Him, the gracious Savior, for their individual salvation? Do they know there is "none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved"? Acts 4:1212Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12). Have they renounced every other refuge as false, refused all other foundations as sinking sand, and given up every other way as misleading? Do they trust wholly in that sinner-loving Savior, now glorified and sitting on the Father's throne, as their only way of approach to God—their only righteousness, life, and peace?
Be not deceived, my reader. It is not assenting, but believing; not only admitting God's way of salvation to be true, but availing ourselves of it as in His sight! It is not merely admitting that Christ is the only Savior, or assenting that He is the only way; but it is with the heart believing, and therefore coming to God by Him.
This, said the Apostle, "is the word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Rom. 10:8-108But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:8‑10).