The concept of “blind faith” is often misunderstood when it comes to Christianity. Some people think that God expects us to believe in Him without any evidence or good reasons. However, this is not what the Bible teaches.
The Bible makes it clear that faith in God is not blind, but rather is based on solid evidence and good reasons. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” This verse indicates that biblical faith is a confident trust or conviction based on the evidence, even when we have not directly observed something.
Throughout the Bible, we see God providing evidence to people so they would believe in Him. For example, in the Gospel of John it states “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:30-31). The miracles of Jesus were documented to provide a basis for faith.
The apostle Paul also appealed to the eyewitness evidence for Jesus’ resurrection when he proclaimed the gospel, “declaring to you what God has testified about his Son” (1 Corinthians 15:1, 15). Paul did not ask people to exercise blind faith. He pointed to the well-attested fact of the empty tomb and resurrection appearances as reasons to believe Jesus is the Son of God.
Furthermore, the Bible commends those who investigate the evidence and use their reasoning abilities to conclude that God exists. In Isaiah 1:18, God says, “Come now, let us reason together.” The apostle Paul “reasoned” with people out of the Scriptures to make a case for the gospel (Acts 17:2). A reasonable faith is encouraged.
At the same time, biblical faith goes beyond just intellectual assent to facts. Faith involves trusting in the promises and character of God. Once we have good reasons to believe God exists and is who He says He is, we are called to entrust our lives to Him. Biblical faith requires submission and action based on our confidence in who God is. As James 2:19 says, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” Genuine faith goes beyond mental agreement to personal trust and obedience.
In summary, the Bible makes clear that God does not expect blind faith. He invites us to look at the evidence in creation (Psalm 19:1), examine the eyewitness testimony for Christ (1 John 1:1), and use our God-given reasoning abilities (Isaiah 1:18). Once we have concluded that God exists through this process, we are called to entrust our lives to Him in faith and obedience. God wants us to take a step of faith in trusting Him, not a leap of faith without any reasons or evidence to support it.
Old Testament Examples of Faith Based on Evidence
There are many examples in the Old Testament of people who exercised faith in God based on the evidence they had seen of His power and trustworthiness.
Abraham
God called Abraham to leave his homeland and go to a new land that God would show him. This was not a blind leap of faith, but rather a faith based on evidence. Abraham had encountered God and heard His voice (Genesis 12:1). He reasoned that if God was powerful enough to speak the universe into existence, He could be trusted to guide and protect Abraham in his journey (Hebrews 11:8-10). As Abraham followed God, he continued to witness God’s power and faithfulness, which bolstered his faith.
Moses
Moses did not follow or trust God blindly. He saw powerful evidence of God’s existence and power through the burning bush, his staff turning into a snake, the plagues on Egypt, and the parting of the Red Sea. This gave Moses reasonable evidence to put his faith in God and obey God’s commands. His faith was repeatedly strengthened as he saw God’s faithful provision for the Israelites in the wilderness.
Joshua
When Joshua became the leader after Moses, God did not tell him to exercise blind faith. Rather, He assured Joshua that just as He was with Moses, He would be with Joshua (Joshua 1:5). God had demonstrated His power and faithfulness so many times to Joshua that Joshua could confidently obey God and lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. His faith was based on evidence.
Gideon
Gideon questioned God and wanted confirmation that it was truly God speaking to him before obeying God’s command to lead Israel against the Midianites. God graciously gave Gideon the signs he requested – wet fleece, dry ground, etc. – to build Gideon’s faith and confirm that he had heard from God (Judges 6:36-40). Once Gideon had these confirming signs, he acted in faith on what God had said.
These and many other Old Testament figures exercised faith grounded in the evidence they had seen of God’s power and reliability. God graciously gave them signs, wonders and proofs to foster a reasonable faith in Him.
Does God Expect Us to Believe Without Evidence?
Some people claim that God expects us to believe in Him without any evidence. However, that is inconsistent with the examples we see throughout Scripture where God provides evidence to support faith in Him. Consider the following principles from the Bible:
- God’s invisible qualities are clearly seen in creation (Romans 1:20). The order, design, and beauty of the natural world provide strong evidence that there is an intelligent Designer.
- Fulfilled biblical prophecy demonstrates the truthfulness of God’s Word and His knowledge of the future (Isaiah 46:9-10). Hundreds of prophecies about Jesus Christ were precisely fulfilled, confirming that the Bible is divinely inspired.
- The historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus from the dead is very strong. Multiple eyewitness accounts, the explosive growth of the early Church in the face of intense persecution, and the complete willingness of Jesus’ followers to die for what they had seen provide convincing proofs of Christ’s resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).
- Changed lives testify to the power and authenticity of the gospel. Billions of people from all walks of life have had their lives radically transformed by God. Their testimonies should be seriously considered (2 Corinthians 5:17).
