Why is believing in Jesus essential for Christians?

Believing in Jesus is of utmost importance for Christians, as Scripture teaches that faith in Him is directly linked to salvation. In John 8:24, Jesus explicitly states that unless one believes in Him, they will die in their sins. This belief is not merely intellectual assent but a trusting reliance on His finished work of redemption, which includes His atoning sacrifice. Furthermore, as the Rock that follows the true Israel through the wilderness, Jesus is the source of life, comfort, and sustenance throughout the believer's journey on earth, culminating in eternal life in the heavenly Canaan.