What does it really mean to believe in Jesus Christ? Because of various doctrines of demons, many wrongly think they can believe on Jesus without obeying him. 

This, however, is not the message of the Bible, but a dangerous misunderstanding and deadly spiritual snare. Please note the following passage cited from two different reputable translations revealing what it means to believe on Jesus Christ:

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure God's wrath (John 3:36, NRSV).

He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him (John 3:36, NASB).

Is Disobedience Equated To Unbelief?

The King James Bible renders this same verse as:

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

The point is: To believe in Jesus Christ is the opposite of disobeying Jesus! Conversely, to believe means to OBEY Jesus. Furthermore, the Greek word translated as believeth not in that verse is apeitheo and it means: not believe, disobedient, obey not, unbelieving. This alone makes the crucial point loud and clear about disobedience being a manifestation of unbelief.

A Common But Dangerous Believe In Jesus Meaning

John 3:16 is frequently quoted as a salvation passage and is a great one when properly understood, but few seem to know the meaning! For example, referring to John 3:16, Norman Vincent Peale comments:

The great promise is that if we believe in the atoning power of Christ's death on our behalf, we will not perish when we die. Instead, we will have everlasting life! [Norman Vincent Peale, Amazing Promises, Guideposts Outreach Publications, 2011 ed., p. 16]

Folks, be assured that a mental assent in the Lord Jesus' atoning death is not the meaning of believe in Jesus for everlasting life. Demons have that kind of belief in Jesus' atoning death! Again, a saving faith in Jesus is one which obeys or follows Jesus in this wicked world. Confessing Jesus as Lord is also related (Rom. 10:9,10 cf. Jn. 12:42).

Those Who Believe In Jesus Christ Obey Jesus Christ!

Remember also that there are only two types of people which are sometimes referred to as the saved and unsaved; the sheep and goats; etc., but in the above passage, these two types of people are either mentioned as those who believe on the Son or those who disobey the Son. In other words, again it becomes apparent that unbelief in Jesus is synonymous with disobedience to him, while believing in Jesus Christ equals obeying him. That is also related to the repentance definition and is vital truth we all need to remember because it helps us understand the Biblical meaning of the only kind of belief in Jesus that brings salvation. The same truth is also shown in the following passage:

And to whom did He swear that they should not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? And so we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief (Heb. 3:18,19, NASB).

Notice again how disobedience is equated to unbelief. Hence, we see again the meaning of unbelief and an important insight about disobedience. In other words, disobedience is a manifestation of unbelief. A careful comparison of two other salvation passages will also make this same point:

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25,26)

I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death. (John 8:51)

Learn Now The Difference Between True Grace and False Grace

A Continuous Tense Believing In Jesus Christ
is Needed To Avoid Spiritual Death

Jesus taught what one must do to never die spiritually. In Jn. 11:25,26 he taught it takes a continuous tense belief in Jesus. In Jn. 8:51 the Lord taught it will take keeping his word. In other words, one is not really believing in Jesus Christ unless he is keeping his words. Please remember that. That also helps to clarify the true believe meaning or saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Can it then be stated that many who at one time truly believed in Jesus Christ are now in unbelief as is evident by their disobedience? The answer is a resounding yes:

They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. (Luke 8:13)

Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. (Rom 11:20,21)

Jesus taught a true believer could turn into an unbeliever and, consequently, die spiritually. This is especially important in a day when so many have been deceived by the security in sin gospel commonly called eternal security or the perseverance of the saints. In other words, a true Christian can afterwards lose his salvation, as has happened numerous times, according to the Bible. To enter God's paradise kingdom after death, a person who was previously born again must endure persecution and hatred for being a Christian, bring forth good fruit and (among other things) continue to believe in Jesus Christ, which will manifest in simple obedience.

Besides all of the above, remember the following relevant salvation Scriptures:

He [Jesus] became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him (Heb 5:9)

Those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. (John 5:29)

We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (1 John 2:3,4)

For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person - such a man is an idolater - has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. (Eph 5:5-7)

... the church submits to Christ .... (Eph 5:24)

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. (Gal 5:24)