Unbelief

<<scepticism>>

Unbelief is referred to the greatest sin as it is the only sin God can’t forgive – the refusing to turn to Him for forgiveness and thus can be termed the unforgiveable sin. The Bible says the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin because people do not believe in Jesus (Jn 16:8,9). Faith gives glory to God, while unbelief casts scorn and reproach on Him. The offer of salvation is extended to everyone, yet those who do not believe in Christ are condemned because of unbelief (Jn 3:16-18). Unbelief kept the Israelites out of the Promised Land and it will keep people out of heaven. “Those who have Jesus have life, those who do not have the Son of God do not have life” (1 Jn 5:12).

Even as believers by resisting and not co-operating with the Holy Spirit we can miss out on so much of what Christ died to provide for us (even in this life) if we fail to know and apply through an active working belief by claiming and putting into practice what is in the Word. The challenge to us is to examine ourselves to ensure we “don’t have a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God” (Heb 3:8).

Belief is a positive, liberating and uplifting attitude of anticipation while unbelief is a negative, limiting fearful assumption.

Paul spoke the words that we all can echo, "Even though I was once a [you know your past], I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief" (1 Tim 1:13).

This attitude of scepticism manifests as:

1/. Unbelief expressed as rebellion

A stubborn, determined mindset, as displayed by the rebellious Israelites who refused to obey, and the Pharisees who wouldn’t acknowledge Jesus in spite of lots of evidence and proof (Deut 9:23; Mt 23:13). "They were not able to enter, because of their unbelief" (Heb 3:19). This unyielding mental attitude is not just ignorance, rather it is wilful refusing to

Deal with your doubts so they don’t turn into defiance

yield the will to God and affects those whose spiritual eyes Satan has blinded (Lk 16:31; 2 Cor 4:4). “You were not willing” sums up the attitude of many whose unbelief keeps them away from Christ, their only means of salvation (Lk 13:34; Jn 14:6; Act 4:12). In the last days there will be scoffers, questioning the promises of God (2 Pet 3:3,4). We need to pray that their minds will be enlightened (Eph 1:18).

Unbelief is marked by disobedience and rebellion. The Bible declares it is impossible for those who were saved and have deliberately turned back into unbelief to be brought to repentance again (Heb 6:4-6). The Spirit will convict humanity for not believing in Christ as this will keep them out of heaven (Jn 16:8,9; 1 Jn 5:10; Rev 21:8).

2/. Unbelief expressed as doubt

Thomas made an honest confession of where he was at, yet believed when shown proof (Jn 20:25-29). It was a case of “I believe, help my unbelief” – a genuine, heart cry stating ‘I need help in this area’ (Mk 9:24). This was a statement of faith yet also an admission that his faith was far from perfect. We shouldn’t be gullible by believing everything we are told, rather in wisdom check out the facts, verifying the evidence if possible. Our prayers should be based on Scripture, and spoken in faith, believing for the requests we ask that are in agreement with the character of God (Mt 21:22; Act 12:12-16). In fact we should feed our minds with the Word of God as it will inspire faith in the power of God and smoother the negative doubts by which Satan would rob us of what is legally ours through our position in Christ.

The children of Israel did not receive God’s best because they lacked faith and disobeyed. This unbelief will turn us from God too, and so prevents us receiving from Him (Heb 3:12,19). Many in the crowds that followed Jesus liked what they saw, yet didn’t fully believe because belief is more than just mental assent – to be valid it must be accompanied with appropriate action. Through prejudice their minds

Unbelief will stop you receiving God’s best

were closed, their faith couldn’t grow and God's power was hindered from being manifest (Mt 13:58; Jn 12:37).