Is it Okay for a Christian to Doubt?

To answer whether it is “okay” for a Christian to doubt, we must first define what is meant by “okay.” Are we asking if doubt is approved by God?   Let’s delve into understanding doubt to draw some conclusions.

What is Doubt?

Wikipedia gives an interesting definition of doubt:

Doubt is a mental state in which the mind remains suspended between two or more contradictory propositions and is uncertain about them. Doubt on an emotional level is indecision between belief and disbelief. It may involve uncertainty, distrust, or lack of conviction on certain facts, actions, motives, or decisions.

Identifying the Basis of Doubt

To determine whether it is okay for a Christian to doubt, it’s crucial to discern what is being doubted. Is it God or something He has said in His Word?  Or is it something another person has said?  Or a church tradition or teaching?

• If the doubt concerns something about God Himself, we must return to what we know to be true. God is holy, righteous, and just. He acts with purpose, in justice, out of love, and always for our good and His glory.
• If the doubt is about something God has said in His Word, we must remember that the Word of God is perfect.  There are no errors.  And when we don’t understand something or find something conflicting with our desires or the secular culture of our world, we must, by faith, believe what God says is true and just.
• If the doubt is about something another person has said, or something a church teaches, we must remember that all other people (including other Christians) can be wrong in what they believe, say, and do, and churches are composed of fallible people.

Doubting God is a Sin

Doubting another person—who is neither all-knowing nor perfectly trustworthy—is not sinful, but doubting God is.  When we remember God’s character and His love for us, as well as His omniscience and infallibility, we have every reason to trust Him and no justifiable reason to doubt who He is, what He says, or what He does.

Paul wrote, “…whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14:23). Since doubt is a state outside of belief, it is not of faith. Therefore, doubting God or His Word is a sin. When Peter doubted his ability to walk on water and took His eyes off Jesus, he began to sink.   Jesus said to Peter, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31).  This illustrates how doubt is not of faith.

As Christians, we will have questions.  But we should always search the Scriptures or bring them to God in prayer—before doubt creeps in. In doing so, we will find peace, knowing and trusting that God will provide understanding and, sometimes, will provide answers in His perfect timing and ways. 

So when asked, “Is it okay for a Christian to doubt?” the answer is not simple.  Is it about doubting God or His Word, or doubting other people? Therein lies the answer.

Examples Of Those Who Doubted God

The Bible gives many examples of those who failed to believe by faith and trust God and His Word. Their lack of faith led to disobedience.  

• Adam and Eve:  Eve doubted God’s command and goodness when the serpent asked, “Did God really say…?” This led to disobedience and the fall of humanity. (Genesis 3:1-6)
• The Israelites in the Wilderness:  Despite witnessing miracles, they doubted God’s power and promises, grumbling and refusing to trust Him for provision and deliverance.  (Exodus 16:2-3; Numbers 14:1-4; Psalm 106:6-7)
• Abraham and Sarah at the Oaks of Mamre: Both laughed and questioned God’s promise of a son due to their old age, doubting His ability to fulfill His Word. (Genesis 17:17-18; 18:12)
• Zechariah: When told by the angel he would have a son (John the Baptist), he doubted the message from God, resulting in being struck mute until the prophecy was fulfilled. (Luke 1:18-20)
• Moses: At Meribah, Moses doubted God’s instruction and failed to honor Him as holy before the people, which led to severe consequences. (Numbers 20:12)
• Israel’s Rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea:  The people refused to enter the Promised Land, doubting God’s promise despite His past faithfulness. (Deuteronomy 1:32; Numbers 14:11)

Let Us Not Doubt

When questions enter our minds, let us not allow them to take root. Doubt and questions often arise from incomplete knowledge. In such times, return to what you know: God is good, merciful, gracious, faithful, and true. He loves you and has proven His love. He desires your love and trust in return. 

By remembering who God is, what He has done, and who you are in Christ, you open your heart to greater understanding from His Word and deeper peace from His Spirit.

When a seed of doubt is planted, water it with the living water found in Jesus and His Word. That living water will not nurture doubt, but will instead transform it into a flourishing garden of faith.

Colossians 2:1-3  For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Colossians 2:4-5  Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

Colossians 2:6-7 As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

Established in the Faith

It all begins with knowledge—the seed we must plant. Let the knowledge of the Holy be rooted in your heart and watered with the Word. This will build up belief, nurture trust, and establish your faith.

Faith is the result of knowledge, belief, and trust working together. May you be rooted and built up in Christ, established in the faith, and abounding in thanksgiving as you walk with Him each day.

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