In biblical terms, a "waverer" refers to an individual who is indecisive or lacks steadfastness in faith or conviction. This concept is often associated with doubt and instability, particularly in one's spiritual life. The Bible addresses the issue of wavering in several passages, emphasizing the importance of firm faith and commitment to God.

Biblical References:

1. James 1:6-8 : "But let him ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." This passage highlights the dangers of wavering in faith, likening the doubter to a wave of the sea, unstable and easily swayed. The apostle James warns that such instability can hinder one's relationship with God and the ability to receive His blessings.

2. Hebrews 10:23 : "Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." Here, the author of Hebrews encourages believers to maintain a firm grip on their faith and hope, underscoring the faithfulness of God as the foundation for such steadfastness. The implication is that wavering undermines the assurance and confidence that come from trusting in God's promises.

3. 1 Kings 18:21 : "Elijah approached all the people and said, 'How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him.' But the people did not answer a word." In this narrative, the prophet Elijah challenges the Israelites to make a decisive choice between worshiping the LORD and following Baal. The call to abandon wavering and commit to the true God is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, reflecting the need for undivided loyalty to God.

Theological Implications:

The concept of wavering is significant in Christian theology as it pertains to the nature of faith and the believer's relationship with God. Wavering is often seen as a symptom of spiritual immaturity or a lack of trust in God's character and promises. The Bible consistently calls believers to a life of faith marked by certainty and perseverance.

Practical Application:

For Christians, the call to avoid wavering is a call to cultivate a deep and abiding faith. This involves regular engagement with Scripture, prayer, and participation in the life of the church. By grounding oneself in the truth of God's Word and the community of believers, one can develop the spiritual resilience needed to withstand doubts and challenges.

Historical Context:

Throughout church history, the issue of wavering has been addressed by theologians and church leaders who have emphasized the importance of doctrinal soundness and personal conviction. The early church, facing persecution and heretical teachings, often exhorted believers to remain steadfast in the faith.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of a waverer serves as a cautionary reminder of the importance of unwavering faith and commitment to God. The Scriptures encourage believers to seek stability in their spiritual lives by trusting in the faithfulness of God and adhering to His Word.(n.) One who wavers; one who is unsettled in doctrine, faith, opinion, or the like.

Curiosity Ought not Range Beyond the Rule of Faith Restless ...
... You therefore, who seek after their fashion, looking to those who are themselves
ever seeking, a doubter to doubters, a waverer to waverers, must needs be "led ...
/.../the prescription against heretics/chapter xiv curiosity ought not range.htm

Fresh Troubles
... have lost our manlier virtues, and have not failed to assimilate our acknowledged
vices.' In Egypt, for instance, there was many an honest waverer who saw far ...
/.../chapter xxxviii fresh troubles.htm

John's Doubts of Jesus, and Jesus' Praise of John
... two parts: the first, from verses 2-6 inclusive, giving us the faltering faith of
the great witness, and Christ's gentle treatment of the waverer; the second ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/johns doubts of jesus and.htm

Matt. x. 7, 8, 9
... houses." [1563]. Now His meaning is like this: He was not of himself a waverer;
and this ye yourselves showed by your earnestness. Much ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxxvii matt x 7.htm

Introductory Notice to Arnobius.
... He speaks of himself, however, as actually a Christian,"not as a waverer, not as
one purposing to forsake the ancient superstitions and embrace the new ...
/.../introductory notice to arnobius.htm

The Creed of Jerusalem: Doctrine of the Holy Trinity.
... cast upon the memory of Cyril by the writers of Ecclesiastical History; for this
he was described by Jerome as an Arian, and by Rufinus as a waverer, while his ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/chapter x the creed of jerusalem .htm

Matt. viii. 14
... A reed shaken with the wind?" or, "a man clothed with soft raiment?" by both these
figures declaring, that he was neither of himself a waverer, nor would be ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxvii matt viii 14.htm

Enumeration of the Illustrious Men in the Church who in their ...
... He was a waverer, and signed the creed of Ariminum in 359; Basil consequently left
him, but speaks reverentially of him in Ep. 51. [1313] c. 200. [1314] 100. ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/chapter xxix enumeration of the.htm

'Time for Thee to Work'
... No doubt they have their office; they may confirm a waverer, they may establish
a believer, they may show onlookers that the Christian position is tenable ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/time for thee to work.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

Waverer (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who wavers; one who is unsettled in doctrine,
faith, opinion, or the like. Multi-Version Concordance Waverer (1 Occurrence). ...
/w/waverer.htm - 6k

Wavered (2 Occurrences)

/w/wavered.htm - 7k

Wavereth (1 Occurrence)

/w/wavereth.htm - 6k

Proclaimed (114 Occurrences)
... 19 For Jesus Christ the Son of God--He who was proclaimed among you by us, that
is by Silas and Timothy and myself--did not show Himself a waverer between "Yes ...
/p/proclaimed.htm - 37k

Always (186 Occurrences)
... 19 For Jesus Christ the Son of God--He who was proclaimed among you by us, that
is by Silas and Timothy and myself--did not show Himself a waverer between "Yes ...
/a/always.htm - 37k

Silas (22 Occurrences)
... 19 For Jesus Christ the Son of God--He who was proclaimed among you by us, that
is by Silas and Timothy and myself--did not show Himself a waverer between "Yes ...
/s/silas.htm - 21k

Myself (395 Occurrences)
... 19 For Jesus Christ the Son of God--He who was proclaimed among you by us, that
is by Silas and Timothy and myself--did not show Himself a waverer between "Yes ...
/m/myself.htm - 37k

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