Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Nature:Doubt, in a biblical context, refers to a state of uncertainty or lack of conviction regarding spiritual truths, God's promises, or one's faith. It is a common human experience that can affect believers and non-believers alike. Doubt can manifest as questioning God's existence, His goodness, or His plans for one's life.
Biblical Instances and Teachings:The Bible addresses doubt in various contexts, often highlighting both its challenges and the potential for growth through overcoming it. One of the most notable instances of doubt is found in the account of Thomas, one of Jesus' disciples. After Jesus' resurrection, Thomas expressed skepticism about the reports of Jesus being alive, saying, "Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe" (
John 20:25). Jesus later appeared to Thomas, inviting him to touch His wounds, leading Thomas to proclaim, "My Lord and my God!" (
John 20:28). This account illustrates that doubt can lead to a deeper understanding and affirmation of faith when addressed openly.
Another example is found in the account of Peter walking on water. When Peter saw Jesus walking on the sea, he asked to join Him. Initially, Peter walked on the water, but when he noticed the wind, he became afraid and began to sink. Jesus immediately reached out to save him, saying, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" (
Matthew 14:31). This incident highlights how doubt can arise from focusing on circumstances rather than on Christ.
Responses to Doubt:The Bible encourages believers to confront doubt with faith and trust in God.
James 1:6-8 advises, "But let him ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." This passage underscores the importance of steadfast faith when seeking wisdom or guidance from God.
In
Mark 9:24 , a father seeking healing for his son cries out to Jesus, "I do believe; help my unbelief!" This honest admission of doubt, coupled with a desire for faith, demonstrates that God is willing to meet individuals where they are, providing strength and assurance.
Encouragement and Assurance:Scripture offers numerous assurances to those struggling with doubt.
Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages believers to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage emphasizes reliance on God's wisdom rather than human reasoning.
Furthermore,
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This definition serves as a reminder that faith often requires trust beyond visible evidence, anchoring believers in the promises of God.
Practical Steps for Overcoming Doubt:1.
Prayer and Reflection: Engage in prayer, asking God for clarity and strength to overcome doubt. Reflect on past experiences of God's faithfulness.
2.
Study Scripture: Regularly read and meditate on the Bible to reinforce understanding and trust in God's character and promises.
3.
Seek Fellowship: Surround yourself with a community of believers who can provide support, encouragement, and accountability.
4.
Remember God's Faithfulness: Recall instances in your life or in the lives of others where God has demonstrated His faithfulness and provision.
Doubt, while a natural part of the human experience, can be an opportunity for spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God. Through prayer, study, and community, believers can navigate doubts and strengthen their faith.
Greek
1252. diakrino -- to distinguish, to judge... Origin from dia and krino Definition to distinguish, to judge NASB Word Usage decide
(1), discern (1), disputed (1), doubt (2), doubting (2),
doubts (2), judge
...1261. dialogismos -- a reasoning
... Word Origin from dialogizomai Definition a reasoning NASB Word Usage argument (1),
disputing (1), dissension (1),doubts (1), motives (1), opinions (1...
574. haplos -- simply, sincerely
... 6 But he must [continuously, in process] ask in (4102 ) without any doubting, for
the one whodoubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind...
Library
Doubts to be Satisfied.
... Epistle of Peter to James. Chapter XI."Doubts to Be Satisfied. "Wherefore,
being disciples of the true Prophet, laying aside double...
Psalm 3:1. CMDoubts and Fears Supprest; Or, God Our Defence from...
... THE Psalms of David, In Metre. Psalm 3:1. CMDoubts and fears supprest; or, God
our defence from sin and Satan. 1 My God, how many are my fears!...
WhetherDoubts Should be Interpreted for the Best?
... OF JUDGMENT (SIX ARTICLES) Whetherdoubts should be interpreted for the best? Objection
1: It would seem thatdoubts should not be interpreted for the best....
Psalm 3Doubts and Fears Suppressed.
... THE PSALMS OF DAVID PSALM 3Doubts and fears suppressed. CMDoubts and fears suppressed.
My God, how many are my fears! How fast my foes increase!...
Doubts of John the Baptist in his Imprisonment. --His Message to...
... Section 135.Doubts of John the Baptist in his Imprisonment.... The delay of this event
might very naturally causedoubts to spring up in his mind....
Doubts Scattered; Or, Spiritual Joy Restored.
... first and third lines of the stanza. Hymn 2:73.Doubts scattered; or,
Spiritual joy restored. 1 Hence from my soul, sad thoughts...
John'sDoubts and Christ's Praise
... VOLUME I: ST. LUKE Chaps. I to XII JOHN'SDOUBTS AND CHRIST'S PRAISE.... We shall not
come to much harm if we carry ourdoubts as to Him to be cleared by Himself....
John'sDoubts of Jesus, and Jesus' Praise of John
... JOHN'SDOUBTS OF JESUS, AND JESUS' PRAISE OF JOHN. 'Now when John had heard
in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his...
Clement's Early History;Doubts.
... Book I. Chapter I."Clement's Early History;Doubts. I Clement, who was
born in the city of Rome, [534] was from my earliest age...
Doubts Scattered; Or, Spiritual Joy Restored.
... Hymns, Book II HYMN 73Doubts scattered; or, Spiritual joy restored. CM
Doubts scattered; or, Spiritual joy restored. Hence from...
Thesaurus
Doubts (15 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Doubts (15 Occurrences). Matthew 11:6 And a blessing
will be on him who has no
doubts about me. (BBE). Matthew
...Doubt (49 Occurrences)
... Why dodoubts arise in your hearts?... Romans 14:23 But he whodoubts is condemned if
he eats, because it isn't of faith; and whatever is not of faith is sin....
Justification (6 Occurrences)
... Just how far he was shaken withdoubts of this kind we cannot say with certainty;
but it seems impossible to conceive the Damascus conversion scene in the case...
Quickly (254 Occurrences)
... Matthew 13:21 But having no root in himself, he goes on for a time; and when trouble
comes or pain, because of the word, he quickly becomes full ofdoubts....
Knots (2 Occurrences)
... forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting
of dreams, and showing of dark sentences, and dissolving ofdoubts, were found...
Doubting (13 Occurrences)
... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Doubt. 2. (a.) That is uncertain; that distrusts or hesitates;
havingdoubts. Multi-Version Concordance Doubting (13 Occurrences)....
Solve (3 Occurrences)
... 5:12 because an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting
of dreams, and showing of dark sentences, and dissolving ofdoubts, were found...
Surge (6 Occurrences)
... James 1:6 But let him ask in faith and have nodoubts; for he who hasdoubts is
like the surge of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed into spray. (WEY ASV)....
Surf (1 Occurrence)
... James 1:6 But let him ask in faith and have nodoubts; for he who hasdoubts is
like the surge of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed into spray. (See NAS)....
Spray (1 Occurrence)
... James 1:6 But let him ask in faith and have nodoubts; for he who hasdoubts is
like the surge of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed into spray. (WEY)....
Resources
If you doubt your salvation, does that mean you are not truly saved? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I stop questioning my salvation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about doubt? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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