Jennifer Rothnie Supporter Housewife, Artist, Perpetually Curious

Christians have all come to believe and trust that Christ is the Savior who came to take away our sin, and that He died and rose again. We believe that God will one day Resurrect us into new, spiritual bodies, and we will live forever in the Kingdom of God. But why did we receive the gospel in faith, while so many others in the world reject the gospel when they hear it?

This isn’t the sort of question that has a single answer. There's no specific merit or genetic trait that some people have and others don’t. There's no intrinsic or extrinsic factor making some believe.

There are many potential reasons someone might accept or reject Christ. Humans have the complex, God-given ability to evaluate information that doesn’t have ‘concrete’ proof – such as the existence of germs or whether or not we believe someone else is telling the truth. But each individual human has their own experiences and biases that affect their analysis or priority of any new information or how much trust they might put in someone’s testimony. Some prioritize trust, or feeling, or reason, or evidence. And this isn’t as simple as someone being ‘more trusting’ or ‘more rational’ being more likely to believe, since those who are more trusting may put trust in the wrong things, and the wisdom of the world finds the gospel ‘foolishness’ (I Cor 3:18-20, I Cor 1:23.) 

There are many things within and without us that may distort or resist an honest evaluation of the gospel: imagination, arrogance, rebellion, distraction, worldliness, errant education, false teaching, hurt, etc.

Countless factors might feed into someone putting faith in Christ or rejecting Him. There can be a lot of crossover, and no one factor is a guarantee of someone’s acceptance or rejecting of the gospel.

Here are just a few potential factors for some accepting or rejecting Christ, the gospel, and/or God’s word:

Rejection:

1) Refusal to be persuaded (Rom 10:21, Rom 2:8, Acts 19:9, Jer 9:5-6, II Thess 2:10-11, Rom 1:21-22) Some specifically refuse to be persuaded by the gospel. Some motives scripture gives for this are self-interest, obstinance, self-deception, and hardened hearts.

2) Contradicting; that is, those who argue against the gospel because they hope to thwart it. Those who are argumentative have started with their conclusion, don’t want to consider they might be wrong, and want to keep others from concluding differently. (Rom 10:21, Acts 13:25, Acts 19:8, II Cor 5:10) Pride and jealousy can be motives.

3) Neglect; not giving thoughts of salvation a high priority (Heb 2:1-4, Matt 22:5, Psa 14:1)

This can happen when someone doesn’t view spiritual matters as significant, whether due to apathy or deliberately dismissing the metaphysical. 

4) Stubbornness (Isa 46:12, Ezek 2:4) 

5) Self-righteousness (Matt 9:11-12, Jer 8:21-22, Lk 10:29, Rom 10:3)

6) Wanting more and more ‘signs’ as proof (I Cor 1:23, Matt 11:20-22, Jn 6:26-27)

7) Love of sin (Jn 3:19, Prov 2:13-4, Prov 8:36, I Jn 2:15-17. II Thess 2:10-12)

8) Fear of exposure of sin (Jn 3:20, Job 24:15-17)

9) Delusion (Isa 44:19-20, Rom 1:25, II Tim 3:13)

10) No opportunity (Rom 10:14) 

11) Think they are a child of God but don’t truly follow God (John 10)

12) Don’t believe testimony of Moses or scripture (Jn 5:46-47, Lk 16:29-31)

13) Try to achieve salvation by works/merit (Col 2:22-23, Gal 5:4, Gal 3:11, Rom 3:10-28)

14) Seeks glory from man, not God (Jn 5:44)

Acceptance:

1) A noble and generous heart (Luke 8:15, Acts 17:11) This is not a ‘sinless’ heart, but one prepared for salvation and ready ready to embrace the word and keep it

2) Trusting as a child (Mk 10:14)

3) Waiting for salvation (Luke 2:25, Acts 13:26-48)

4) Believe testimony (Jn 10:42, II Thess 1:10)

5) Study scriptures (II Tim 3:15, Acts 17:11, Jn 20:31) 

6) Humility (Matt 23:12, James 4:10, Psa 25:8-10)

November 07 2019 • 7 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Ben Jones Supporter Retired Professional Photographer

Actually there is a very simple answer. All of mankind are sinners so we are all bound for Hell. God in His infinite wisdom decided before the foundation of the world to save a certain number of people who He calls the elect. The elect and only the elect hear His voice and respond to His call. Those that He did not predestine to salvation will follow the normal course of mankind and they will perish. 