- God invites us to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8). God wants people to personally experience His goodness, peace, joy, etc. Experiencing God’s presence and grace can confirm His reality.
These are just some of the many reasonable ways God provides evidence of Himself so that people do not have to exercise a blind, evidence-less faith. Scripture encourages us to use our minds to investigate the truth about God, not check our minds at the door. The more we examine the evidence, the more grounded and robust our faith in God can become.
Biblical Examples of People Needing Evidence
Here are some biblical examples where people were not condemned for asking for evidence, but rather God graciously provided signs to increase their faith:
Gideon
As mentioned previously, Gideon respectfully asked God for signs so he could be sure that he had heard from God accurately (Judges 6:36-40). God patiently gave Gideon the signs he requested to confirm it was the true God speaking to him.
Thomas
The apostle Thomas refused to believe Jesus had risen from the dead until he could personally see and touch Jesus. When Jesus appeared to Thomas 8 days later, He lovingly invited Thomas to see and touch His wounds. Jesus did not condemn Thomas for his doubts but provided the evidence needed to increase his faith (John 20:24-29).
The Paralyzed Man
When a paralyzed man was brought to Jesus, Jesus did not merely tell the man to have faith for healing. He knew the man needed more evidence, so Jesus provided that evidence by healing the man and telling him to rise up and walk (Mark 2:1-12). The miraculous healing gave the man reasonable proof that Jesus had the power and authority to back up His words.
The Disciples
Jesus repeatedly rebuked His disciples for having too little faith (Matthew 8:26, 14:31, 16:8). He provided them with many miraculous signs, healings, and nature miracles to increase their faith in Him as the Son of God.
These biblical stories reinforce that God understands people’s need for evidence and graciously provides it. Nowhere does Scripture endorse a blind, illogical faith.
Does God Find Sign-Seeking Offensive?
Some claim that asking God for signs shows a lack of faith. However, the Bible contains many examples where God was not offended when people respectfully asked Him for signs in order to increase their faith. Consider these scenarios:
- Gideon – As noted previously, God gave Gideon multiple signs to confirm his calling and increase his faith (Judges 6:36-40).
- Hezekiah – When facing a military threat, King Hezekiah humbly asked God for a sign as evidence that God would deliver them. God said He would give Hezekiah the sign of the sun going backwards, and God kept His word (2 Kings 20:8-11).
- The Pharisees – Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for frequently demanding signs from Him. However, Jesus said He would give them the sign of the prophet Jonah, referring prophetically to His death and resurrection (Matthew 12:38-40). Jesus was not opposed to signs per se, but objected to the Pharisees’ insincere motives and hardness of heart.
- The Crowds – Jesus rebuked people who followed Him only for more food and physical provision, but not out of genuine faith (John 6:25-27). He warned them not to put God to the test by demanding signs merely for selfish purposes.
These examples help clarify when and why God occasionally declines to give signs. If people have hardened, unbelieving hearts or just want God to entertain them, He likely will not give into those inappropriate requests. However, God is very patient and understanding of sincere people honestly seeking evidence to strengthen their faith in Him. He is pleased to provide such confirming signs in ways that do not diminish the need for faith.
The Relationship Between Faith and Evidence
Some claim that having evidence undermines the need for faith. However, that is an incorrect view. In fact, evidence and faith complement and strengthen each other. Consider several key points:
- Proper research provides the raw materials to build a case that demands a verdict.
- Evidence gives us confidence that something is true.
- Biblical faith appropriate examines the evidence and draws the most reasonable conclusion.
- Total proof leaves no room for faith or trust. But God has provided adequate evidence to foster reasonable faith, while allowing room for us to trust Him.
- The more evidence we uncover through sincere seeking, the stronger and deeper our faith can become.
- We exercise faith every day in areas like relationships, driving over a bridge, or flying on a plane. We have enough evidence to make a reasonable step of faith.
- Faith reaches beyond merely establishing facts. It says “Because I have good reasons to believe this is true, I will now entrust my life to it.”
In summary, biblical faith utilizes reason and evidence to make a wise decision to trust in someone or something reliable. Intelligent inquiry bolsters thoughtful faith.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key points to remember about faith and evidence from a biblical perspective:
- God does not expect blind, unquestioning faith. He invites us to use our minds and examine the reasonable evidence He has provided.
- Biblical faith is based on substance and evidence, not feelings or wishful thinking (Hebrews 11:1).
- The Bible encourages us to investigate God’s creation, examine prophecy and history, study biblical teachings, and use our God-given reasoning abilities.
- God was patient with biblical figures like Gideon and Thomas when they asked for more evidence to strengthen their faith.
- Evidence and faith work together. Evidence provides the basis for a reasonable step of faith to trust in God and His Word.
The common objection that faith means believing without evidence does not stand up to biblical scrutiny. An honest look at Scripture shows that God desires us to use our minds and examine the solid reasons He has given to know Him and put our trust in Him.