How are faith and presumption different?

Table of Contents

Faith and presumption are concepts that, while sometimes appearing similar, carry significantly different meanings and implications in the biblical context. To understand these differences, we need to explore their definitions, biblical examples, and teachings, especially from the Bible.

Definitions

Faith: Faith, according to the Bible, is trust and confidence in God and His promises. It involves a deep conviction in the truth of God’s word and a reliance on His character and faithfulness.

Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV): “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Romans 10:17 (NKJV): “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Faith is characterized by an understanding of God’s will and a submission to it, trusting in God’s plan and timing.

Presumption: Presumption, on the other hand, is taking liberties or making assumptions without proper authorization or evidence. In a biblical sense, it often refers to taking actions based on one’s own desires or assumptions rather than on God’s will. Presumption is the counterfeit of faith.

Psalm 19:13 (NKJV): “Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression.”
Deuteronomy 18:20 (NKJV): “But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.”

Presumption involves acting without clear guidance from God, often assuming that God will endorse or support one’s actions without seeking His direction. When Satan challenged Christ to jump down from the top of the Temple, Jesus responded, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God” (Matthew 4:7). For Christ to have assented to the suggestion of Satan He would have shown presumption rather than faith.

Satan suggested that Christ should put His Father to the test. Instead of accepting by faith the Father’s announcement at the Jordan, confirming Christ to be the Son of God, Satan tempted Christ to demand a miracle to prove God’s Words were so. But such a demand would reflect doubt rather than faith. It was presumption.

We are never to place ourselves unnecessarily or carelessly in a position where God will have to perform a miracle to save us from the results of an unwise decision or disobedience. We are not to presume upon God to save us when we purposely place ourselves in danger. The right kind of faith in God will lead us to alien our lives in harmony with what God has already shown us and after that we can trust Him for the rest.

Biblical Examples of Faith

Abraham’s Faith: Abraham is often cited as a prime example of faith. He trusted God’s promise to make him a great nation despite his and Sarah’s old age.

Genesis 15:6 (NKJV): “And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.”
Romans 4:20-21 (NKJV): “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.”

Abraham’s faith was demonstrated by his obedience, even to the point of being willing to sacrifice his son Isaac, trusting that God could raise him from the dead if necessary.

The Faith of the Centurion: Another example is the Roman centurion who asked Jesus to heal his servant. He demonstrated great faith by believing that Jesus could heal with just a word.

Matthew 8:8-10 (NKJV): “The centurion answered and said, ‘Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, “Go,” and he goes; and to another, “Come,” and he comes; and to my servant, “Do this,” and he does it.’ When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!'”

Biblical Examples of Presumption

Israelites in the Wilderness: A clear instance of presumption is found in the behavior of the Israelites in the wilderness. After being forbidden to enter the Promised Land due to their unbelief, some of them attempted to go up and fight the Amalekites and Canaanites against God’s command.

Numbers 14:41-45 (NKJV): “And Moses said, ‘Now why do you transgress the command of the Lord? For this will not succeed. Do not go up, lest you be defeated by your enemies, for the Lord is not among you. For the Amalekites and the Canaanites are there before you, and you shall fall by the sword; because you have turned away from the Lord, the Lord will not be with you.’ But they presumed to go up to the mountaintop. Nevertheless, neither the ark of the covenant of the Lord nor Moses departed from the camp. Then the Amalekites and the Canaanites who dwelt in that mountain came down and attacked them, and drove them back as far as Hormah.”

Their presumption led to a disastrous defeat because they acted without God’s blessing or presence.

King Saul’s Presumption: Another notable example is King Saul, who presumed to offer a burnt offering in Samuel’s absence, contrary to God’s instructions.

1 Samuel 13:12-14 (NKJV): “‘Then I said, “The Philistines will now come down on me at Gilgal, and I have not made supplication to the Lord.” Therefore I felt compelled, and offered a burnt offering.’ And Samuel said to Saul, ‘You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you. For now the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.'”

Saul’s presumption cost him his kingdom, demonstrating the severe consequences of acting outside God’s will.

Key Differences Between Faith and Presumption

Source of Action:

Faith: Actions based on faith are initiated by God’s promises, commands, or guidance. Faith requires listening to God and trusting in His word.
- Romans 10:17 (NKJV): “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Presumption: Actions based on presumption are initiated by human desires, assumptions, or impulses without seeking or receiving clear direction from God.
- Deuteronomy 18:20 (NKJV): “But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.”

Relationship with God:

Faith: Faith involves a deep relationship with God, characterized by trust, obedience, and reliance on His character and promises.
- Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV): “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Presumption: Presumption often reflects a lack of trust and a tendency to act independently of God, sometimes attempting to force God’s hand or assume His support without seeking His will.
- Psalm 19:13 (NKJV): “Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression.”

Outcome:

Faith: Faith results in blessings, fulfillment of God’s promises, and spiritual growth. It aligns with God’s will and purposes.
- James 1:6-8 (NKJV): “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
Presumption: Presumption often leads to negative consequences, failure, and divine displeasure because it acts outside God’s will.
- Numbers 14:44-45 (NKJV): “But they presumed to go up to the mountaintop. Nevertheless, neither the ark of the covenant of the Lord nor Moses departed from the camp. Then the Amalekites and the Canaanites who dwelt in that mountain came down and attacked them, and drove them back as far as Hormah.”

Practical Applications

Seeking God’s Will: Believers are encouraged to seek God’s will in all their actions, ensuring their steps are guided by Him rather than by personal presumption.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV): “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

Discernment and Prayer: Faith involves discernment and prayer, seeking God’s direction before acting.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV): “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Obedience to God’s Commands: True faith is demonstrated through obedience to God’s commands, trusting that His ways are higher and better.

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV): “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.'”

Avoiding Rash Decisions: Believers should avoid making rash decisions based on assumptions or desires, ensuring they align with God’s word.

James 4:13-15 (NKJV): “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.'”

Conclusion

The difference between faith and presumption is significant in the biblical context. Faith is a confident trust in God, based on His promises and commands, characterized by obedience and reliance on His guidance. Presumption, however, involves acting on one’s own assumptions and desires without seeking or receiving God’s direction, often leading to negative consequences.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for believers, as it encourages them to cultivate a deep relationship with God, seek His will in all things, and avoid the pitfalls of acting in disobedience and independently of Him. By doing so, they can experience the blessings and fulfillment that come from living a life of true faith.

Check out our Bible Answers page for more information on a variety of topics.

In His service,
BibleAsk Team