What does it mean to believe in Christ? Realize that a phrase like “believing in Jesus” is used by many people to justify very different ideas. How do you make a distinction between different meanings of this phrase or others like it? Belief is the same, and faith is the same process, no matter the target of that belief or faith. Belief in Christ is just a special case of belief in general.
Just as general beliefs can vary in correctness, efficacy, value, and so on, beliefs purported to be in Christ are not all equally valuable.
Not all purported belief in Christ is equally desirable. Some beliefs in Christ promise very different outcomes than others. Most purported belief in Christ offers nothing substantially different than what is already manifest. For example, the difference in joy and peace in a person who is an atheist and a person who merely wishes in a God who will magically save them from all bad things is not substantial, particularly in the inevitable times of affliction that will come upon them, when their shallowly-rooted, false hope evaporates.
Not all purported belief in Christ is equally likely. What makes one belief more likely than another? Stronger reasons to support it.
Not all purported belief in Christ motivates the same actions. Anyone with any experience with more than one organized religion realizes that vast differences exist in the practices of different sects. And, any honest analysis of the scriptures will reveal significant differences between the practice of former disciples of God and modern churches or synagogues.
Because not all purported belief in Christ motivates the same actions, not all belief in Christ leads to the same outcomes.
Not all purported belief in Christ is equal in effect. What makes one belief more correct than another? The rate of successful attainment of the intended outcomes.
The path to a more accurate and effectual belief in Christ lies in iterative application of the faith cycle. Through improved desire, reasons, actions, and outcomes, one will grow closer to the full bounty of belief in Christ.