Topical Encyclopedia Unbelief, as depicted in the Scriptures, often manifests in the form of questioning or doubting the power and promises of God. This lack of faith is not merely a passive state but an active resistance to trusting in God's omnipotence and faithfulness. Throughout the Bible, various instances illustrate how unbelief can lead individuals and even entire communities to question God's ability to fulfill His promises and execute His divine will.Old Testament Examples 1. The Israelites in the Wilderness: One of the most prominent examples of unbelief is found in the narrative of the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. Despite witnessing numerous miracles, including the parting of the Red Sea and the provision of manna, the Israelites frequently doubted God's power. In Numbers 14:11 , the Lord expresses His frustration: "And the LORD said to Moses, 'How long will this people treat Me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in Me, despite all the signs I have performed among them?'" 2. Sarah's Laughter: In Genesis 18:12-14 , Sarah laughs at the promise of bearing a child in her old age, questioning the power of God: "So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, 'After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?' Then the LORD said to Abraham, 'Why did Sarah laugh and say, "Can I really bear a child when I am old?" Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you—in about a year—and Sarah will have a son.'" 3. Gideon's Doubt: Gideon, called by God to deliver Israel from the Midianites, initially questions God's presence and power. In Judges 6:13 , Gideon asks, "Please, my lord, if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all His wonders of which our fathers told us, saying, 'Has not the LORD brought us up out of Egypt?' But now the LORD has forsaken us and delivered us into the hand of Midian." New Testament Examples 1. The Disciples in the Storm: In Mark 4:37-40 , the disciples exhibit unbelief during a storm on the Sea of Galilee. Despite Jesus' presence, they panic and question His care for them: "A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. So they woke Him and said, 'Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?' Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. 'Silence!' He commanded. 'Be still!' And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm. 'Why are you so afraid?' He asked. 'Do you still have no faith?'" 2. Thomas' Doubt: Known as "Doubting Thomas," the apostle Thomas initially refused to believe in the resurrection of Jesus without physical proof. In John 20:25 , he declares, "Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe." 3. Nazareth's Unbelief: In Mark 6:5-6 , Jesus encounters unbelief in His hometown of Nazareth, which limits the manifestation of His power: "So He could not perform any miracles there, except to lay His hands on a few of the sick and heal them. And He was amazed at their unbelief." Theological Implications Unbelief, as demonstrated in these biblical accounts, is not merely a lack of belief but an active questioning of God's power and promises. It reflects a heart that is resistant to trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness. The Scriptures consistently call believers to faith, urging them to trust in God's ability to accomplish what He has promised, regardless of circumstances or human limitations. As Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 7:2Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, you shall see it with your eyes, but shall not eat thereof. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 78:19,20 Library Colossians iii. 17 Jesus Discussed in Jerusalem. Words to Rest On An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality. The Heart of the Gospel The Last Discourses of Christ - the Prayer of Consecration. Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ... Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. The Pilgrim's Progress Resources Faith vs. fear - what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.orgWhy are there so many different Christian interpretations? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Kadesh Barnea in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Unbelief: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Unbelief was an Impediment to the Performance of Miracles Unbelief: All, by Nature, Concluded In Unbelief: Believers should Hold No Communion With Those In Unbelief: Defilement Inseparable From Unbelief: Exhibited in Departing from God Unbelief: Exhibited in not Believing the Works of God Unbelief: Exhibited in Questioning the Power of God Unbelief: Exhibited in Rejecting Christ Unbelief: Exhibited in Rejecting Evidence of Miracles Unbelief: Exhibited in Rejecting the Gospel Unbelief: Exhibited in Rejecting the Word of God Unbelief: Exhibited in Staggering at the Promise of God Unbelief: General Scriptures Concerning Unbelief: Impugns the Veracity of God Unbelief: Miracles Designed to Convince Those In Unbelief: Pray for Help Against Unbelief: Proceeds From: An Evil Heart Unbelief: Proceeds From: Disinclination to the Truth Unbelief: Proceeds From: Hardness of Heart Unbelief: Proceeds From: Judicial Blindness Unbelief: Proceeds From: Not Being Christ's Sheep Unbelief: Proceeds From: Seeking Honor from Men Unbelief: Proceeds From: Slowness of Heart Unbelief: Proceeds From: The Devil Blinding the Mind Unbelief: Proceeds From: The Devil Taking Away the Word out of the Heart Unbelief: The Half-Brothers of Christ Unbelief: The Jews Rejected For Unbelief: The Portion of, Awarded to all Unfaithful Servants Unbelief: The Thessalonian Jews Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of are Condemned Already Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Cannot Please God Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Excite Others Against Saints Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Harden Their Necks Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Have not the Word of God in Them Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Have the Wrath of God Abiding Upon Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Malign the Gospel Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Persecute the Ministers of God Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Persevere in It Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Shall be Cast Into the Lake of Five Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Shall be Condemned Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Shall be Destroyed Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Shall Die in Their Sins Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Shall not be Established Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Shall not Enter Rest Related Terms |
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