Beware of Unbelief.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1
There is nothing great in depending on situations and things which are available before one’s reach. Faith is believing on the unavailable and the invisible. Abraham started his journey when the Lord told him about a land which He was going to show him. He believed God and that was considered righteous on his part. He lived by faith and got his son Isaac back from the altar of sacrifice, .at Mount Moriah. He believed God who said that Abraham’s children would be numberless as the stars of the sky. He trusted God to the extend of obeying Him whatever was told. Chapter 11 of Hebrews give a list of faith heroes of the Bible.
The third chapter of Hebrews clearly warns : “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin
Hebrews 3:12-13
Unbelief comes from an evil heart and it is a sin to lose faith in God who is the author and finisher of faith.
The first sin in Eden was disbelief. God set them to remain in Eden to have dominion by obeying his commandment of not eating the forbidden fruit. They doubted the goodness of God because of the evil heart of disbelief. The woman looked at the fruit and considered it good to become wise like God.
And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
Genesis 2:16-17
But Adam and Eve didn’t trust God
Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
Genesis 3:4-5
Man did not believe what the Lord God said. They became suspicious of the intentions of God. The enemy told them that God didn’t want them to be wise like Him. They started thinking of becoming like Him by eating the forbidden fruit. This made them audacious to try the fruit and they dared to disobey God. Disbelief made them disobedient. That’s the reason disbelief is mentioned as wicked. One who comes to God should believe that God is there and He listens to prayers.
It’s not desirable to believe everybody and follow whatever one says. But we have to trust God and listen to His Word. Faith comes by hearing, hearing the Word of God. We have to believe the truth .And what’s the truth? Word of God is truth.
Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end,
Hebrews 3:12-14
And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
John 8:32
Sanctify Jesus prays to the Father, Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
John 17:17
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
John 14:6
Jesus talks about the Word of God which alone is true
Faith in God is the prerequisite for getting saved. . For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”
Romans 10:10-11 It’s by faith alone we are saved and this faith comes by grace.
Moses brought law, but grace upon grace came through Jesus. Let’s hold on to the name of Jesus which is the name above all names in the world. Unflinching faith in the cross and resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our eternal life. It’s not by action and deeds of law that we call Him Abba Father. We become heirs of the Kingdom of God by faith. We cannot please God by our deeds.. All our actions are like filthy rags as our intentions are sinful. We can please God by faith in Him alone and our actions follow faith and a transformed mind.
Prayer:
O Lord God help us in our unbelief. We are unable to keep our faith going by ourselves. Pour out your grace and Spirit on us that we surrender to you without reservation. Thank you Lord for all your loving kindness and compassion. Thank you. In the Name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Sol. Salomi Kurian