Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and TerminologyIn the context of the Bible, "unbelievers" refers to individuals who do not accept or adhere to the Christian faith, specifically the gospel of Jesus Christ. The term is often used to describe those who reject the message of salvation and the authority of God as revealed in Scripture. The Greek word often translated as "unbeliever" is "ἄπιστος" (apistos), which means "faithless" or "without belief."
Biblical ReferencesThe Bible addresses the concept of unbelief and unbelievers in various contexts, emphasizing the spiritual and moral implications of rejecting God's truth.
1.
Spiritual Blindness and RejectionUnbelievers are often described as spiritually blind, unable to see the truth of the gospel. In
2 Corinthians 4:4, the Apostle Paul writes, "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."
2.
Moral and Ethical ImplicationsUnbelief is not merely an intellectual stance but is often associated with moral and ethical rebellion against God.
Romans 1:18-21 describes how unbelievers suppress the truth by their wickedness, leading to a darkened heart and futile thinking.
3.
Separation from BelieversThe Bible advises believers to be cautious in their relationships with unbelievers, particularly in matters of spiritual and moral significance. In
2 Corinthians 6:14, Paul instructs, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?"
4.
Evangelism and WitnessDespite the separation, believers are called to witness to unbelievers, sharing the gospel with the hope of leading them to faith in Christ. The Great Commission in
Matthew 28:19-20 commands believers to "go and make disciples of all nations," which includes reaching out to those who do not yet believe.
5.
Judgment and ConsequencesThe Bible warns of the eternal consequences of unbelief. In
John 3:18, Jesus states, "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."
Revelation 21:8 further describes the fate of unbelievers, listing them among those who will face the second death in the lake of fire.
Theological ImplicationsUnbelief is seen as a fundamental rejection of God's revelation and authority. It is not merely a lack of belief but an active stance against the truth of the gospel. The Bible presents unbelief as a serious spiritual condition with eternal ramifications, urging believers to pray for and evangelize to those who do not yet know Christ.
Practical Considerations for BelieversBelievers are encouraged to live lives that reflect the truth of the gospel, serving as a testimony to unbelievers.
1 Peter 3:15 advises, "But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that you have, but respond with gentleness and respect." This approach underscores the importance of both proclaiming and living out the gospel in a way that draws unbelievers to the truth of Christ.
Greek
569. apisteo -- to disbelieve, be faithless... 569/ ("refuse to be persuaded") is sin (Mk 16:11; Lk 24:11,41) and
unbelievers (Ac 28:24; Ro 3:3; 1 Pet 2:7). 569 () reveals a person is when they should be by
...571. apistos -- incredible, unbelieving
... prefix) and pistos Definition incredible, unbelieving NASB Word Usage incredible
(1), unbeliever (4),unbelievers (7), unbelieving (10), unbelieving one (1)....
466. antanapleroo -- to fill up in turn
... 466 () only occurs in Col 1:24 where it refers to believers "filling up" the of
Christ -- ie when Christians experience fromunbelievers who are really still...
Library
Whether it is Lawful to Communicate withUnbelievers?
... OF UNBELIEF IN GENERAL (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whether it is lawful to communicate with
unbelievers?... Therefore it is lawful to communicate withunbelievers....
WhetherUnbelievers Ought to be Compelled to the Faith?
... OF UNBELIEF IN GENERAL (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whetherunbelievers ought to be
compelled to the faith? Objection 1: It would seem that...
Whether the Rites ofUnbelievers Ought to be Tolerated?
... OF UNBELIEF IN GENERAL (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whether the rites ofunbelievers
ought to be tolerated? Objection 1: It would seem that...
Whether Children of Jews or OtherUnbelievers be Baptized against...
... OF THOSE WHO RECEIVE BAPTISM (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whether children of Jews or other
unbelievers be baptized against the will of their parents?...
Whether one Ought to Dispute withUnbelievers in Public?
... OF UNBELIEF IN GENERAL (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whether one ought to dispute withunbelievers
in public?... Therefore one ought not to dispute publicly withunbelievers....
Whether There Can be Marriage BetweenUnbelievers?
... OF DISPARITY OF WORSHIP AS AN IMPEDIMENT TO MARRIAGE (SIX ARTICLES) Whether
there can be marriage betweenunbelievers? Objection...
WhetherUnbelievers May have Authority or Dominion Over the...
... OF UNBELIEF IN GENERAL (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whetherunbelievers may have authority
or dominion over the faithful? Objection 1: It would...
Whether the Children of Jews and OtherUnbelievers Ought to be...
... OF UNBELIEF IN GENERAL (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whether the children of Jews and other
unbelievers ought to be baptized against their parents' will?...
Arguments ofUnbelievers against the Incarnation of Jesus.
... the divine institutes. Book IV. Of True Wisdom and Religion. Chap.
XXII."Arguments ofUnbelievers Against the Incarnation of Jesus....
Against the Calumnies with whichUnbelievers Throw Ridicule Upon...
... Book XXII. Chapter 12."Against the Calumnies with WhichUnbelievers Throw Ridicule
Upon the Christian Faith in the Resurrection of the Flesh....
Thesaurus
Unbelievers (9 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Unbelievers (9 Occurrences).
... 1 Corinthians 6:6 But
brother goes to law with brother, and that before
unbelievers!
...Believers (50 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 14:22 This shows that the gift of tongues is intended as a sign not
to those who believe but tounbelievers, but prophecy is intended not for...
Intended (38 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 14:22 This shows that the gift of tongues is intended as a sign not
to those who believe but tounbelievers, but prophecy is intended not for...
Shows (42 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 14:22 This shows that the gift of tongues is intended as a sign not
to those who believe but tounbelievers, but prophecy is intended not for...
Unbeliever (7 Occurrences)
Unbelieving (22 Occurrences)
Yoked (10 Occurrences)
... Yoked (10 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 6:14 Don't be unequally yoked with
unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity?...
Ungifted (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 14:23 Accordingly if the whole Church has assembled and all are speaking
in 'tongues,' and there come in ungifted men, orunbelievers, will they...
Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together withunbelievers: for
what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?...
Resources
Is it good to have close friendships with unbelievers? | GotQuestions.orgWhat sort of prayers should we pray for unbelievers? | GotQuestions.orgApologetics and Unbelievers ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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