Doubt might be defined as uncertainty regarding God or our relation to Him. Questions arise in many forms, including factual or philosophical issues, assurances, suffering or unanswered prayers. Doubt may be divided into three general areas. Factual doubt usually rises issues regarding the truth of Christianity. Emotional doubt chiefly concerns our moods and feelings, often posing questions pertaining to assurance of salvation. Volitional doubt is a category that ranges from weak faith to a lack of motivation to follow the Lord.
Few subjects are characterized by more misunderstandings then this one. Contrary to public opinion, doubt is not always sin. Neither is it necessarily the opposite of faith nor the product of weak faith. It is experienced by many believers in scripture such as Abraham, Job, David, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, and almost all believers, as well as unbelievers, experience doubt at times. As strange as it seems, doubt can produce positive results and many doubt our very much-loved Lord.
The answer to factual doubt is the facts. In other words, questions concerning God, Jesus, the Bible, and the resurrection are answered by the data. No other religion can claim the kind of foundation upon which Christianity is based. A frequent mistake made by factual doubters is to confess disputed areas among Christians like sovereignty versus free will, the age of the earth, the signs of gifts, or eternal security with the core truths; that the deity of Jesus Christ, his death, and resurrection. A remedy for this kind of doubt; is to start with the basics. If you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved Romans 10-9. When we believe these basic facts, our understanding and appropriation of other doctrines will follow.
Emotional doubt is the most common, as well as the most painful variety. Frequently these doubters repeatedly wonder whether they are saved, while they’re exhibiting signs of their obvious love for the Lord. They often tell themselves what they most desire is just beyond their grasp-hence their pain. Here the chief issue is not what is being said but the distraught moods in the background. The remedy is to treat the the latter.
Many passages in scripture command us to answer our unruly emotions. The book of Psalms 38:8; 39: 2; 42:5-6: 55:4-8,16-17, 22; 56:3-4; 94:19. Often we must move from our perspective of God and replace our uncertain feelings with trust in Him. For instance, in Phlllpplans 4:6-9, Paul tells us to replace our anxieties with prayer and thanksgiving. The apostle promised peace for those who do verses 6-7. Then he commands us to explicitly change our worrisome thoughts to God in verse 8 and to model ourselves after his pattern and promises the result of peace in verse 9.
The key is to change how we think and behave. Simply diverting attention from our worries can provide temporary relief. The best response every single time a doubt arises, is to weed out and correct the improper thought by concentrating on God’s truth rather than our shaky beliefs.
Volitional doubters come in a wide range of uncertainty. The more extreme versions are often characterized by formerly committed believers who now seem not to care anymore. Perhaps they even appear to live no differently than unbelievers. This is probably the most dangerous species of doubt since the individual may be in danger of turning from the Lord. But how do we motivate someone who does not wish to be energized ? Friends, loved ones must get motivated.
Any Biblical means of stirring the dying embers may be helpful here. In scripture, probably the most frequently prescribed methods are; being convicted of sin Hebrews 3:12-13 or being challenged by the truth of heaven. Everyone experiences the law of living forever Ecclesiastics 3:1. Believers more specifically seek heaven Hebrews 11:16,35 and 13:14. Dozens of times we are challenged to pursue our eternal home applying its truth deeply in our lives Matt. 6:33. After all, what we do for the Lord after salvation helps determine and shape our capacity for enjoying eternity Matthew 6:19 -21 and Mark 9:41 is perhaps the key to assist the volitional doubter in changing his spiritual batteries. What could be worse than failing the God of the universe and falling short of his Kingdom? Conversely, what could be better than living with him and believing friends and loved ones for the truly blessed eternity? We need to drive these truths home to those who waver, by the power of the Holy Spirit James 5:19-20; Jd. 20- 23. Doubt can be sometimes be positive incentive to change and grow but other times intervention is necessary. Members of the body of Christ need to be alert and sensitive, helping each other focus on the Lord and his Kingdom.
