Bible Reading: Romans 10:9-13
Version 1: God said it. I believe it. That settles it.
Version 2: God said it. That settles it. I believe it.
The above is two versions of a common expression used in the Christian church. Mr. Jarrod Jacobs, and a number of other Christians, prefer the second version (God said it. That settles it. I believe it.). Mr. Jacobs explains his position saying, “Once God says something, that settles it, regardless of whether or not I believe it! When God speaks the truth, it is settled. If one fights and argues against the will of God, a man’s ‘unsettled’ mind has no effect upon God’s truth. At the same time, when one accepts God’s word completely, the acceptance and obedience to His word had no effect on the truth, either!”
I understand Mr. Jacobs’ point, and I agree with him.
The second version (God said it. That settles it. I believe it.) reflects the state of the world at large. God said it. That settles it. It doesn’t matter whether any specific person believes it or not, it is still the truth.
However, I have another line of thought that I would like to have included in the discussion. I think the first version (God said it. I believe it. That settles it.) reflects the state of an individual believer: God said it. I believe it. I have it settled in my own heart.
What is my grounds for this conclusion? Look, for example, at Romans 10:9 – “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
* God said (it) to confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord.
* I believe (it) in my heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and I am saved.
* That settles (it) my salvation and my eternal destiny for me and for God eternally.
This works for every individual. It is always true. It doesn’t make God’s word any more true, it puts the heart, soul, and life of each person who takes this position into eternal agreement with God and His word.
I believe both versions of this expression. Do you?
“Jesus said..., “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
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know that You are God, Jesus is Lord, and all You say and do is right, even if people don’t believe it. However, I believe it and that settles it in my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.