Why is believing in Jesus as the sent one crucial for Christians?

Believing in Jesus as the one whom God has sent is foundational to the Christian faith, as articulated in John 5:24. Jesus emphasizes that not only must we hear His words, but we also need to believe in the one who sent Him—God the Father. This belief implies acceptance of Christ’s divine authority and the redemptive significance of His mission. It's through faith in Christ that believers are granted life eternal and escape condemnation. Such belief shapes the entire Christian life, affirming that salvation is a gracious gift from God rather than human achievement, echoing the Reformed understanding of grace and faith.