"This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."

[NotTheRock]

Please share your thoughts on that statement made by Jesus. Thank you.

 

[Pearl]

Our knowledge and faith, our true belief in Jesus and His saving grace can only come from God the Father - it is his mighty 'work' rather than our own pathetic attempts that cause that belief to be born in us and to mature and bear fruit.

 

[Johann]

Please share your thoughts on that statement made by Jesus. Thank you.

The context of John 6:29, where Jesus says, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent,” is a conversation between Jesus and a crowd following Him after the miracle of feeding the 5,000 (John 6:1-15). This dialogue addresses themes of divine provision, faith, and spiritual sustenance.

Broader Context (John 6:22-40):
The Crowd's Motivations (John 6:22-27):

After the miraculous feeding, the crowd seeks Jesus not out of spiritual hunger but because they were physically fed. Jesus challenges their motives, urging them to seek the food that endures to eternal life, which He, the Son of Man, will provide.

The Crowd's Question (John 6:28):

The people ask, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” They are focused on actions or deeds they must perform to please God, reflecting a works-based mindset common in Jewish religious thought at the time.

Jesus' Response (John 6:29):

Jesus shifts their focus from external deeds to an internal act of faith. He states that the “work of God” is not a set of tasks but belief in the One whom God has sent-namely, Himself. This declaration highlights that faith in Jesus is the foundational requirement for a relationship with God.

The Crowd's Skepticism (John 6:30-31):

Despite witnessing the miracle of the loaves and fish, the crowd demands another sign, comparing Jesus to Moses, who gave manna in the wilderness.

Jesus as the Bread of Life (John 6:32-40):

Jesus explains that He is the true bread from heaven, sent by God to give eternal life. This teaching points to the necessity of faith in Him as the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment and salvation.

Key Theological Insights:
Faith, Not Works:

Jesus emphasizes belief as the primary “work” God requires. This shows salvation by faith rather than through human effort (cf. Ephesians 2:8-9).

Christ-Centered Faith:

The object of faith is critical-belief must be in “Him whom He has sent.” This identifies Jesus as the Messiah and the mediator of God’s plan for salvation.

God’s Sovereignty in Faith:

The phrase “work of God” implies that even faith itself is initiated and enabled by God’s grace (cf. John 6:44, Philippians 2:13).

Jesus as the Sent One:

The theme of Jesus as the one sent by God recurs throughout John’s Gospel, highlighting His divine mission and authority (cf. John 3:16-17, John 5:24).

Practical Application:
For believers, this verse is a reminder to prioritize faith in Jesus above all else. It challenges works-based approaches to salvation and calls for a deep, personal trust in Christ as the sustainer of eternal life.

J.

 

[NotTheRock]

The context of John 6:29, where Jesus says, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent,” is a conversation between Jesus and a crowd following Him after the miracle of feeding the 5,000 (John 6:1-15). This dialogue addresses themes of divine provision, faith, and spiritual sustenance.

Broader Context (John 6:22-40):
The Crowd's Motivations (John 6:22-27):

After the miraculous feeding, the crowd seeks Jesus not out of spiritual hunger but because they were physically fed. Jesus challenges their motives, urging them to seek the food that endures to eternal life, which He, the Son of Man, will provide.

The Crowd's Question (John 6:28):

The people ask, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” They are focused on actions or deeds they must perform to please God, reflecting a works-based mindset common in Jewish religious thought at the time.

Jesus' Response (John 6:29):

Jesus shifts their focus from external deeds to an internal act of faith. He states that the “work of God” is not a set of tasks but belief in the One whom God has sent-namely, Himself. This declaration highlights that faith in Jesus is the foundational requirement for a relationship with God.

The Crowd's Skepticism (John 6:30-31):

Despite witnessing the miracle of the loaves and fish, the crowd demands another sign, comparing Jesus to Moses, who gave manna in the wilderness.

Jesus as the Bread of Life (John 6:32-40):

Jesus explains that He is the true bread from heaven, sent by God to give eternal life. This teaching points to the necessity of faith in Him as the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment and salvation.

Key Theological Insights:
Faith, Not Works:

Jesus emphasizes belief as the primary “work” God requires. This shows salvation by faith rather than through human effort (cf. Ephesians 2:8-9).

Christ-Centered Faith:

The object of faith is critical-belief must be in “Him whom He has sent.” This identifies Jesus as the Messiah and the mediator of God’s plan for salvation.

God’s Sovereignty in Faith:

The phrase “work of God” implies that even faith itself is initiated and enabled by God’s grace (cf. John 6:44, Philippians 2:13).

Jesus as the Sent One:

The theme of Jesus as the one sent by God recurs throughout John’s Gospel, highlighting His divine mission and authority (cf. John 3:16-17, John 5:24).

Practical Application:
For believers, this verse is a reminder to prioritize faith in Jesus above all else. It challenges works-based approaches to salvation and calls for a deep, personal trust in Christ as the sustainer of eternal life.

J.

This is an amazing and insightful response! Thank you!

 

[quietthinker]

"This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."​

The statement above is seminal. It defines God's objective for mankind as well as defining the sin which distances us from God as opposed to God distancing himself from mankind.
It behooves us to reflect on and reconsider the theologies we have constructed re Salvation.

 

[St. SteVen]

"This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."​

I have maintained that we cannot be saved by works.
The only work that brings salvation is the work Christ did for us in the Atonement.

But here, Jesus points to the ONLY necessary work required.

[

 

[ShineTheLight]

"This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."​

I have maintained that we cannot be saved by works.
The only work that brings salvation is the work Christ did for us in the Atonement.

But here, Jesus points to the ONLY necessary work required.

[

Faith without works is dead. Not that you should hope in it or idolize your works. Rightly dividing the word of truth here.

 

[David in NJ]

Faith without works is dead. Not that you should hope in it or idolize your works. Rightly dividing the word of truth here.

Would you agree that the 'work' to believe on Jesus is inward.

If it is inward then the work was already done and we will either agree or disagree with that work inside us.

If it is inward and from the heart, that which is outward will follow the inward.