Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8700 Threats to the life of faith » 8834 unbelief » 8836 unbelief, as response to God
The stubborn and sinful refusal to accept God's word and his messengers. Since the coming of Jesus Christ it is frequently expressed in the rejection of his person and teaching.
Unbelief expressed towards God
Psalm 78:22
Rebellion against God
2 Kings 17:14-15 See also Nehemiah 9:16; Psalm 78:17-19; Psalm 95:8-11; Isaiah 65:2; Jeremiah 7:26; Acts 7:51; Hebrews 3:12-19
Rejection of God's promises
Psalm 106:24 See also Romans 4:20; Romans 10:16; Hebrews 4:2
Unbelief expressed towards Jesus Christ
Rejection by those close to him
John 1:11 See also Matthew 13:54-58 pp Mark 6:1-6; Luke 4:14-30; John 7:5
Rejection of his miracles
Matthew 12:22-24 pp Mark 3:22 pp Luke 11:14-16
Rejection of his claims
See also Luke 22:67; John 5:37-38; John 6:36,64; John 10:24-26; 1 Peter 2:7
Rejection of his words
John 3:11-12 See also John 5:46-47; John 8:45
Demands for miraculous signs
John 4:48 See also Matthew 12:38-39 pp Luke 11:29; Matthew 16:4 pp Mark 8:12; Luke 11:16
Unbelief expressed towards God's messengers
Genesis 19:16 Lot; Exodus 4:1 Moses; 2 Kings 7:2 Elisha; 2 Chronicles 32:15 Sennacherib of Assyria urges the inhabitants of Jerusalem to disbelieve Hezekiah's words; Isaiah 53:1 Isaiah; Matthew 21:32 John the Baptist
Paul and Barnabas:
Acts 13:50; Acts 14:2 Acts 17:13 Paul and Silas
Paul:
Acts 19:9; Acts 28:24
Unbelief expressed in unrighteousness
Titus 1:15 See also Romans 1:18; 2 Thessalonians 2:12; Thessalonians 3:2; 1 Timothy 1:13
Unbelief despite miraculous signs
Nehemiah 9:16-17 See also Exodus 4:8-9; Psalm 78:32; John 9:18; John 10:31-33; John 12:37
Means of overcoming unbelief
John 10:37-38 the evidence of Jesus Christ's miracles; Romans 10:14-15 preaching the gospel; 1 Corinthians 14:22-24 prophecy in worship; 1 Peter 3:1 the behaviour of a believing spouse; 1 Timothy 1:13 God's mercy
See also
1418 miracles, responses 1690 word of God 2018 Christ, divinity 2363 Christ, preaching & teaching 2369 Christ, responses to 2545 Christ, opposition to 5265 complaints 5467 promises, divine 6178 hardness of heart 6222 rebellion against God 6231 rejection of God 7773 prophets, role
