Faith, though, is more than accepting facts. Nicodemus’ fellow-leaders later “believe.” But this does not mean God approves.
Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God (John 12:42-43).
Jesus will not tell God He knows us unless we have enough faith to tell people we know Him.
“…whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32-33).
True faith treats Jesus as Lord, and tells others the reason for its hope (Acts 26:6; 1 Peter 3:15).
…if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved (Romans 10:9-10).