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In an era of diverse beliefs and spiritual practices, “Does it really matter what you believe?” examines the crucial role of faith, truth, and religion in our lives. Whether considering the historical impact of religious convictions or the guidance found in the Bible, this article offers an insightful look at why our beliefs truly matter. It challenges readers to reflect on their faith and how it aligns with the truths found in the Scriptures.

Have You Ever Wondered—Does It Really Matter What You Believe?

In 1553, a Spanish physician named Michael Servetus was executed by burning in Geneva. Why? He had challenged the doctrine of the Trinity. This unfortunate event took place at a time when holding specific religious beliefs could cost you your life.

In modern times, the situation is somewhat different. While there are regions where Christians are persecuted for expressing their faith, and some countries like Northern Ireland and Lebanon experience violence due to religious differences, a significant portion of the world shows remarkable tolerance—or even indifference—toward religious matters. Atheism is common, many people question their churches’ teachings, and generally, individuals are free to choose their religious paths.

Given this context, we might ask: “Is what we believe really important? Is religion just a personal choice?” Let’s look into this matter more closely:

Does It Really Matter Whether We Believe in God or Not?

The answer may vary depending on the individual. Take, for example, someone who attends religious services regularly but is dishonest in daily life, engaging in lying theft, or immorality. For such a person, what they claim to believe might seem inconsequential.

However, if we genuinely believe in God’s existence, it will indeed make a difference. We will feel accountable to Him, considering His will when facing decisions or temptations. We won’t only ask, “What do I want to do?” but also, “What will be pleasing to God?” The apostle Paul wrote, “Each of us will give an account of himself to God.”—Rom. 14:12.

Some might argue that it’s better not to believe in God, thinking it grants more freedom to act as they wish. Yet this reasoning only holds if God’s existence were purely hypothetical, without evidence. But this isn’t true; there’s substantial proof of God’s existence and His concern for us.

Acknowledging God’s existence might limit our freedom, but it also brings otherwise unattainable blessings. It helps us avoid wrong choices and the suffering that many experience from their so-called freedom. In an era filled with tension and fear, we can enjoy the “peace of God that excels all thought.” (Phil. 4:7). Even when the future seems uncertain, we can feel calm and confident, placing our trust in God, as the psalmist advised: “Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace.”—Ps. 37:37.

It certainly does matter whether or not we believe in God. But if we do believe, are we free to believe whatever we choose to read into the Bible, or should we not accept what the Bible authors meant by the words that they used?

Does It Really Matter Which Religion We Belong To?

Yes, it does matter because our beliefs about God and how we worship Him profoundly influence us as individuals and certainly impact our relationship with God.

Take a moment to think about the brutal tortures carried out by the Inquisition. Most people are horrified by the historical accounts of these atrocities against those deemed heretics. These cruel acts were performed by people who believed that God would punish sinners with eternal hellfire. In their minds, they were merely giving their victims a preview of what they believed God would do to them for all eternity.

History illustrates the powerful impact that religion has on society. The depraved fertility rites of the ancient Canaanites led to a licentious culture. The worship of cruel deities contributed to Assyria’s rise as one of history’s most vicious empires. Conversely, those who sincerely believe in a just and loving God have endeavored to heed the apostle Paul’s advice: “Become imitators of God.”—Eph. 5:1.

Another important aspect to consider is what Jesus Himself said: “The true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.” (John 4:23) Truth is consistent and does not contradict itself. Since the world’s 41,000 different Christian denominations often contradict each other, they cannot all be true. Therefore, some earnestly religious people must not be true worshipers, as they are not worshiping according to truth.

How Can We Be Sure That What We Believe Is the Truth?

Questioning our beliefs is not disrespectful or sinful. It’s wise to examine our convictions in light of the Bible to determine whether they align with the truth. The apostle Paul counseled, “Test everything; hold fast what is good.”—1 Thess. 5:21.

The evidence confirms that God exists and that He has revealed Himself, His name, and His purposes through His Word, the Bible. By reading and applying the Bible’s teachings, we can navigate the complexities of life and foster hope for a rewarding future. Your belief in these truths is significant, and it indeed matters whether you accept them or not.

I Never Knew You

²¹“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. ²²On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ ²³And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

Matthew 7:21-23 is an illuminating text that speaks to the very heart of the inquiry raised in the article “Does It Really Matter What You Believe?” Let’s break it down and examine how the article’s content aligns with these Scriptures.

Verse 21: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
- Exegesis: This verse emphasizes the importance of not merely professing belief in Jesus but actually doing the will of the Father. This distinction marks the difference between true and false followers.
- Article Alignment: The article asks whether belief matters and underlines that genuine faith in God requires alignment with truth and action. Belief is not just a matter of personal preference but has implications for how we live our lives, mirroring the call to do the Father’s will in this verse.
Verse 22: “On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’”
- Exegesis: Here, Christ forewarns that external religious activities—even those seemingly powerful—will not necessarily signify true faith or obedience to God. People may think they’re serving God, but if they’re not aligned with His will, their actions are meaningless.
- Article Alignment: This resonates with the article’s focus on the need to critically evaluate beliefs and actions. Just as religious zeal without genuine faith is worthless, so too is it vital to scrutinize one’s beliefs to ensure they align with biblical truth.
Verse 23: “And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”
- Exegesis: This statement is a sobering declaration from Christ that many who consider themselves followers will be revealed as workers of lawlessness. They never truly knew Christ, nor did He know them, because they did not adhere to His word and will.
- Article Alignment: The article’s questioning of whether belief matters and its focus on truth and genuine faith parallel this verse. It reinforces the idea that it’s not enough to merely claim belief or follow religious rituals; what matters is adherence to the truth of the Scriptures and a personal relationship with God.

