Jesus Christ, in addressing the crowd of 5,000 who followed Him for physical sustenance rather than spiritual truth, clarifies the essence of God's work. He instructs them, saying, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent." Despite witnessing His miracles, which served as signs of His identity, the people failed to grasp their spiritual significance, focusing instead on material benefits. Jesus emphasizes that true belief in Him goes beyond mere acknowledgment of His existence or deeds. It involves cleaving to, adhering to, trusting, relying on, and having faith in Him as God's Messenger. This deep belief is not universal or easily attained, as it requires being appointed by the Father to know both Him and His Son. Jesus further explains that only those drawn by the Father can come to Him, and He will not cast them out, promising to raise them up at the last day. This divine appointment to true belief marks them as the firstfruits of God's spiritual creation, distinct from the rest of the world who will not know God until a later time.

Christianity requires faith in God as He is revealed in Jesus Christ. This faith involves accepting the truth of our deep spiritual need and the work of the divine Christ, who provides the basis of our salvation from sin through His death. It also encompasses belief in Him and in the demonstration of the truth of His work and teachings through the resurrection. The world remains disbelieving unless God Himself brings faith out of non-faith, just as He brings life out of death or creation out of nothing. God not only creates and loves but also leads those who have fallen into sin to faith, producing in them what they could never achieve on their own. In the story of Jesus and Thomas, one week after the resurrection, Jesus appears to Thomas to lead him to faith. Thomas, initially a doubter, responds with the highest profession of belief, worshiping Him and declaring, My Lord and my God. Jesus does not excuse Thomas's unbelief but comes down to his level to help him through, saying, Do not be unbelieving, but be believing. The presence of Christ, identified by the wounds in His hands, feet, and side, ultimately convinces Thomas, revealing the love of Christ as the greatest proof. Christ provides what is needed for honest intellectual questions, showing that while reasoned arguments are important, it is His love demonstrated by His death that ultimately convinces. Jesus further speaks of a great blessing, saying, Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. This blessing is not for a subjective faith without evidence but for a satisfied faith that rests on what God provides, not yearning for visions, miracles, or other experiences as proof of God's favor. Such faith, superior to one based on visible signs, is common to all who call upon the name of Christ as God and Savior. The Gospel of John emphasizes this faith in Jesus Christ, highlighting numerous blessings that flow from believing in Him, including becoming children of God, receiving eternal life, deliverance from judgment, spiritual satisfaction, and the promise of resurrection. Through faith, believers also see the glory of God, live a holy life, become fruitful, and receive the benefits of Christ's prayers on their behalf. The purpose of John's Gospel is to lead people to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and through that belief, to have life through His name. From first to last, it serves as a testimony to Jesus Christ, encouraging everyone to believe in Him and enjoy God's blessings.

The first qualification for a Christian minister is a belief in God, followed closely by the conviction that the Bible is God's authoritative Word, containing His instructions for living. However, not all churches adhere to this principle, as seen in the case of Gretta Vosper, a minister at West Hill United Church in Toronto, who openly declared her atheism. Despite her lack of belief in a supernatural, interventionist divine being, she retained her credentials and position within the United Church of Canada, a denomination known for its liberal stance. At West Hill United Church, traditional elements of worship have been altered: prayer has become community sharing time, hymns have been rewritten to exclude references to God and Jesus Christ, and discussions of Them have been replaced with themes of love, compassion, and beauty. Vosper's approach reflects a shift toward progressive and humanistic ideology, focusing on creating healthy, engaged communities rather than adhering to biblical teachings.

In this sinful generation, belief in Jesus Christ demands unwavering commitment, as He Himself warned that whoever is ashamed of Him and His words will find the Son of Man ashamed of them when He returns in the glory of His Father with the holy angels. Christ called for self-denial, urging followers to take up their cross, emphasizing that losing one's life for His sake and the gospel's will save it, while gaining the world at the cost of one's soul profits nothing. To be ashamed of Him is to align with this adulterous generation, marked by unfaithfulness to God, and risks His disownment at judgment. The apostle Paul exemplified unashamed belief in Christ, declaring he was not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes. His conviction stemmed from experiencing its transformative power, trusting in its truth despite persecution, mockery, and being treated as the lowest in society's eyes. Paul's belief was not mere intellectual agreement but a full-hearted engagement, a personal commitment to Christ that fostered moral earnestness and dedication in every aspect of life. Even under hardship, he remained unashamed, knowing whom he believed in and being persuaded that Christ is able to keep what he committed to Him. Paul urged others, like Timothy, not to be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, encouraging them to share in sufferings for the gospel by God's power, with a spirit of love and a sound mind, not fear. He emphasized standing courageously with fellow believers, warning that to be ashamed now risks Christ being ashamed of us later. Similarly, Peter taught that those reproached for Christ's name are blessed, with the Spirit of glory resting upon them, and should not be ashamed but glorify God in their suffering, provided it is not due to wrongdoing. Christ is not ashamed to call believers His brethren, uniting with them as the one who sanctifies while they are sanctified, identifying with them as siblings. God, too, is not ashamed to be called the God of the faithful, having prepared a heavenly city for them, treating them as friends and beneficiaries. Paul, while imprisoned, held an earnest hope to stand unashamed before both human judges and Christ, desiring that Christ be magnified in his body, whether by life or death, relying on the Spirit of Christ and the prayers of believers for spiritual victory. John urged believers to abide in Christ, living righteously, so they may have confidence and not be ashamed at His coming, standing with assurance and joy rather than regret for unbelief or cowardice. Remaining in Christ means staying in His law and love, renewed by His Spirit for good works prepared by God. The faithful patriarchs trusted in God and were not ashamed, delivered by Him, and Christ will be rightfully proud of them as He resurrects them to eternal life. Thus, believers are called to stand unashamed of His name and truth, trusting in His promises, so that at His return, they may lift their heads with joy, welcomed by the One they never denied.