Unbelief is rooted in the rebellion of the human heart against God, as seen in Thomas's declaration, 'I will not believe.'
Unbelief is a fundamental aspect of humanity's fallen nature. In the sermon, it is illustrated through Thomas's initial doubt and refusal to believe in the resurrection of Christ, which signifies the inherent rebellion within the human heart. The sermon emphasizes that before any action of disbelief, there are thoughts of rebellion against God's truth, as encapsulated in Isaiah 14. We see that the heart tends to declare, 'I will not believe,' which highlights the sinner’s defiance against God's authority and truth. This reflection teaches us that to overcome unbelief, one must encounter the risen Christ, who dispels doubt and reveals Himself as the source of true faith.
Scripture References:
Isaiah 14, John 20:24-31, Hebrews 3:12, 1 John 3:23, John 3:18, John 8:24, John 5:39-47, Romans 10:3, Romans 3:23, Ephesians 2:1-3
Commentary