“Does It Really Matter What You Believe?” thoroughly aligns with the teaching in Matthew 7:21-23. It emphasizes the vital importance of true belief, grounded in the Scriptures, and reflects the biblical call to scrutinize our faith and actions in light of God’s truth. Both the text and the article call readers to move beyond mere profession to genuine faith and obedience to God’s will.

The “will of the Father” is a multifaceted concept in the Scriptures, and particularly in the New Testament, it speaks to God’s sovereign plan and His moral expectations for His creation. Here is an overview grounded in the Scriptures:

To Believe in Jesus Christ: In John 6:40, Jesus says, “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” This underscores that faith in Jesus Christ is central to the Father’s will.
Obedience to God’s Commandments: The Father’s will includes obedience to His commandments, summarized by loving God and loving others (Matthew 22:36-40). Living in accordance with God’s law is living according to His will.
Living Righteously: In 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Paul writes, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.” This encompasses a call to moral purity, honesty, and integrity, reflecting the holy character of God.
Thankfulness in All Circumstances: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 urges, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Gratitude and contentment align with God’s will.
Spreading the Gospel: The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) emphasizes the will of the Father in making disciples of all nations, spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Care for Others: James 1:27 describes pure religion as caring for widows and orphans, reflecting the Father’s will for compassion and justice.
Submission to Authority: 1 Peter 2:13-15 teaches that submitting to earthly authorities is part of God’s will, as it maintains order and reflects God’s authority.
Suffering for Righteousness: At times, the Father’s will may include suffering for righteousness’ sake, as seen in 1 Peter 3:17.
Repentance and Salvation for All: 2 Peter 3:9 reveals God’s will in not wanting anyone to perish but all to come to repentance. His desire is for salvation to be accessible to everyone.
Christ’s Sacrifice: Perhaps most profoundly, the Father’s will included the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, for the redemption of humanity (Luke 22:42; John 3:16).
Teachings Based on God’s Word: The teachings must come from God, not human traditions or ideologies (2 Timothy 3:16; Mark 7:7). The followers must abide in God’s Word to know the truth (John 8:31-32).
Demonstration of True Faith in Jesus Christ: This involves appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice and kingship, and obedience to His commands, reflecting faith through works (John 3:36; Psalm 2:6-8; James 2:26).
A Way of Life, Not Ritual: God wants worship to be sincere and not mere formality. True religion upholds morality, clean speech, and reflects the fruits of God’s spirit in all aspects of life (Isaiah 1:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:9-13; Ephesians 5:3-5; Galatians 5:22-23).
Love Among Members: True disciples love one another, transcending all barriers and refusing to harm one another even in times of war (John 13:35).
Separation from the World: Followers must remain separate from worldly politics, materialism, and fleshly desires (John 15:19; James 1:27; 1 John 2:15-17).
Active Evangelizing of God’s Kingdom: Proclaiming God’s Kingdom as the hope for mankind, and actively sharing this message as Jesus taught (Matthew 24:14; 10:7, 11-13; Acts 5:42; 20:20).
Holiness in All Aspects: Striving to remain spiritually, morally, mentally, and physically clean in accordance with God’s holiness (1 Peter 1:16).
Spiritual Cleanness: Avoidance of false teachings and customs, staying faithful to the Word of God (2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Revelation 18:4; 2 John 10, 11).
Moral Cleanness: Living according to Christian morals at all times, avoiding sexual immorality and worldly unclean practices (1 Peter 2:12; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
Mental Cleanness: Filling the mind with pure thoughts, avoiding unclean entertainment, and studying God’s Word (Philippians 4:8; Matthew 15:18-20).
Clean Speech: Speaking truthfully, avoiding bad language, dirty jokes, or unclean stories, and standing out for clean speech in all settings (Ephesians 4:25, 29, 31; Revelation 21:8; 5:3).

In Matthew 7:21-23, the context of the “will of the Father” encompasses all these aspects, with a focus on genuine faith in Christ and obedience to His teachings. Those who merely profess faith but do not live in accordance with God’s will miss the essence of what it means to be a follower of Christ. The will of the Father is both a call to a personal relationship with Jesus and a life that reflects His character and mission. These points further underscore the multifaceted nature of the “will of the Father.” It encompasses a life fully committed to God’s truth, loving service, holiness, evangelizing efforts, and a separation from worldly influences. These aspects are not merely external but penetrate the very thoughts, motives, and everyday conduct of the believer, reflecting a comprehensive and genuine relationship with God.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).