Understanding Why Some Believe and Others Do Not
Understanding Why Some Believe and Others Do Not
Exploring Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility in Faith
📖 Acts 13:48 (KJV): "And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed."
Why do some people embrace Jesus Christ with joy while others remain hardened in unbelief? This question has puzzled believers throughout church history. Acts 13:48 reveals a profound truth: those who were ordained to eternal life believed. But what does this mean? Does God arbitrarily choose some while condemning others to hell? Or is there a divine mystery that harmonizes God's sovereignty with human responsibility?
In this exploration, we will unpack the biblical tension between predestination and free will, discover God's heart for all humanity, and learn practical ways to strengthen our faith while supporting others on their spiritual journey. The answer to why some believe is both mysterious and beautiful, revealing a God who is sovereign yet loving, holy yet merciful.
Understanding Predestination and Free Will
One of the greatest challenges in Christianity is reconciling God's sovereignty with human free will. Does God choose some to believe while leaving others to disbelief? Does He condemn people to hell with no opportunity for salvation? The word "ordained" in Acts 13:48 refers to God's eternal knowledge and His divine appointment for those who will receive eternal life.
However, this does not mean God's love is restricted or that salvation is unavailable to some. John 3:16 (KJV) assures us, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God's love and grace are freely available to all. Yet individuals still have the responsibility to respond to God's call.
💡 Key Insight: God's sovereignty means He knows who will believe, but His invitation to salvation is extended to everyone. The mystery lies in how divine foreknowledge and human choice work together.
Finding Hope in God's Sovereign Plan
For many believers, the idea that some are "ordained" or chosen brings great comfort. It speaks of a God who is deeply involved in our lives and who has a perfect plan for each person. Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV) reminds us, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
Knowing that God has a plan for each of us can be a tremendous source of strength, especially during difficult times. This belief does not mean life will be free of hardship, but it assures us that God is with us, guiding us through every challenge. When we understand that our lives are under God's sovereign care, we can live with a sense of peace even amidst uncertainty.
✅ Biblical Promise: "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6, KJV). God finishes what He starts in your life.
Why Do Some Remain in Unbelief?
Some may ask, "Why do others not believe? Could it be that they are not ordained for eternal life?" Second Peter 3:9 (KJV) provides a crucial answer: "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
This verse reflects God's desire for everyone to be saved, suggesting that unbelief is not a matter of exclusion but rather of an invitation not yet accepted. Consider someone who, despite hearing the gospel many times, has not yet come to faith. Perhaps they have experienced hurt, loss, or a series of personal trials that make belief in God difficult. In these cases, it is not about them being unchosen but about their personal journey and the circumstances that may shape their readiness to accept God's love.
⚠️ Important Truth: God does not force anyone to believe. He invites, convicts, and draws people to Himself, but the choice to respond remains with each individual. "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him" (Revelation 3:20, KJV).
Practical Ways to Strengthen Your Faith
As believers, we can take actionable steps to nurture faith in ourselves and support others who may be struggling in their journey. Here are specific, biblical ways to deepen your faith and stay close to God's purpose for your life.
Begin Each Day with Prayer and Meditation
Start your morning by praying for God's guidance and inviting His peace into your heart. Philippians 4:13 (KJV) says, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Reflecting on this verse each morning can be a powerful way to align your mindset with God's strength. Take five to ten minutes of quiet reflection, focusing on Bible verses like Psalm 23 and allowing God's words to settle into your soul.
Lean on Scripture for Comfort and Encouragement
When you are struggling with faith, seek comfort in God's Word. Romans 8:38-39 (KJV) declares, "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Make a list of Bible verses that resonate with you and keep it handy. Return to these verses in moments of doubt or hardship.
Find Community Support
Surround yourself with others who share your faith. Joining a small group, Bible study, or Christian fellowship can be life-changing. In community, you will find people who can pray with you, encourage you, and remind you of God's promises when you are struggling. Hebrews 10:24-25 (KJV) exhorts us, "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together."
Embrace Faith in Action
Faith is not only about beliefs; it is also about actions. By helping others, we reflect God's love in practical ways. James 2:17 (KJV) says, "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." Consider volunteer opportunities within your church or community that offer a way to live out your faith. Small gestures of kindness, service, or encouragement to someone in need can make your faith tangible.
Practice Forgiveness and Love
Colossians 3:13 (KJV) instructs us to "forbear one another, and forgive one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." Reflecting God's forgiveness in our relationships is a powerful way to bring His love into the world. Pray for the strength to forgive and love, even when it is difficult. This can help free you from resentment and draw you closer to God's peace.
Trusting God's Purpose and Overcoming Fear
Many wrestle with fear when contemplating eternity, but the Bible provides reassurance. Romans 8:1 (KJV) declares, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." God is not looking for reasons to condemn but longs to save and redeem.
God's call to hate evil (Proverbs 8:13) and pursue holiness is about aligning ourselves with His character. When we hate evil, we are essentially rejecting what distances us from God's love and embracing a life that honors Him. By striving to perfect holiness, we reflect God's love in our thoughts, actions, and decisions.
🙏 Prayer for Faith and Understanding
Heavenly Father, I come before You seeking understanding and faith. Help me to trust in Your sovereign plan while embracing my responsibility to respond to Your call. Strengthen my faith, remove my doubts, and use me to encourage others on their journey to You. I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose again. Thank You for ordaining me to eternal life through Your grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Faith as a Daily Journey
Faith is a journey, not a one-time event. Acts 13:48 encourages us to remember that belief is both a divine mystery and a choice. Embrace faith daily, trusting in God's love, forgiveness, and strength to carry you through life's challenges. If you are struggling with doubts, know that God's heart is open, patient, and always inviting you to come closer.
Through prayer, community, and Scripture, we are reminded that we are never alone. God's call to eternal life is a promise, and as we walk with Him, we find strength, purpose, and peace, growing in the assurance of His everlasting love. The question is not why some believe and others do not—the question is, will you believe today?
💖 Final Call: God's invitation to eternal life stands before you. He has ordained a way of salvation through Jesus Christ. Will you accept His gift of grace today?