Topical Bible: Unbelief: Exhibited in Rejecting Evidence of Miracles

◄ Unbelief: Exhibited in Rejecting Evidence of Miracles ►

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Unbelief, as depicted in the Bible, often manifests in the rejection of the miraculous works of God, despite clear evidence. This rejection is not merely a lack of belief but an active refusal to accept divine intervention and authority, even when presented with undeniable signs and wonders.

Old Testament Instances

In the Old Testament, the Israelites frequently exhibited unbelief despite witnessing God's miraculous deeds. One notable example is found in the narrative of the Exodus. After witnessing the ten plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and the provision of manna in the wilderness, the Israelites still doubted God's power and intentions. 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?'"

New Testament Instances

The New Testament continues to highlight the theme of unbelief in the face of miracles, particularly in the ministry of Jesus Christ. The Pharisees and other religious leaders often rejected Jesus' miracles, attributing them to other sources or demanding additional signs. In John 12:37 , it is recorded, "Although Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still did not believe in Him."

One of the most striking examples is the raising of Lazarus from the dead. Despite this profound miracle, many of the Jews who witnessed it went to the Pharisees to report what Jesus had done, leading to increased plots against Him (John 11:45-53). This reaction underscores a hardened heart that refuses to accept the divine nature of Christ's works.

Theological Implications

The rejection of miracles as evidence of divine authority is a significant theme in Scripture, illustrating the depth of human unbelief. This unbelief is not due to a lack of evidence but rather a willful resistance to the truth. Hebrews 3:12 warns believers, "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God."

Consequences of Unbelief

The Bible consistently portrays unbelief as a serious spiritual condition with grave consequences. In the wilderness, the Israelites' unbelief led to their wandering for forty years and the eventual denial of entry into the Promised Land for that generation (Numbers 14:22-23). Similarly, in the New Testament, Jesus laments over the cities where He performed most of His miracles, yet they did not repent (Matthew 11:20-24).

Conclusion

The biblical narrative presents unbelief as a profound spiritual blindness that persists despite clear evidence of God's power and presence. This rejection of miracles serves as a cautionary tale, urging believers to cultivate faith and trust in God's revealed works.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 12:37
But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Election Confirmed by the Calling of God. The Reprobate Bring Upon ...
... judgment awaits the reprobate for rejecting the evidence ... this doctrine ought also
to be exhibited in our ... while charging them with mixed unbelief and blasphemy ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 24 election confirmed by.htm

Believing on Jesus, and Its Counterfeits
... Rejecting all rival confidences, the heart leans on Jesus ... In such a case religion
is not exhibited by way ... Unbelief calls itself "Honest doubt," and not without ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/believing on jesus and its.htm

Colossians iii. 17
... ultimate end rather than a mean, is exhibited in the ... Rationalism, and, in the end,
to utter unbelief; so that ... have followed the old heresy of rejecting the Old ...
/.../arnold/the christian life/lecture xxxix colossians iii 17.htm

Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties.
... he is speaking of the fear of unbelief, between which ... which they properly look, since
he is exhibited to their ... Still it is true, that by rejecting the promises ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 2 of faith the.htm

Of the Lord's Supper, and the Benefits Conferred by It.
... and blood of the Lord, as exhibited to believers ... pretext cannot justify them in thus
rejecting all the ... our careful investigation should be an evidence of the ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 of the lords.htm

According to which principle or hypothesis all the objections ...
... mercy of God is excellently well exhibited, in that ... to acknowledge God's just judgment
in rejecting and forsaking ... a just punishment of their unbelief, and even ...
/.../proposition vi according to which.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... of their own wretchedness of heart, of their unbelief; and did ... a hot iron and a hard
heart, and exhibited at Eye ... and yet God was so far off from rejecting of me ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... And there the Lord opened the senses of my unbelief, that I might remember my sin,
and that I ... A careful examination of all the evidence may be found in A. Hauck ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... First, Some of his own rejecting him, when he offered himself to them. ... that, been
here much sooner, but that, in my sleep, I lost my evidence, and came without ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm