Romans 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

Propitiation means acceptable substitute. You have to trust God is satisfied with you based on your faith in Christ’s death on the cross. Christ died nearly two thousand years ago. First century Christians witnessed His death and resurrection, we have to believe their witness and trust that God’s sense of justice is satisfied on our behalf.

Faith, trust and belief are mixed together for a reason.

Hebrews 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

These Jews believed God and trusted God but did not mix in the faith required to please God.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Belief and trust are dependent upon faith to accomplish that which is required to meet God’s plans. In many belief systems they define faith as belief, or trust while in fact they are three totally separate entities.

Belief is a rational study of a subject and decision based on self-satisfaction. Beliefs can and do changed based on better or newer information.

Trust is based on relevant understanding of terms and conditions. An understanding of those terms and conditions promotes a reliance upon the warrantor to stand behind a claim of performance. Failure of those terms and conditions, or the understanding of them breaks trust.

Faith from God, faith in God and faith thru God is the power to believe what you cannot see, trust what you cannot understand, and act out a life in relationship with the God of promise. The three must be mixed to produce the abundant life of John 10:10.

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

This second part of the identification of beneficiaries can to be a little confusing. I admit it. Even Nicodemus, one the most learned of religious leaders of his day did not understand and he spoke directly to Jesus face to face. How do we simplify this issue so that we can be assured we are on the list? The simplest way for me to point the way is to return once again to the parable of the sower.

Mathew 13:23a But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it;

The gospel needs to be heard and understood. Jesus declares this because you should know what you are doing, this is not a blind trust. You need to come in with both eyes wide open.

This is how you receive and understand the gospel, the Word of God.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Through faith and not an earthly human faith but one given as a gift by God. The second question is; how do I know of that particular faith, since it is of God?

Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

The bible is not an independent study, it is a dependent study. It is dependent on faith and without it, nothing can be gained which will lead you to that inheritance.

Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

God will reveal this faith to you because you cannot have a life in Christ without it. This is a trust issue.