Unbelief in the Bible
Unbelief in the Bible is in reality cosmic treason against God. It is a bold face defiance of God.
” But they did not listen to me or pay attention. They were stiff-necked and did more evil than their ancestors.’”( Jeremiah 7:26 )
Unbelief is so serious that there is no forgiveness for the sin of unbelief if one dies in unbelief. It is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.
” But if our unrighteousness brings out God’s righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) “( Romans 3:5 )
Etymology
disbelieve + -er or dis- + believer
Noun
disbeliever ( plural disbelievers )
One who disbelieves; one who does not believe. God divides the world into two categories: Believers and Unbelievers. People who accept the truth of God’s grace are the believers.
” Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” ( John 3:18 )
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.”
( John 3:36 )“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God”.
( Hebrews 3: 12 )“So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief. “( Hebrews 3: 19 )
People who lack complete trust in God’s grace are the unbelievers or disbelievers, they reject Christ or don’t believe in Him as his saviour.
” But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”” ( Matthew 14:30 )
“You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” (Matthew 17:17)
“You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” ( Mark 9:19 )
Those who do not believe in a higher power can be referred to as agnostic atheists, doubters, infidels, pagans, or sceptics.”
The believers have heaven promised while the unbelievers have only hell to look forward to because their sins aren’t washed in the blood of Jesus. That’s why the Christian needs to propagate the spreading of the Gospel.
” That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” ( Romans 1 : 15-16 )
TWO TYPES OF UNBELIEF
1) People of other religions who do not know the gospel
” But instead, one brother takes another to court—and this in front of
unbelievers! ” ( 1 Corinthians 6:6 )” Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and
wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with
darkness? ” ( 2 Corinthians 6:14 )
2) The one who hears the gospel and turns away from it.
“ The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does
not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows.” ( Luke 12:47 )” Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son
will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” ( John 3:36 )” To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not
believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.” ( Titus 1:15 )” The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. ” ( Revelation 21:18 )
Unbelief insults the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has come into the world to convict men of sin righteousness and judgment.
” When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: “
( John 16:8 )
Unbelief damns the soul. It refuses the grace of God, Jesus Christ His rightful place to reign in the human heart. And ultimately, unbelief refuses the remedy that can cure sin (God’s healing power). Hence unbelief is not an intellectual issue but a heart issue.
“What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! “( Romans 9:14 )
” What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? “
( Romans 4:1 )” What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ” ( Romans 8:31 )
UNBELIEVERS IN THE BIBLE
The Bible teaches that God makes a distinction between people according to what they believe about Jesus.
Zechariah’s unbelief:
Biblical interpreters commonly view Zechariah’s temporary impairment in speech as a punishment for his lack of faith or belief.
” And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”
( Luke 1:20 )
The unbelief of the Nazrenes:
Nazarene is a title used to describe people from the city of Nazareth in the New Testament (a town in Galilee, now in north Israel. The Nazrenes couldn’t believe that one who was so much like them could be so different from them. They refused to believe that Jesus was from God.
” He was amazed at their lack of faith. ” ( Mark 6:6 )
The unbelief of the Israelites:
The Israelites turned from God, and they did not receive their inheritance because of their unbelief. God had told the Israelites to enter the Promised Land, but they did not believe that God would protect them and give them the land, so they refused to enter.
“So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief. “( Hebrew 3:19 )
The disciples could not heal the patient because of their unbelief:
While the disciples had acquired knowledge and witnessed incredible miracles, their internal struggle with belief hindered their ability to manifest healing. This obstacle emphasizes the profound connection between faith and miraculous outcomes.
” Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience,” ( Hebrew 4:6 )
Paul’s first unbelief:
Paul’s journey of unbelief serves as a reminder that doubt and scepticism can be powerful catalysts for personal growth and enlightenment. By embarking on his quest for truth, he transcended. Paul’s journey led him to a profound realization – that faith is not blind adherence, but a conscious choice grounded in understanding and personal experience. He embraced his newfound faith with an open heart, recognizing that belief and doubt can coexist harmoniously, each playing a significant role in his ongoing spiritual growth.
” Even though I was once a blasphemer a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. ” ( 1 Timothy 1:13 )
Unbelief of the Jews
The unbelief of the Jews can be traced back to several pivotal moments in history. From the Babylonian exile to the Roman occupation, external factors have influenced the Jewish mindset and shaped their religious identity. The dispersion of Jews across different regions further contributed to a diversity of beliefs and practices. One of the primary factors influencing Jewish unbelief has been the constant exposure to diverse cultures and religious beliefs.
This exposure often led to a questioning of traditional Jewish teachings, creating a sense of doubt and scepticism among some members of the community. Additionally, the rise of rationalism and secularism during the Enlightenment period further challenged religious dogma, impacting Jewish belief systems.
” Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. ” ( Romans 11:20 )
It effectively highlights the potential consequences of unbelief and emphasizes the importance of accepting God’s gift with open arms. By doing so, you’re ensuring a rewarding and purposeful spiritual journey.