I know that you know scripture and you will probably recall the passage in Mark chapter 9 when a father brought his son to the disciples and asked them to help his son, but they could not.

The father then said to Jesus, “But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

Jesus first response was, “Everything is possible for him who believes.”

Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

Jesus response was to do what the father asked and drive out the evil spirit that had overtaken the lad.

I think this story was included to teach us that if we have a minute amount of faith and we are willing to place that faith in the Lord, He will respond to us with favor. The father did not go into a lengthy speech about how he could believe certain parts of what Jesus said, but that he was unsure about other things. He asked Jesus to help him to believe. That was trust, even when he didn’t understand fully. Everyone can do that much and what a difference it makes in one’s life.

I think your statements kind of set up what I am talking about. First “believe with our heart” – belief is first and foremost a “head” function – not a “heart” function. I agree that the “heart” functions are more important.

Second “belief completes the transaction” – I think I can use this to illustrate my point – that it doesn’t make sense to say that belief “completes a transaction”. Completion of a transaction is volitional, but belief is not simply volitional. One cannot choose belief. One can choose to examine ideas or not – to listen to them or not – to criticize them or not… but the result of “belief” (or “unbelief”) is not chosen – it is the end result of all those other choices.

So, we can’t say that belief completes a transaction any more than we can say dreams do the same. We do not choose our beliefs any more than we choose our dreams. The root word of “transaction” is “action” – and it is with action that we provide our agreed part of a bargain and therefore complete any transaction.

Many years ago I had puzzled over the references in the Bible that might indicate one has to work to earn salvation. It truly troubled me. I spent time studying and was still confused. I prayed about it and that very hour I read this:

John 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

Now, after quite a few years of living it out, I realize that if we do this first “work of God”, believing with our heart, He will lead us into the works that are important. The belief completes the transaction, and the relationship will enable us to be productive.

Understanding, like glory, is fleeting.

After I come down they make sense no more.