Topical Bible: Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Persevere in It

◄ Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Persevere in It ►

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Unbelief, in the biblical context, refers to the refusal or failure to accept and trust in the truths revealed by God. It is a condition of the heart and mind that stands in opposition to faith. The Scriptures provide numerous accounts and teachings regarding those who persist in unbelief, highlighting the spiritual peril and consequences associated with this state.

Biblical Examples of Persistent Unbelief

1. Pharaoh of Egypt: One of the most prominent examples of persistent unbelief is Pharaoh during the time of Moses. Despite witnessing numerous signs and wonders performed by God through Moses, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened. Exodus 7:13 states, "Still, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said." Pharaoh's continued resistance against God's commands ultimately led to the devastation of Egypt.

2. The Israelites in the Wilderness: The Israelites, after being delivered from Egypt, frequently exhibited unbelief despite God's continuous provision and miracles. Hebrews 3:19 reflects on this, saying, "So we see that it was because of their unbelief that they were unable to enter." Their persistent unbelief resulted in a generation being denied entry into the Promised Land.

3. The People of Nazareth: Jesus Himself encountered unbelief in His hometown of Nazareth. Mark 6:6 notes, "And He was amazed at their unbelief." Despite His teachings and miracles, the people’s familiarity with Jesus led them to reject Him, demonstrating how unbelief can blind individuals to divine truth.

Consequences of Persistent Unbelief

1. Spiritual Blindness: Persistent unbelief results in spiritual blindness, preventing individuals from recognizing and accepting the truth of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4 states, "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."

2. Separation from God: Unbelief creates a barrier between individuals and God, leading to spiritual separation. John 3:18 warns, "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."

3. Hardened Hearts: Persistent unbelief can lead to a hardening of the heart, making repentance and acceptance of the truth increasingly difficult. Hebrews 3:12-13 cautions, "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God. But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness."

Exhortations Against Unbelief

The Bible consistently exhorts believers to guard against unbelief and to encourage one another in faith. Hebrews 10:22-23 urges, "Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful."

The Role of Faith

Faith is presented as the antidote to unbelief. Hebrews 11:6 declares, "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." Faith involves trust and reliance on God, accepting His promises and truths as revealed in Scripture.

Persistent unbelief is a serious spiritual condition that the Bible addresses with urgency and gravity. Through the examples and teachings found in Scripture, believers are called to examine their hearts, encourage one another, and remain steadfast in faith, avoiding the pitfalls of unbelief.

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

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

Whether the Punishment of Christians is Brought to an End by the ...
... the end in the Catholic faith, however guilty they may have ... eternal punishment, unless
in the end they prove to ... not only is the error of unbelief opposed, but ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the punishment of christians.htm

The Hedge of Thorns and the Plain Way
... He is guilty of sins of omission, for he ... difficulty really lying in their
unbelief"they are unwilling ... the course of conduct which they nevertheless persevere ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the hedge of thorns and.htm

Faith's Dawn and Its Clouds
... and feet fastened to the ignominious wood for the guilty? ... sons of the family, and
admiring what they see of ... holy modesty may be turned into unbelief, though it ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/faiths dawn and its clouds.htm

Limiting God
... of an unconvicted sinner is that of unbelief, and with ... They feel that they are guilty;
they know that Christ ... its power to bring peace but they persevere in the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/limiting god.htm

The Judgment Upon Zacharias
... Yet how many of us have been guilty of this folly? ... like this, for many days, on account
of their unbelief. ... are unable to hear the gospel as once they did many ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/the judgment upon zacharias.htm

Refutation of the Calumnies by which this Doctrine is Always ...
... That if all are guilty all shall receive the same ... Paul says, "God has concluded them
all in unbelief, that he ... with theirs and they will find that they are ice ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 23 refutation of the.htm

Reprobation Asserted: Or, the Doctrine of Eternal Election and ...
... of his anger at man's disobedience; than to prove that he is guilty of the ... their
own true natural force and drift: for they beget no unbelief, they provoke to ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/reprobation asserted or the doctrine.htm

How Christ is to be Made Use Of, as the Way, for Sanctification in ...
... they may be more holy and less guilty; and for ... Therefore souls must guard against
unbelief, despondency, unsuitable and ... or means, or way which they might think ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter v how christ is.htm

The End of Christ's Coming
... sons of God shouted for joy," when they heard him ... work in Eve by tainting her with
unbelief, so the ... the works of the devil; restoring the guilty outcast from ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 62 the end of.htm