Hebrews 11:6 English Standard Version (ESV) And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Two basic elements are identified here. They are faith and belief. Many will tell you that they are the same thing. Are they?

We all have a mind and with it choose to believe what we want. Faith in this context is a gift from God which allows us to please Him. Do we always use that gift to please God? Not at all until we believe that there is a God who is above all gods and is the creator of heaven and earth. Faith lies dormant in all mankind until planted in the right place.

John 12:24 English Standard Version (ESV) Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.

It is only natural to question how I know that the parable of this grain is faith. The only way I know is the same way other believers understand and unbelievers do not. I put my faith in Christ.

Ephesians 3:16-19 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁶ that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, ¹⁹ and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

This comprehension of truth can only exist if Christ has given you the Holy Spirit to reveal truth. He will only send the Comforter if you have places your faith in His word on the Cross.

Merely believing is not enough.

Isaiah 50:9 English Standard Version (ESV) Behold, the Lord God helps me; who will declare me guilty? Behold, all of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up.

A declaration of guilt requires a judge. Satan is not a judge, certainly not a Christian’s judge. He is an accuser as are many in this world who act as judges. Jesus made it plain to us, “Do not judge.”

Matthew 7:1 English Standard Version (ESV) Judge not, that you be not judged.

John 12:47 English Standard Version (ESV) If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.

This is one of the more controversial areas of our Christian walk and nany hold differing opinions. How can I clarify this issue in just a few words? I use His Word.

John 16:7-8 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁷ Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. ⁸ And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:

Conviction is performed by being exposed to the truth. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth and will make us face the truth. A righteous judgment now comes down to agreeing with the Holy Spirit. We still have to choose to do the right thing with this knowledge and that is a matter of character.

Proverbs 17:15-17 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁵ He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord.
¹⁶ Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he has no sense?
¹⁷ A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Love at all times.