Bible Discussion Thread

What constitutes doubt?

Is it doubt to question the Lord about things?

I know Thomas doubted. He had to touch the scars in the hands of Jesus before he would believe.

Donna,

I think that doubt is just part of the fallen human condition.

Jesus did not reject Thomas for doubting the report of His resurrection from his fellow disciples. Jesus showed up at a time He knew Thomas was present. Jesus will "show up" for us. Too. When we doubt.

I had a time if tom 2002-2005 where I was discouraged, wounded, and questioned my faith and doubted big time. But what brought me out of it was this word from the Spirit to me when I was at my lowest: Lord. To whom else shall we go? For You have the words of eternal life.

John 6:6

Just know that I have been a believer all my life and even after following Jesus for 40+ years, I went through this valley, and Jesus showed up in through these words the Spirit brought to my mind. This experience made me stronger and even more determned to follow Jesus because I realized. Really, there is no other option but Jesus for the life that is really worth living as we live it in the Resurrection power of Jesus

So be encourage in doubts, cry out to Gid and He will "show up" so You might believe amidst the doubts, tears, and, discouragement.

I was taught, "anything that is not of Faith is Sin. When I was told that it straightened me right up.

Hi Donna. I think that 'doubt' is a very natural, logical mental attitude, as if we accept everything a person says or given from the media, we would become very vulnerable & looked upon as gullible. By definition, 'doubt' is to show uncertainty about something, or to even express distrust or suspicion. It is a human trait that can be both used correctly (as in wanting more information to verify facts), or incorrectly (holding onto an understanding/belief when the one giving the information is actually trustworthy). A little child will always be vulnerable as he/she will readily accept the words of another. Some adults are also notoriously gullible, easily swayed by a person's convincing argument & presentation. But the wise person, will take to heart what is given & pursue research or other checks to ascertain the truth.

You mentioned Thomas. Normally, one could say that he was a wise & careful man wanting more proof of the Lord's resurrection. But his doubt was unjustified because he already received the Lord's Words about the resurrection ( Matthew 16:21; John 2:18-22; John 10:17,18) & the men who brought him this news were his trustworthy friends & partners. So we see here, that Thomas was the type that wouldn't settle on anyone's words, even the Lord's, only accepting what he could physically see or touch. So Jesus' Words to him, "be not faithless, but believing". For Thomas' faith to be real, he had to believe what was told to him by worthy competent people. Just as we express faith in God's Word for its Truth & its Authorship, unlike those who reject God, who also doubt His Word.

So, you can talk to God about things that you don't understand - for His Spirit to make it clear to you. This is not doubt - just honest inquiries to learn more. But it would be doubt if God's Word makes it plain to you & you want more proof or try to find anything to change that Word. Gideon laid out his 'fleece' before the Lord ( Judges 6:36-40) showing doubt in God's clear Word.