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What does it mean to be a “believer”?

Is belief in God to be saved? “You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.” Jas 2:19

Demons, of course believe in God, they knew Him, served Him, and ultimately rebelled against Him. Their belief in God is as real as their own existence. No one would argue, however, that demons are saved by this knowledge.

So what’s the difference between a true believer and a demon who “believes” in God?

ACCEPTANCE.

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Rom 10:9

The act of surrender to the one you believe in is the ticket to salvation. Believing there is a God and continuing to live for yourself, is no different then what the demons have done. True salvation comes from utter surrender, a true declaration that Jesus is Lord. Lord of you, Lord of me, Lord of the world, and He is whom you serve.

In contrast, a demon believes in the existence of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and even with that knowledge, refuses to serve, and has instead, determined to be his own god.

Belief AND surrender make for a true believer.