What does it mean to believe or not believe?

by David Long

"And it came to pass in Iconium that they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed.  But the Jews that were disobedient stirred up the souls of the Gentiles, and made them evil affected against the brethren" (Acts 14:1-2).

"He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life; but he that obeyeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him" (John 3:36).

"And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that were disobedient?  And we see that they were not able to enter in because of unbelief" (Heb. 3:18-19).

Do you see what it means to believe or not believe? So when the jailor asked "Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved, thou and thy house" (Acts 16:30-31). Did it mean faith only? No. Read the following verses in Acts 16:32-34.