John 9:28

The man responds in kind. “Lord, I believe!” he says. Then he worships him then and there. John 9:38 EFP 

What else could the man do? He finally meets the man that changed his life forever. Perhaps he has an inkling as he hears his voice, but when he hears the words confirming his suspicions, his response is immediate and heart-felt. “I believe!” he exclaims.

Does the man understand what he is saying? Do his words have a deeper meaning that the obvious statement of belief? Does the man confess his eternal gratitude and surrender to the will of the one who healed him? Or does he simply say what his heart tells him to say with all the love and appreciation for what Jesus had done for him?

In our quest to ensure that we have no part in “cheap grace” or “once-saved-always-saved” we burden down the term “believe” with commitment, comportment, and commandment-keeping. No doubt believing in Jesus is more than simply mental assent, but there is also a sense by which the heart-felt confession born out of a wellspring of gratitude is what it is—a loving response to the gift bestowed by a gracious God.

My response to his gift is the journey of faith—the cost of discipleship, but it is not any more a part of faith than it is a part of grace. I live my life of faith in the gift given by God. Period. The love of God that bestows the gift on me also elicits a loving response from me. For love’s sake, not for credit. I have eternal life the moment I believe (I John 5:13). I can return it. I can misuse it. I can dishonor it. God will respect my decision to leave. But as long as my heart is turned to Jesus and my trust is in the One who alone can save me, then I have nothing to fear. No one can snatch me from his hand (John 10:28).