But Jesus makes it clear that it is belief that saves, even now. (see, e.g., John 3, Mark 16).
Paul makes it clear that there is a specific Gospel that must be understood and that it can only be understood if it is preached. Thus the call to evangelism in the Great Commission.
Knowing and understanding the Gospel is good and necessary. Teaching people about the Gospel helps people to know about Jesus, and therefore believe in Him. But many people who do not believe, nevertheless know and understand the Gospels -- just knowing and understanding does not confer salvation. Only belief does that.
don't believe that a correct understanding of doctrine is a check list. It isn't equivalent to legalism (saved by what we do rather than what we believe).
But it's not necessary for salvation, either.
Understanding doctrine = knowing and understanding the Gospel.
It is faith that saves, not belief.
Even demons believe and shudder.
Do you have FAITH that the living Christ has paid the penalty for your sin? Or do you just believe.
Now here is where Mormonism and Christianity split. Mormonism teaches that Christ paid the price and conquered over death - therefore all mankind is “saved” regardless of faith. Mormonism ALSO teaches that only those who keep the commandments and partake of ordinances and covenants by “worthy” LDS members within the LDS Temple will receive Celestial glory and dwell with their “heavenly father.” All others will live eternally separated from God - I don’t think that is what Christians think of as Salvation, this is hell.
Christians have faith that Christ paid the penalty of their sin and this allows them communion with God through the Holy Spirit. Belief in some kind of god is not what saves them, but faith enough to rely on Christ as their Savior is vital. God saves them through faith and not the works of ordinances and covenants. If you have ‘faith’ then you rest in the arms of Christ - if you have ‘belief,’ but not faith you don’t rest in Him, you strive to save yourself.