This is neither unfair nor unmerciful. Romans 9:15-16 “I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose. So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it."
Romans 9:18 "So you see, God chooses to show mercy to some, and he chooses to harden the hearts of others so they refuse to listen."

God is the One that chooses those that He will adopt into His family and God is the One who decides who will receive His salvation or not. 

We are not the ones who choose to follow God. We are all depraved sinners, and the fall completely destroyed our inner goodness, it didn't just "taint" it.

November 07 2019 • 15 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Shirley Johnson Supporter

From observing people that I know and have witnessed to (many times over) I have come to the conclusion that a person who has heard the good news of salvation and still rejects it, is because that person WANTS to continue in his/her sin. Inside of their heart they know that they will be accountable, so if they just push it away or reject it, they can continue in their unbelief and sin and nothing will matter. So they choose darkness over light and they think they can control their own destiny without Jesus.

November 13 2019 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Bob Johnson Supporter Layperson. Self Educated Theologically - see full bio

This is like my question of "Why does one brother, a twin, accept Jesus, but the other does not? Raised in the same home, same education, same resources, same personality (mostly), same parents, same preaching and teaching, same everything.

The answer is like what God said of Jacob and Esau: Before the brothers were yet born and did not even have the chance to do good or bad: "Jacob I loved, and Esau I hated."

God chooses those that are His (Romans 8:29-30; John 6:37-40; John 8:43; John 10:26-27; Acts 13:48; John 15:16, etc)

November 13 2019 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

James Kraft Supporter 74 year old retired pipeline worker

People either believe God or not. First Corinthians 1:21 We can only preach the gospel, First Corinthians 15:1-4. We can not save anyone. 

Christ died for the sins of the whole world. First John 2:2. And it is Gods will that everyone believe it and be saved. First Timothy 2:4. 

But people have to realize they are sinners on their way to a literal burning hell to know they need a savior. 

Some people get it and some don't. Romans 1:16. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone the believeth, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 

John 3:16-18. We believers believe it, because Jesus said it, and that settles it. John 6:40, John 6:29. John 6:47. God can not lie. John 6:24.

First John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that ye may KNOW YE HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. God wants us to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He gives us eternal life by faith alone in His finished work on the cross alone. 

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the GIFT of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. The GIFT of God is eternal life. All we have to do is believe it and receive the free gift. 

If you have eternal life today, you will still have it 1,000 years from now because it is eternal and it is a free gift by faith in Jesu alone. Romans 4:5-8. You can not boast in free, and no one can earn heaven. Romans 11:6. Our best works could never pay our sin debt. Jesus paid the debt and set us free.

July 17 2021 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

Why do some welcome the gospel in faith while others do not?

Some people welcome the gospel because their hearts are open and ready to hear God's message. They feel a need for help, hope, forgiveness, and direction, so when they hear about Jesus, something inside them responds. They sense truth, love, and peace, and they want what God is offering. The Holy Spirit also works quietly inside them, helping them understand, softening their thoughts, and guiding them toward faith.

Others do not accept the gospel because their hearts are not ready. Some feel afraid of change, some do not want to give up certain habits, and some struggle with pride or hurt that makes trusting God difficult. 

Many people are distracted by life, worries, or other beliefs, so they do not stop long enough to listen. Sometimes people have been disappointed or confused before, and this makes them close themselves off from anything spiritual.

Faith grows when a person is willing to listen, willing to learn, and willing to let God speak. Rejection happens when someone refuses to open their heart or when fear, doubt, or stubbornness stand in the way. God invites everyone, but each person chooses whether to respond.

Jesus gave the parable of the "Sower", which explains in detail the answer to this question:

Read - Matthew 13: 18-23:

The Parable of the Sower Explained and Fine Soil

Jesus describes four kinds of soil to show how different people respond to God's message.

The path represents someone who hears the gospel but does not take it in. The truth never sinks into the heart, and the enemy quickly removes it before it can have any effect.

