There are over 7 Billion souls in this world, each one fighting with the struggles of life, and each one in need of salvation (cf. Rom. 3:23). The gospel is God’s power to save (Rom. 1:16), and it provides the answers to the issues of life which are common to all people. You may think that everyone would gladly obey the message that provides hope, joy, peace, and salvation, but that is simply not the case. Some refuse to obey the gospel and the Bible explains the reasons for their rejection.
- Many do not obey because they do not know (1 Tim. 1:13; 1 Cor. 2:6-8; Matt. 9:37-38).
- Many close their eyes and ears to the truth (Matt. 13:15; 23; 2 Cor. 4:4).
- Many choose the pleasure of sin (Heb. 11:24-26).
- Many refuse to obey because of a seared conscience (2 Pet. 2:14;
1 Tim. 4:1-3; Heb. 3:7-8). - Many choose sin because they aren’t suffering immediate consequences (Ecc. 8:11).
- Many do not obey because they love the praise of men (John 12:42-23).
- Many reject the gospel because they love sin (John 3:19-22).
Sadly, the majority has always refused to obey God (Matt. 7:13-14). Only eight souls were saved from the flood (1 Pet. 3:20). Not even ten righteous souls could be found in Sodom (Gen. 18:32-33). People refused the words of the prophets (Jer. 6:16-17). Even the Son of God was rejected by the majority (Matt. 11:20-23; 23:37). Sometimes we grow discouraged in our evangelistic efforts because of those who reject the truth, but we shouldn’t. In the face of rejection, continue patiently sow the seed (Luke 8:11; 2 Tim. 2:24-26) and trust God to give the increase (1 Cor. 3:7).