How do humans believe? What is the definition of the term “belief”? Is believing in something or someone more of a mystery compared to a behavior? When does the Bible talk about beliefs?
After the transfiguration of Jesus, Mark records the following:
When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.
"What are you arguing with them about?" he asked.
A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not."
"O unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me."
So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.
Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?"
"From childhood," he answered. "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us."
"'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."
Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
Mark 9: 14-24.
Does believing include the admission of unbelief? Do humans by themselves not have the strength to believe?
The man needing help from Jesus for his boy talked to Jesus. When humans now talk to Jesus most call such talking prayer.
[T]he Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
Romans 8:26. How often do humans rely on the Holy Spirit when talking to Jesus?
Jesus is always the answer. He told His disciples after He cleared the temple "whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24. Past tense relying on God in the present is belief. The most clear past tense communication for the glory of His Kingdom is thankfulness.
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