Topical Bible: Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Shall be Destroyed

◄ Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Shall be Destroyed ►

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Unbelief, in the biblical context, refers to the rejection or lack of faith in God, His promises, and His revealed truth. It is a condition of the heart that stands in opposition to faith, which is foundational to a relationship with God. The Bible consistently warns of the severe consequences of unbelief, emphasizing that those who persist in it will face destruction.

Biblical Warnings Against Unbelief

The Scriptures provide numerous examples and warnings concerning the peril of unbelief. In the Old Testament, the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land serves as a poignant illustration. Despite witnessing God's miraculous works, many Israelites doubted His promises and were consequently barred from entering the Promised Land. As recorded in Hebrews 3:19 , "So we see that it was because of their unbelief that they were unable to enter."

The New Testament continues this theme, highlighting the spiritual and eternal consequences of unbelief. Jesus Himself warned of the judgment awaiting those who reject Him. In John 3:18 , it is stated, "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."

Consequences of Unbelief

The Bible is clear that unbelief leads to spiritual death and eternal separation from God. In Revelation 21:8 , the fate of the unbelieving is starkly described: "But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death."

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of unbelief in his epistles, warning that it results in being cut off from God's promises. In Romans 11:20-21 , Paul writes, "They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will certainly not spare you either."

Call to Faith

Despite the dire warnings, the Bible also extends a call to faith and repentance. God desires that none should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). The remedy for unbelief is faith in Jesus Christ, who offers salvation and eternal life to all who believe. As stated in John 3:16 , "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Examples of Unbelief and Its Consequences

Throughout Scripture, there are numerous examples of individuals and groups who suffered due to their unbelief. The generation of Noah's time, who scoffed at the warning of impending judgment, perished in the flood (Genesis 7:21-23). The inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah, who lived in wickedness and disbelief, were destroyed by fire from heaven (Genesis 19:24-25).

In the New Testament, the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum were rebuked by Jesus for their unbelief despite witnessing His miracles. In Matthew 11:21-24 , Jesus pronounces woe upon them, indicating that their fate would be worse than that of Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative consistently underscores the gravity of unbelief and its ultimate consequence—destruction. The call to faith is urgent, as the opportunity for repentance and belief is available to all who will receive it. The Scriptures implore individuals to turn from unbelief and embrace the truth of the Gospel, securing their place in the eternal kingdom of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jude 1:5
I will therefore put you in remembrance, though you once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

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

The Unbeliever's Unhappy Condition
... Come, thou guilty one, just as thou art, and rest ... moment say, "Lord, I believe, help
thou mine unbelief." You may ... may make the angels sing because they go down ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the unbelievers unhappy condition.htm

The Census of Israel
... They could not enter in because of unbelief"; but "their ... whether they be evil, the
strict Judge will by no means clear the guilty, but they shall be driven ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the census of israel.htm

Adam's Sin
... Cicero says of parricide, He who is guilty of it ... They believed not that they should
die; they could not ... Thus, by unbelief they made God a liar; nay, which was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 adams sin.htm

A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox.
... If you do so, the prophet would say your unbelief is inexcusable; because you ... the
tyrants of this age deeply to consider; for they shall be guilty, not only ...
/.../knox/the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /a sermon on isaiah xxvi.htm

Against those who Fancy that in the Judgment of God all the ...
... God's angels), and will intercede for the guilty, both men ... image of His Son, in order
that they might be confounded by the bitterness of unbelief, and might ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 24 against those who fancy.htm

In his Temple
... They knew that they had been guilty of extortion in ... to the Jews the result of their
prejudice and unbelief. ... Like the offering of Cain, they did not express ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 16 in his temple.htm

On Feast Days and Fast Days.
... to Him that He was innocent, yet as guilty delivering Him ... He is risen: to the former,
by their unbelief; to the ... but, as the truth shows, they unwillingly make ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii on feast days and.htm

The Scripture Way of Salvation
... of mercy (now properly so called, since they spring from ... taint of pride or self-will,
of unbelief or idolatry ... that for those also we should be guilty before God ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 43 the scripture way.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