An 'About-Face'

"I believe in Jesus, God's only Son;
The preacher said that would be good enough
To enter heaven, when my race is run!"
Said the new convert, in a sort of huff.
My comment had been, "Salvation depends
Upon a belief that changes your life
Around; from one that with this whole world blends,
To one which loves others, and serves them rife!
Search out and name past sins to God; repent
In sorrow; strive to follow His commands!
Believe, yes; also try hard to present
God a new life, one that on His Word* stands!"
Belief that saves means living anew,
An about-face from what you used to do!

*Bible

Test your belief in Jesus Christ by listing the changes you've made in your life since first believing. If nothing has changed, you may not have truly believed! Here is a correct formula for entering heaven:

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith---and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)

This scripture is correct, but it can be confusing. A simpler statement of how to be saved was given by Paul to the jailer who asked him point-blank how he could be saved.

"They replied, 'Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.'" (Acts 16:31)

Reading this scripture, the seeker might overlook the necessity of being sorry for past sin and asking God to forgive them, and that he must change his lifestyle to follow the teachings of the Bible.

When Jesus began His ministry in Galilee, He gave us a clearer picture of what is required for salvation.

"'The time has come,' he said. 'The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!'" (Mark 1:15)

It is very difficult to explain what "believe" means in one sentence. That is why I write at the head of every post that we should strive to 'remain in the love of Jesus Christ' by loving others. Jesus made it clear in Mark 12:28-34 that those who loved God and His neighbors were following the most important commandments. Peter emphasized loving others "to cover a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8). You can't go wrong by believing, repenting, and loving others as you do yourself!