What a person believes forms the basis of his or her actions. Throughout history, the actions sown by mankind and the compounding calamities reaped reveal that human belief is fundamentally flawed. In the West, where the Bible has had significant influence, beliefs are generally slightly more correct, leading to somewhat better fruit. However, a great deal of syncretism, the blending of true and false beliefs, has produced degenerate actions and evil fruits. God repeatedly warned Israel against adopting the ways of the heathen, as those beliefs would become a snare, and today's multiculturalism poses a deadly threat to Western nations by creating a bitter concoction that can only end in destruction without intervention. The Bible emphasizes the foundational role of belief in life and eternal life. Men like Abraham, Joseph, and Moses consistently lived lives of correct belief, though they occasionally slipped into unbelief, while the Israelites' overall record was one of unbelief despite moments of faith. In more Christian nations of the West, many believe God is Creator, producing a different view of life compared to those who reject this belief. Citizens commonly hold that murder, adultery, stealing, and lying are wrong, and to the degree that these beliefs influence their actions, their lives are better than those who do not adhere to such standards. Yet, these same believers often hold a mix of true belief and unbelief in various areas. A profound insight into belief is that true belief is possible only for those appointed by God to eternal life. This appointment explains why some have a relationship with Him while others do not. Belief is so central to what God is working out that Jesus Christ defines it as the work of God, instructing that one must believe in Him whom the Father sent. He admonishes those seeking Him for mere physical needs, pointing out a far greater spiritual food that endures to everlasting life, which He can provide, but only if they believe in Him.

Jesus emphasizes that believing in Him is the work of God, a belief that not all are equipped to embrace. True belief extends beyond mere acknowledgment of God's existence; it permeates every aspect of life, shaping decisions and actions. Those called to this belief are given the ability to trust in God's sovereignty, providence, protection, and goodness. The challenge lies in living with these truths at the forefront, walking through life with the Father and the Son, allowing Their attributes to form the basis of character. The firstfruits, appointed to eternal life, will cleave to and rely on God and His Messenger, producing fruit as evidence of their belief, and they will be raised up at the last day.

Conviction is essential to faithful living, character building, sanctification, loyalty, integrity, and faithfulness to God. Whether we compromise and sin is directly tied to the strength of our convictions. Strength of conviction in day-by-day matters determines whether we will stand firm when everything is truly on the line. As scrutiny of Christians intensifies, our convictions may be severely tested, and that time may not be far off. Beliefs must be personally held and described with thoughtful consideration, not merely as feelings or vague notions. Knowledge of one's beliefs is crucial, as they cannot be claimed through titles or affiliations but must be internalized. Each individual is judged by God, and righteousness or conviction cannot be transferred from one to another. Beliefs fall into two categories: convictions or preferences. A preference, though strongly held, can be changed under certain pressures such as peer influence, family concerns, fear of lawsuits, jail, or even death. If a belief changes under such pressures, it is merely a preference. True convictions, however, must be lived consistently, aligning one's lifestyle with what is believed. If God orders something, not to follow it would be disobedience and sin. Our conduct must match our stated beliefs, as inconsistencies can condemn us. The expectation is not perfection but a consistent demonstration of living by what we profess. If we claim to oppose unrighteous themes, our actions—such as the presence and use of certain influences in our homes—must reflect that stance. Dedication to God without fear of consequences, as exemplified by unwavering figures, shows the importance of living out convictions even under pressure. To have convictions that endure, we must daily exercise our senses by yielding to God, coming to know Him through life's experiences, and making choices that please and glorify Him.