Trusting God and believing in Him is the essence of righteousness. When the Bible says unbelief, it means that we are not satisfied with believing and fellowshipping with God. Unbelief is simply a discontentment with God’s presence, provision, and promises. Christians are encouraged by the Lord himself to be satisfied and content in Him. Belief or faith in His begotten Son is crucial to fully enjoy His wonders and promises.
Real Meaning of Unbelief
It is vital to note that there is a difference between doubt and unbelief. When we say doubt, we mean questioning what we believe. However, before we can understand what unbelief means, it is important to know that the Bible tells us that all human beings have sufficient knowledge of what is right and what is wrong, since it is already written on their hearts. Paul wrote in Romans 2:15 (NLT), “Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right.” By carefully studying the passage, we find the very definition of unbelief, which simply means a “determined refusal or denial to believe in God and follow His laws.”
Denial in the Existence of God
A determined resistance towards God has eternal consequences. This is why the Bible calls people who do not believe in God or the existence of God foolish. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God” (Psalm 14:1 (NIV)). Some people claim that they are wise, because they believe in Science rather than God. The cause of their unbelief is spiritual blindness. Every human being is aware of the truth that there is indeed a God. The problem is that these people suppress the truth: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth,” (Romans 1:18 (ESV)).
In order to become Christian, we need to believe that God has sent His Son, Jesus, into the world, that Jesus loves His children so much that He gave His life for them, and that Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven.
Faith and Unbelief
If unbelief is spiritual blindness, then belief is true seeing. When we have faith, we see a clear reality that transcends what our eyes can see. Keep in mind that faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. God can reveal such reality to Christians through the Bible. In order to overcome unbelief, it is important to have faith first. In order to develop faith, it is important to hear the Word or Gospel of Christ (Romans 10:17). The Word of God can remove the scales on our eyes that have left us spiritually blind. The Word of God is the lamp at our feet and the light to our path.
By overcoming unbelief and having faith in Christ, one can be blessed with inexpressible joy. There is priceless and never-ending joy in believing in Christ. Although we do not see Him now, the time will come when we will be able to rejoice and bask in the glory of His presence. If you are someone who is suffering from unbelief, then it is right that you pray to God and cry out, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24).
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