Topical Bible: Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of are Condemned Already

◄ Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of are Condemned Already ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Unbelief, in the context of Christian theology, refers to the rejection or lack of faith in the truths of the Gospel and the person of Jesus Christ. It is considered a grave spiritual condition, as it directly opposes the core tenets of Christianity, which emphasize faith as the means of salvation. The Bible addresses the consequences of unbelief, emphasizing that those who do not believe are already under condemnation.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of unbelief leading to condemnation is rooted in several passages of Scripture. One of the most direct references is found in the Gospel of John. John 3:18 states, "Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son." This verse underscores the immediate spiritual state of those who reject Christ; their unbelief places them in a position of condemnation, not because of future judgment, but as a present reality.

Nature of Unbelief

Unbelief is not merely an intellectual dissent but a moral and spiritual stance against God. It is a refusal to accept the testimony of God concerning His Son, Jesus Christ. Hebrews 3:12 warns, "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God." Here, unbelief is described as a condition of the heart, indicating a deeper spiritual rebellion and estrangement from God.

Consequences of Unbelief

The consequences of unbelief are severe and eternal. According to the Scriptures, unbelief results in spiritual death and eternal separation from God. In John 3:36 , it is written, "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. Whoever rejects the Son will not see life. Instead, the wrath of God remains on him." This passage highlights the stark contrast between belief and unbelief, with the latter leading to the continued presence of God's wrath.

Examples of Unbelief

The Bible provides numerous examples of unbelief and its consequences. The Israelites in the wilderness serve as a poignant illustration. Despite witnessing God's miraculous works, many Israelites failed to enter the Promised Land due to their unbelief. Hebrews 3:19 states, "So we see that it was because of their unbelief that they were unable to enter." This historical account serves as a warning to all believers about the dangers of a hardened heart.

Call to Faith

While the Bible clearly outlines the condemnation associated with unbelief, it also extends a call to faith and repentance. The Gospel message is one of hope and redemption, offering salvation to all who believe. Romans 10:9 declares, "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." This promise of salvation is available to all who turn from unbelief and place their trust in Christ.

In summary, unbelief is a serious spiritual condition that results in immediate and eternal condemnation. The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of unbelief while offering the hope of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 3:18
He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Unbeliever's Unhappy Condition
... The coolness with which they pleaded "not guilty" has been ... In certain cases, the
root of this unbelief lies in another direction. It is fed by pride. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the unbelievers unhappy condition.htm

The Sin of Unbelief
... Unbelief has been guilty of infanticide; it has murdered many ... do you not know that
unbelief kept Moses and ... They honored not God; they struck the rock when they ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the sin of unbelief.htm

Its Objects
... the days of their unregeneracy and unbelief; and that ... by their own transgressions
brought in guilty before His ... They are those who by character and conduct have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/7 its objects.htm

The Census of Israel
... Judge will by no means clear the guilty, but they ... dying in the desert, shut out of
Canaan by unbelief. "They could not enter in because of unbelief." Nothing ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the census of israel.htm

God Justified, Though Man Believes Not
... Could it be that their unbelief would turn God from ... seed of Israel, highly privileged
as they were, are ... true condition of the whole world, "guilty before God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/god justified though man believes.htm

God's Testimony Concerning Man
... Spirit brings home to a man is unbelief; "when he ... will reprove the world of sin,
because they believe not ... unfortunate that he testifies; but as guilty of death ...
/.../bonar/gods way of peace/chapter i gods testimony concerning.htm

What God is to Us.
... worlds besides, I could pardon them all, if they would flee ... Unbelief keeps thee
unwilling, and so excludes thee ... who will by no means clear the guilty." As many ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture ix what god is.htm

Entire Sanctification Obtainable.
... great and crying sin of our fallen humanity is unbelief. ... This is their pedigree and
they rejoice to declare ... governor or ruler may pardon a guilty criminal, and ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter ii entire sanctification obtainable.htm

Accusers Challenged
... whom He will have mercy (Romans 9:18) ; and whom He will, He may justly leave to
be hardened, in their impenitence and unbelief. ... They plead guilty to the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xlvi accusers challenged.htm

The Friend of Sinners
... to plead; the fact is I am guilty, and thoroughly guilty too, and I ... do not, this
shall condemn you; not your sin, but your unbelief; for they that believe ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/the friend of sinners.htm