Is Doubt a Sin?

When we have doubts about God in our spiritual life, it feels like a sin. But is doubt a sin? Or is doubt a passing moment of the heart and mind?

In the Genesis account of creation, the very first people in human history faced doubt and uncertainty. After God placed Adam and Eve in the garden to tend the plants and animals, the serpent appeared to Eve and asked a question, “Did God really say…?” (Gen 3:1). The serpent’s question caused Eve to decide on an answer. The question wasn’t a sin but Eve’s decision in answering the question led to catastrophe.

Doubt is a Question

Everyone has moments of doubt. We see in the New Testament an example of doubt by one of the apostles. Thomas heard the news (John 25) that Christ had risen from the grave and refused to believe in resurrection until he could see Jesus alive for himself. I don’t think any of us can criticize Thomas for his doubt in that moment.

A question appeared in Thomas’ mind the same as questions appear in our own minds. Is this real? Do I really believe that what Jesus promised is true? Is Jesus Christ truly alive right now? Did God really tell me I should do this or that? Is God honored by my chosen expression of religion and faith?

There’s no shame in asking the question. The important matter is that you pursue your answer. Don’t leave your doubts dangling in your spirit. Dig into scripture, pray, meditate, think about it, talk about it with others. Whether it takes days, weeks, or years to find your answer, don’t stop pursuing the truth. Take your doubts, turn them into questions and know what you believe.

The Dangers of Dangling Doubt

Doubt that is left unattended becomes a temptation to disbelieve God. In her moment of decision, Eve first misquoted God. (See how important it is to know what God actually said?) Then, Eve chose to disbelieve God. Eve’s unbelief became disobedience, the original sin.

The first danger of unconfronted doubt is wavering uncertainty. We aren’t sure of what we believe so we never speak up or take a stand. We aren’t sure if God is willing or able to help us, so we never ask for help. We aren’t sure of God’s grace and mercy, so we live in shame, guilt, and fear. Doubt that is not addressed leads to unbelief.

As James put it: “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do” James 1:6-8.

The second danger of leaving doubt unconfronted and unattended is fake faith. We are around a community of believers and don’t want to admit that we struggle to believe everything that is said in a bible study or church service. We are afraid that others will judge or shame us if we are honest about the struggle to believe the difficult things a Christian is asked to profess. So, we nod our head up and down, post that pithy quote, repeat sentimental platitudes and fake it.

The biggest danger of ignoring doubt is choosing unbelief. Jesus had harsh words for those who faced doubt about who he is and then chose unbelief over faith. “And anyone who believes in God’s Son shares in the life of God’s new age. Anyone who doesn’t believe in the Son won’t see life, but God’s wrath rests on him” (John 3:36).

The Compassion of Jesus

Jesus shows great compassion and patience with those who honestly face and wrestle with their doubts. When Peter tried to walk on water and failed, Jesus reached out to him. When Thomas needed to see the scars on Christ’s resurrected body, Jesus let Thomas touch his wounds. When Paul was hunting down and murdering Christians, Jesus met him on the road and spoke to him. When the Ethiopian was struggling to understand the scriptures, God sent Philip to help him.

From Moses, Gideon, and Elijah to the apostles, we see that anytime someone wrestles with doubt to believe God, God sends help. God does not hold our doubt against us as sin. He desires to help and encourage us to faith and belief.

When you experience doubt about something in your Christian faith, acknowledge it, confess it, talk about it. Doubt is an opportunity to ask good questions, to dive deep into scripture, to ask God’s help, and to experience the peace that comes from moving and growing from doubt to faith.

Doubt is a question of the heart, mind, and spirit. It is a natural part of the process of spiritual growth and maturity. But you must choose one answer: belief or unbelief. Hiding or ignoring your doubts can trip you up and cause you to sin against God.

We can trust in the grace and compassion of Jesus and pray like the dad of the demon possessed boy who asked Jesus for healing, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide you a way out so that you can endure it” 1 Cor 10:13.

 Copyright @ TA Boland 2024

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