Bruce123

Let’s explore a few reasons why individuals may reject the gospel, according to Scripture.

Atheist list many reasons for their unbelief. Some are actually plausible from a humanistic viewpoint. Extremely intelligent and often giants in the academic world give elegant presentations on why they reject the gospel.
However these academics experience life like everyone else , tragedy, hurt, unmet expectations can cause unbelief just like
the rest of the world. That being said what follows is a list of biblical reasons on why the world rejects Jesus.

Firstly, spiritual blindness plays a significant role. In 2 Corinthians 4:4, the Apostle Paul writes, "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." This verse suggests that a spiritual force is at work, preventing people from recognizing the truth of the gospel.

Another reason for rejection is the allure of sin and the world. Jesus explains in the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:22 that the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. The temptations and pleasures of the world can occlude the gospel's message, making it seem less desirable or relevant.

The gospel also challenges individuals' pride and self-sufficiency. Jesus says in John 5:40, "Yet you refuse to come to me to have life." People often reject the gospel because it requires admitting one's sinfulness and need for a savior, which runs counter to the human desire for autonomy and control.

Furthermore, Jesus spoke in parables, which according to Matthew 13:13-15, was to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah: "Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand." In other words, the message of the kingdom of God is deliberately veiled to those unwilling to seek and understand with an open heart.

The gospel is also perceived as foolishness to many. Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 1:18, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." This illustrates that the core message of Christianity – salvation through Christ's sacrifice – is in stark contrast to worldly wisdom and often ridiculed.

Moreover, Jesus Himself proclaimed that "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them" (John 6:44). This indicates a divine aspect to belief, where God draws people to faith, and without this divine calling, they cannot come to Jesus.

Lastly, it's important to note that rejection of the gospel is often a result of free will, a gift from God allowing each individual to accept or reject His offer of salvation. In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me." This suggests that the ultimate choice to accept or reject the gospel lies with each person.

In conclusion, the Bible presents a variety of reasons for the rejection of the gospel, from spiritual blindness, worldly distractions, pride, predestined understanding, to divine calling, and human free will. From a Christian perspective, these reasons help explain why some do not accept the message of salvation through Jesus Christ, while underscoring the complexity of faith and belief.

Forkbassman Loc: Missouri

For those who might have questions about Jesus, Christianity, salvation etc., please read or rent the true story of Lee Strobel, The Case For Christ. Very, very, interesting & informative!

Blade_Runner Loc: DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

Seen that a couple times, read the book, and watched the movie based on it.
Strobel's story is almost a miracle, dude was a hard-core atheist before his wife, after considerable difficulty,
turned him to Jesus.

Marty 2020 Loc: Banana Republic of Kalifornia

Good move too!

BigJim

If god so loved the world that he gave his only son to save it, why did he make the rule that his son's sacrifice was required to save the world?

SeaLass Loc: Western Soviet Socialist Republics

Religion is the child of Belief and Hope, any attempt to justify or prove it logically is doomed to failure and probably little more than a mask to hide one's own misgivings.

“For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible.”
― Stuart Chase

Bruce123

I agree unless…………… God is the one drawing you to Him.

SeaLass Loc: Western Soviet Socialist Republics

In that case, one becomes a believer I guess. Yet hiding behind allegories, mysticism and self-conflicting testimonials while demanding acceptance solely by blind faith appears to be a rather odd way of expressing one's divine concern for human welfare.

Wonttakeitanymore

Thank you!! God bless you

Marty 2020 Loc: Banana Republic of Kalifornia

Quite simple actually.
God exists outside of the dimension of time. He can be everywhere and every time, at once.
He knows what we were going to do before he even created us.
So, God, seeing the way we are, built into creation, the way that we could get back to perfection.
You see, when Adam was created, then Eve from Adam’s “rib”, they lived in a perfect, sinless place. Once Satan deceived Eve with the story that she could be like God, (she already was) she ate of the fruit and gave it to Adam and he too ate, then sin entered the world. Shedding blood for sin is God’s plan for forgiveness. But the one whose blood is shed must be sinless. Since there’s NO sinless people on earth, God sent Jesus Christ to be the sacrifice for all mankind.
To be considered forgiven, all one has to do is accept the free offer of Jesus’ sacrifice and accept that He is risen from the grave and sits ALIVE at the right side of God the Father, in heaven.

Does that answer your question?

Roamin' Catholic Loc: luxurious exile

Our actions have consequences.

And perhaps in order to atone for the greatness of our sin, the greatest sacrifice must be made.

And even if there was just one sinner in the world, Jesus still would give his life to atone for the sins of that person.

This shows the limitless love that God has for us, that He gives His own Life to save us. Both collectively and
individually.

And some say, 'well, God knew that the time that Jesus would be in the grave would be short, so no big deal...'

They are missing the point. Jesus shows us the way. His death destroyed death so that the Gates of Heaven are now open to us, and as He is the Resurrection, so we shall join Him in our Resurrection.

It's all about us. We are God's children. God loves us and wants us to freely choose to return home to Him.

And God's Creation is a creation of Law, of Cause and Effect, of Nature. Who are we to suggest to God that His Laws are flawed? This is the height of arrogance!

Blade_Runner Loc: DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

Return of the God Hypothesis: Three Scientific Discoveries That Reveal the Mind Behind the Universe
The New York Times bestselling author of Darwin’s Doubt, Stephen Meyer, presents groundbreaking scientific evidence of the existence of God, based on breakthroughs in physics, cosmology, and biology.

Beginning in the late 19th century, many intellectuals began to insist that scientific knowledge conflicts with traditional theistic belief—that science and belief in God are “at war.” Philosopher of science Stephen Meyer challenges this view by examining three scientific discoveries with decidedly theistic implications. Building on the case for the intelligent design of life that he developed in Signature in the Cell and Darwin’s Doubt, Meyer demonstrates how discoveries in cosmology and physics coupled with those in biology help to establish the identity of the designing intelligence behind life and the universe.

Meyer argues that theism—with its affirmation of a transcendent, intelligent and active creator—best explains the evidence we have concerning biological and cosmological origins. Previously Meyer refrained from attempting to answer questions about “who” might have designed life. Now he provides an evidence-based answer to perhaps the ultimate mystery of the universe. In so doing, he reveals a stunning conclusion: the data support not just the existence of an intelligent designer of some kind—but the existence of a personal God.

I've read this book and it is stunning. If you have no background in science, it will be a tough read.
Meyer wrote in his intro that he tried to make the complex science and math accessible to the widest readership,
but this was not always possible.

Fortunately, my background in science is rather extensive. Even so, there were parts in the science of the God Hypothesis that boggle the mind. Talking scientifically about God is no mean feat.

Hydro

One reason His Son Jesus was without sin - allowing him to be The Sacrificial Lamb - no one is without sin except Jesus, The Holy Spirit and God The Father - belief in the Trinity is an individual choice - faith in the unforeseen is part of the equation but faith without works is dead - basically meaning one needs to live a life that reflects their faith via actions - Christ is the door that allows us to access The Father

Marty 2020 Loc: Banana Republic of Kalifornia

Hebrews 10:20 one of my favorite verses.

SeaLass Loc: Western Soviet Socialist Republics

I too read this book and have a very different opinion of it. I found it very eclectic in the data it used, skipping over internal inconsistencies and using very forced and dubious logic to reach what struck me as preconceived conclusions. I had the same opinion of Darwin's Doubt, which was little more than a listing of points that Darwin knew he could not explain with the data he had available at that time. As for the level of scientific understanding needed, I felt that it was what any 4 year college program would provide, one does not need to have been a student under Steven Hawking to understand the arguments.