Types of Doubt

“How can these things be?” – Nicodemus, Pharisee (John 3:9)

Not all doubts are the same.

Dr. Gary Habermas, noted New Testament Scholar and Religion Philosopher, believes doubt should be categorised into three distinct areas: Factual doubt, Emotional doubt, and Volitional Doubts.

Probably the most common is Factual doubt. It arises from a lack of information.

It’s seen in the virgin Mary questioning the Angel Gabriel about the possibility of her conceiving without a man, and in Nicodemus quizzing Jesus about the possibility of being born again in one’s old age, (Lk 1:34; John 3:4). As is evident from the cited examples, the solution to factual doubt is Explanation: biblical explanation.

It’s reported that someone once asked St. Augustine what God was doing before He created Heaven. In anger, the famed Church Father replied, “He was creating Hell for people who ask such type of questions!” This attacking style need not be the way we respond to factual doubt. What the doubter needs is simply more information; biblically correct information that is.

Many Believers reach a stage in their spiritual walk where they begin to doubt certain things. Like the inerrancy of scripture, the certainty of salvation, the reality of Heaven, etc. If you’re going through any of these, realise it’s because you’re growing faster than your Word level. Like a healthy growing infant, mama’s milk – nutritious as ever – is no long adequate to sustain you.  Get a good study Bible, listen to some doctrinal teachings; ask questions from reliable pastors and teachers… in other words, get more information.

Nicodemus may have sounded like the typical sceptical Pharisee when he queried the Lord about being “born again”; but it’s evident our Lord’s exhaustive response had a lasting impact on his life. At a time when all of Jesus’ disciples deserted him, it was our dear doubting Nicodemus that came forward with spices to bury the Lord with (John 19:39). Halleluiah!

Is your doubt factual? Go to the Word with sincerity and humility today; your answer awaits there.

AMEN.

More Blessings await you today; you’ll not miss them in Jesus’ Name.

GREG ELKAN