God's Faithfulness: Does Human Unfaithfulness Matter?

The Bible speaks of faithfulness in four ways: as an attribute of God, as a positive characteristic of some people, as a characteristic that many people lack, and as a fruit of the Holy Spirit. The Bible also warns of the consequences of unfaithfulness. God's faithfulness is one of His inherent attributes. He is eternally reliable, steadfast, and unwavering. If God were unfaithful even once, He would not be God, and we could not rely on any of His promises. However, God's followers are not always faithful. In Romans 3:3-4, Paul asks: What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? The answer is no. God's faithfulness is not dependent on human faithlessness or faithfulness. Even if every human is a liar, God is true, and His covenant promises will be fulfilled.

God's reliability

The Bible also highlights God's reliability in providing for our needs, uplifting and encouraging us, comforting us in times of loss, strengthening us in times of weakness, and sending a community of support.

Despite human unfaithfulness, God remains faithful. His reliability is not dependent on our actions, and his promises remain secure even when we falter.

• "God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:9).
• "He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it" (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
• "If we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself" (2 Timothy 2:13).
• "The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" (Exodus 34:6).
• "Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations" (Deuteronomy 7:9).
• "Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart" (Proverbs 3:3).
• "Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds" (Psalm 36:5).
• "Great is your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:23).

God's trustworthiness

> "What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, 'That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.'"

The Bible also states that God is a trustworthy guide, and that His name, love, and provision can be relied upon.

> "The Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness to all generations."

> "The works of His hands are truth and justice; all His precepts are sure."

>

> "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations."

>

> "The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple."

>

> "For the word of the Lord is upright, and all His work is done in faithfulness."

God's promises

This theme is also seen in Psalm 89, where God's faithfulness is contrasted with human unfaithfulness. Despite Israel's disobedience, God remained faithful to His promise, preserving a remnant and restoring Israel. God's faithfulness was ultimately proven in the coming of the Messiah from David's royal line.

In 2 Timothy 2:13, Paul declares that even if believers are faithless, He remains faithful because He cannot deny Himself. This is a fundamental aspect of God's character. God is true, and He will fulfil His promises. Numbers 23:19 reinforces this, stating that God is not a man, so He does not lie, nor does He change His mind.

In conclusion, despite human unfaithfulness, God remains faithful to His promises. His faithfulness is an essential aspect of His character, and He will not deny Himself or break His word.

God's protection from evil

The Bible assures us of God's protective presence, offering comfort and solace in times of distress. Psalm 91 is often referred to when seeking protection. It says, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'" This psalm promises God's deliverance and protection for those who trust in Him.

The Bible also provides practical guidance for spiritual preparedness against evil forces. Ephesians 6:10-18 talks about the "Armor of God," which includes the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Shoes of the Gospel of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God).

Additionally, 2 Thessalonians 3:3 assures believers of God's ongoing protection: "But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one." Similarly, in 2 Timothy 4:18, we find the assurance, "The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen."

Furthermore, the Bible encourages us to resist evil and overcome it with good. Romans 12:21 states, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Proverbs 2:11 also provides wisdom, saying, "Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you." By focusing on God and His truths, we can find protection and victory over evil.

In conclusion, while individuals may waver in their faithfulness, God remains steadfast in His faithfulness and protection. He provides comfort, guidance, and strength to overcome the evil we encounter in our lives. Through His presence, promises, and power, God shields us from harm and leads us toward victory.

God's forgiveness

God's Faithfulness in the Bible

The Bible speaks of God's faithfulness as an attribute of God, a positive characteristic of some people, a characteristic that many people lack, and a fruit of the Holy Spirit. God's faithfulness is also associated with His protection from evil, His setting of limits on our temptations, His forgiveness of our sins, and His sanctification of us.

Lack of Faithfulness

The Bible acknowledges that some people will be unfaithful or lack faith. However, it is clear that this does not nullify or cancel God's faithfulness. God remains faithful even when people are not. This is exemplified in Romans 3:3-4:

> "What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, 'That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.'"

God's Promises

God's faithfulness also lies in keeping His promises. In 1 Kings 8:56, we see that "Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave." God's promises are sure and can be relied upon.

In summary, God's forgiveness and faithfulness are fundamental aspects of Christian belief. God's faithfulness is unchanging and is not dependent on human faithfulness or faith. He forgives us of our sins, protects us, sets limits for us, and sanctifies us.

Frequently asked questions