To believe = to be persuaded

“First, To be a Christian indeed is to believe on Christ’s name; it is to assent to the gospel discovery, and consent to the gospel proposal, concerning Him.” - Matthew Henry

- to acknowledge that He is [the King of Kings, the Savior, the Anointed One]

- to acquiesce in it [consent with enthusiasm]

Greek "pisteuo" means "to be persuaded"

- St Jerome, latin, "credo" (from "cor do": I give my hand) not "opinar" (I have an opinion)

- In 1611, "believe" meant "be loyal to a person to whom you are bound by promise or duty."

- Now, "belief" is more like an "intellectual assent"