Definition: The term "disbelieves" refers to the act of not accepting or rejecting the truth or reliability of something, particularly in the context of faith and religious belief. In the Bible, disbelief is often associated with a lack of faith in God, His promises, or His works.

Biblical Context: Disbelief is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, often highlighting the tension between faith and doubt. It is portrayed as a spiritual condition that can hinder one's relationship with God and impede the reception of His blessings.

Old Testament References:

1. Israel's Unbelief in the Wilderness: The Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land is marked by episodes of disbelief. Despite witnessing God's miraculous deeds, they frequently doubted His ability to provide and protect. In Numbers 14:11 , the LORD said to Moses, "How long will this people treat Me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in Me, despite all the signs I have performed among them?"

2. Prophets and Disbelief: The prophets often confronted the disbelief of the people of Israel and Judah. Isaiah, for instance, lamented the people's lack of faith in God's promises and their reliance on foreign alliances (Isaiah 7:9): "If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all."

New Testament References:

1. Jesus and Disbelief: Jesus encountered disbelief during His earthly ministry. In Mark 6:6 , it is recorded that Jesus "was amazed at their unbelief" when He visited His hometown of Nazareth, where the people doubted His authority and power.

2. Thomas the Apostle: Thomas, one of the twelve apostles, is famously known for his initial disbelief in Jesus' resurrection. In John 20:27 , Jesus addresses Thomas, saying, "Put your finger here and look at My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe."

3. Faith and Salvation: The New Testament emphasizes belief as essential for salvation. In John 3:18 , it is stated, "Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son."

Theological Implications:

1. Faith as a Gift: From a theological perspective, faith is considered a gift from God, enabling believers to trust in His promises and accept His salvation. Disbelief, therefore, is seen as a rejection of this divine gift.

2. Consequences of Disbelief: Disbelief is portrayed as having serious spiritual consequences. It can lead to a hardened heart, spiritual blindness, and ultimately, separation from God. Hebrews 3:12 warns, "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God."

3. Encouragement to Believe: The Bible encourages believers to overcome disbelief through faith and trust in God. In Mark 9:24 , a father seeking healing for his son cries out, "I do believe; help my unbelief!" This plea reflects the struggle and desire to grow in faith.

Practical Application:

1. Strengthening Faith: Believers are encouraged to strengthen their faith through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and fellowship with other believers. Romans 10:17 states, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."

2. Witnessing to Unbelievers: Christians are called to witness to those who disbelieve, sharing the gospel with gentleness and respect, as instructed in 1 Peter 3:15 : "But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you."

Disbelief, while a common human experience, is addressed in the Bible with both warnings and encouragements, urging individuals to seek and embrace faith in God.

Whether a Man who Disbelieves one Article of Faith, Can have ...
... OF THOSE WHO HAVE FAITH (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether a man who disbelieves one article
of faith, can have lifeless faith in the other articles? ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether a man who disbelieves.htm

Whether one who Disbelieves one Faith Can have Unformed Faith in ...
... Article Three Whether One Who Disbelieves One Article of Faith can Have Unformed
Faith in the Other Articles. Whether One Who Disbelieves ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article three whether one who.htm

We Shall Therefore Say, in the First Place, that if He who ...
... Chapter XLIII. We shall therefore say, in the first place, that if he who
disbelieves the appearance? We shall therefore say, in ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xliii we shall therefore.htm

The Same Continued.
... justified. He who disbelieves the Gospel disbelieves everything along with
it. For the archives ought not to be preferred to the Spirit. ...
/.../chapter viii the same continued.htm

The Christian Faith
... The Scriptures place stress upon the fact that a man's actions are largely dependent
upon what he believes or disbelieves rather than upon his environment ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study v the christian faith.htm

Whether Faith Can be Greater in one than in Another
... Anyone who has faith has faith in all that the faith contains, since he who disbelieves
in a single point is altogether without faith, as was said in the ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article four whether faith can.htm

Whether There are Several Species of Unbelief?
... Therefore the object of unbelief also is the First Truth; while the things which
an unbeliever disbelieves are the matter of his unbelief. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether there are several species.htm

Colossians i. 9, 10
... The Greek disbelieves the Judgment, and he is in the same case with thyself, seeing
that he too hath many who have treated these things in their philosophy ...
/.../homily ii colossians i 9.htm

Origen Against Celsus
... show? Chapter XLIII. We shall therefore say, in the first place, that
if he who disbelieves the appearance? Chapter XLIV. And ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/

By Far the Ablest of These Seven Essays is from the Pen of the " ...
... While Mr. Goodwin demolishes the Law, and Dr. Williams disbelieves the Prophets;
while Professor Powell denies the truth of Miracles, and Professor Jowett ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/vi by far the ablest.htm

Disbelieves (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Disbelieves (1 Occurrence). Mark 16:16 He who believes
and is baptized will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned. ...
/d/disbelieves.htm - 6k

Disbelieved (9 Occurrences)
... disbelieved. (WEB ASV DBY). Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will
be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned. (See NAS). ...
/d/disbelieved.htm - 8k

God (45911 Occurrences)
... There is nowhere any argument to prove it. He who disbelieves this truth
is spoken of as one devoid of understanding (Psalm 14:1). ...
/g/god.htm - 101k

Disbelieveth (1 Occurrence)

/d/disbelieveth.htm - 6k

Believes (34 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV). Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved;
but he who disbelieves will be condemned. (WEB WEY DBY RSV NIV). ...
/b/believes.htm - 15k

Baptized (52 Occurrences)
... Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who disbelieves
will be condemned. (WEB KJV WEY ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/b/baptized.htm - 21k

Baptised (46 Occurrences)
... baptised, (DBY). Mark 16:16 He that believes and is baptised shall be saved,
and he that disbelieves shall be condemned. (DBY). Luke ...
/b/baptised.htm - 18k

Condemned (49 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized
will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned. ...
/c/condemned.htm - 20k

Saved (183 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized
will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned. ...
/s/saved.htm - 35k

Believe (239 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized
will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned. ...
/b/believe.htm - 35k

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