The following "Question" was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and "Answered" by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed from the tape, GC 1301-R, titled "Bible Questions and Answers Part 20."  A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE.  ©1982. All Rights Reserved.

Questioner

I heard you say once is that even if we believe not or a believer believes not, He [Jesus] still is faithful; He can’t deny himself, He’s already put himself in motion. How does that happen?

Answer

Well, you’re talking about that text in Timothy, and I’m kind of vacillating on how I interpret that. I’m going to wait until I teach Timothy before I really get dogmatic about it. But I believe that Christians can go through periods of doubt. Certainly the disciples did; He said, “O ye of little faith.” And yet they were believers; and we go through the same periods. Otherwise the Bible wouldn’t exhort us to trust God all the time. So I do believe that there are periods when you can go through doubts and struggles, and still be a Christian. That’s all I’m saying. But if you flat out deny God, you can’t be a Christian. But you can have struggles and doubts. But I think you’d come through those doubts with the affirmation of Christ.

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur's Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
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