by Jerry Senn
Doubt is natural within faith. It comes because of our human weakness and frailty… Unbelief is the decision to live your life as if there is no God. It is a deliberate decision to reject Jesus Christ and all that stands for.
“But doubt is something quite different. Doubt arises within the context of faith. It is a wistful longing to be sure of things in which we trust. But it is not and need not be a problem.”
Alister McGrath
People who…read their Bibles, earnestly pray, faithfully attend church, and live uprightly in all their dealings with others, may yet have no assurance of forgiveness and be living defeated lives.
Is the assurance of salvation possible? What does the Bible say? In 2 Corinthians 13:5, Paul writes, “Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith.” In 2 Peter 1:10 we are told, “Give diligence to make your calling and election sure.” (Geoge Sweeting).
Examining ourselves and giving diligence to affirm our faith based on the Word of God, is a sure way to break through the clouds of doubt. But, this awakening of confidence is possible only as we “hunger and thirst for righteousness.” Jesus assures us that with this in mind, “we will be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6)
“Doubt is the hammer that breaks the window clouded with human fancies and lets in the pure light.”
George MacDonald