Jesus was asked this very question in the sixth chapter of John’s gospel. The people asked him, “What shall we do that we might work the works of God?” The Amplified translation makes their question even more clear: “What are we to do to carry out what God requires?” If you asked this question to most Christians you would probably receive answers like these: do good things, live a holy life, don’t sin, read the Bible, pray, go to church, etc. However, Jesus does not mention any of these things. This is an important point. The question is a good and honest question and deserves a good, honest answer. When asked what God requires, Jesus mentions only one thing: “This is the work that God asks of you: that you believe in the one whom He has sent.”
The Apostle Paul was asked a similar question in Acts chapter 16. After being imprisoned in the city of Philippi, God opened the jail with an earthquake. The jailer asked Paul, “What must I do to be saved?” Again, an honest question deserves and honest and complete answer. Paul answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.”
It should be pointed out that the word “believe” as it is used in the New Testament means more than a simple mental agreement to a proposition. It carries with it the idea of trust or reliance. The Greek scholar, J. B. Phillips explains it this way: To believe in Jesus means “that a man transfers his confidence from himself to Christ.”
In Luke’s account of the crucifixion of Jesus, we are told that two criminals were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left. One of the criminals began to mock Jesus (along with the religious authorities). However, one of the criminals turned to Jesus and said, “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered and said, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” A person might ask the question, “What is required in order to be with Jesus in Paradise?” This criminal being crucified with Jesus never went to church, never prayed, never gave in the offering, was never baptized or took communion. As far as we know, he did no good works whatsoever. On the other hand, he did the one necessary thing: he placed his faith in Jesus, and that was all that God required.
God does not require a holy life, prayer, Bible reading, church attendance, or good works of any kind from you. He is only looking for one thing – that you transfer your faith, confidence, trust, and reliance from yourself to Jesus.