Dictionary of Bible Themes: 8836 unbelief, as response to God

8836 unbelief, as response to God

Dictionary of Bible Themes

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

Rejection of his miracles

Matthew 12:22-24 pp Mark 3:22 pp Luke 11:14-16

Rejection of his claims

Rejection of his words

John 3:11-12 See also John 5:46-47; John 8:45

Demands for miraculous signs

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

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