Comparing the translations is sometimes of great value in understanding the force of what God’s message involves. An illustration of this is to compare the two ways John 3:36 is brought into our language. The King James Version and the New King James version renders the words of Jesus in this way. “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life.”
Now compare this verse with almost every other translation and there is an amazing difference. In various ways they add another dimension to what Jesus said. “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life.” Take time to read the KJV and the NKJV in the first paragraph and then read the ESV in this paragraph. The first says he who does not believe and the second says does not obey.
The Greek does not simply state the opposite of belief by placing the words “not believe.” It is a totally different word and indicates and emphasizes the persuasive action follows after faith. The opposite of faith is not simply the absence of faith, but the absence of action. The nature of true faith is taking persuasive action when walking by faith. The opposite of true faith is disobeying the message of the words of faith.
To see this difference look at the way faith is described in Hebrews chapter eleven. It was by faith that Abel offered; Enoch walked; Noah built; Abraham went out; Abraham dwelt; Abraham waited; Sarah received strength; Abraham offered; Isaac blessed; Jacob blessed and worshiped; Joseph gave instructions about his bones; Moses was hidden; Moses chose; Moses forsook; Moses kept the Passover by placing blood on his door; Israel walked through the Rea Sea; Jericho fell; Rahab hid the spies—the list is endless! True faith is more than words it always involves action.
The application is obvious faith in our relationship with God. It is more than words—it is action. We are purified by faith (Acts 15:9); sanctified by faith (Acts 26:18); justified by faith (Rom. 5:1); have access by faith (Rom. 5:2); stand by faith (Rom. 11:20); walk by faith (2 Cor. 15:7); live by faith (Gal. 2:20)—this list is also almost endless. This paragraph emphasizes the rewards of faith. However, the blessing does not come by simply saying a sinner’s prayer, but by the true definition of faith. True faith demands action! True faith demands obedience! True faith always involves more than words, it involves action!
Take time to reflect on your own salvation. Our relationship with Him is determined by our actions, not just by words. Does your life show true faith; if not it is not by faith!