BELIEF The New Testament, especially the Gospel of John, gives convincing evidence for the progressive nature of belief. This is seen in the nobleman of Capernaum who appealed for his son’s healing on the basis of what he had heard about Christ’s miracles. He believed the word of Jesus (John 4:50), and that belief was confirmed and strengthened by the miracle that led him to place his faith in Christ (4:53). The progress of belief is seen in the healed blind man who believed Jesus to be “a prophet” (9:17),