Doubts

Before we get to the issue of doubts, it would be good to know what the Bible says sin is and what it isn't.

WHAT IS SIN?

The Bible clearly defines sin as willful. It's a transgression.

 In James 4:27, it doesn't say he who is in doubt sins, but he that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, that is sin. Every sin committed is done by a voluntary act. The Biblical definition of sin as a voluntary commitment to and pursuit of self-gratification. Sin consists in DOING the opposite of what we know we should do. Jesus taught that when sin is involved, it is our rejection of the light. We know that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, but in John 3:19 and 20 we read the reason for condemnation. "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that DOETH evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved." -John 3:19,20

Now for the word of caution. There are those who often quote a verse from Romans, "And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Rom. 14:23). This is the least descriptive of sin. The context is obvious. It is referring to foods and setting apart days, etc. Why so popular? Because it affords people to transgress the law and do what they know is wrong as long as they have "faith" while doing it. It takes the responsibility for sin by making sin a mystical, nebulous thing that can't be pinned down by an easy definition. This also leads others, especially new converts, to think they have sinned when they have not. For instance, if a person doubts, he is considered sinning. Doubting is not a sin. At some point in our lives there will be times of questions and we will battle with doubts. Doubt means: To waver or fluctuate in opinion; to hesitate; to be in suspense; to be in uncertainty, respecting the truth or fact. The battle with doubts is the greatest opportunity for Satan to attack our faith. John the Baptist is a good example (Luke 7:19-28). Jesus did not condemn John for doubting, nor make him feel like a sinner. Jesus sent messengers back to reassure John of the truth. Gideon questioned God (Judges 6:36-40) and so did Mary when the angel told her she was going to give birth to Jesus. God is longsuffering and understands when our faith is weak. God will work with our faith if He sees we want to trust Him.

 If doubts and accusations has you in its grips, it's just Satan's way to try and destroy your confidence in God. So how do we handle doubts and accusations? If you have doubts and accusations that constantly harass you and cause you to feel guilty and hinders your prayers and quenches your assurance that all is right between you and God, the best remedy in dealing with this situation is to find out what is being questioned and solve it through the word of God. Believe God's word and trust Him.

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