The rocky ground represents a person who listens with excitement at first but has no depth. When life becomes difficult, or faith requires commitment, their interest fades because the message never grew strong roots.

The thorny soil represents someone who hears God's word but lets worries, money, and everyday pressures crowd it out. Their attention is divided, so spiritual growth never develops.

The good soil represents a person who listens carefully, understands the message, and allows it to shape their life. Their faith becomes steady, fruitful, and productive because their heart is open and willing.

Summary of the Parable of The Sower and Fine Soil

The parable presents a single input — the word of God — distributed across four distinct human conditions, represented as soil types. Each soil type produces a measurable response, allowing classification of spiritual receptivity.

Soil Type Classification and Behaviour

The Path (Non‑Retentive Surface)

Represents individuals who hear the message but do not internalise it. The word remains exposed, enabling immediate removal by external influences. No engagement, retention, or growth occur.

The Rocky Ground (Low‑Depth Substrate)

Symbolises people who respond positively at first but lack internal stability. You show initial enthusiasm, but the lack of depth limits endurance. When pressure, difficulty, or opposition arises, the message fails due to insufficient root development.

The Thorn‑Infested Soil (High‑Interference Environment)
Depicts listeners whose reception is obstructed by competing priorities. Worry, wealth, and life pressures act as system contaminants, restricting growth. The message is present but cannot mature because external demands dominate internal capacity.

The Good Soil (Optimal Growth Medium)

Represents individuals who hear, understand, and apply the message. Conditions support full development, resulting in measurable spiritual productivity. This group demonstrates sustained growth and produces outcomes of varying magnitude (thirty, sixty, or one hundredfold).

The parable shows that the gospel produces results only when a person's heart is prepared to receive, understand, and apply God's message.

5 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

kyle alfriend Supporter Business owner.

I wonder if we're asking the wrong question.

Is it always God that people reject? Or is it sometimes our presentation of God?

I've heard the gospel presented in ways that were deeply attractive—centered on love, grace, hope, and transformation. I've also heard it presented with certainty, arrogance, fear, and the message that anyone who disagrees must simply love sin, hate God, or be too proud to accept the truth.

I don't think that's a fair description of most people.

Most people I've met are sincerely trying to make sense of life. They may reach different conclusions, but that doesn't mean they're dishonest or secretly in love with evil. Often they're responding to the way Christianity has been presented to them.

People naturally resist arrogance. They don't usually reject humility, compassion, or genuine love.

Jesus was the wisest person who ever lived, yet he rarely approached people with superiority. He asked questions. He listened. He ate with sinners. He showed compassion before condemnation. He reserved his strongest words not for unbelievers, but for religious leaders who were convinced they already had everything figured out.

I sometimes wonder whether people are rejecting Christ—or rejecting a version of Christianity that is more interested in winning arguments than loving people.

Sadly, many Christians are known more for what they oppose than for what they love.

If we assume that everyone who disagrees with us does so because they love sin or hate God, we may be bearing false witness about our neighbors.

And if we assume that everything we love is what God loves, and everything we reject is what God rejects, perhaps we should ask whether we've begun creating God in our own image rather than allowing Him to remake us in His.

Maybe the gospel is most convincing not when we prove we're right, but when people encounter the love, humility, and grace that they first saw in Jesus.

5 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Ainsley Chalmers Supporter

People are confused by the numerous claims to truth that different religions believe they have. Christianity is different in that it isn’t based solely on good deeds but on the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, the God-Man, for the redemption of our sins. Christ was an historical figure and proved He is God through His mighty miracles and being raised from the dead. All other so-called gods are hypothetical, man-made concoctions. Buddha was a person but certainly no god.

Well, man basically doesn’t want to believe in Jesus Christ, the one true God, because he has a sin nature. It’s only when they come to Christ that the Holy Spirit changes their hearts and minds to know that Christ is the only way, truth, and life (John 14:6). Basically, the unredeemed man enjoys his sin life, his free choice. But God never gives up on him because what’s impossible with man is possible with God (Luke18:27).

4 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Bob Johnson Supporter Layperson. Self Educated Theologically - see full bio

Our presentation of God and the Gospel persuades no one. That's the beauty of the Holy Spirit's inner call on the human heart shredding all resistance and breaking past our failed will so that we willingly accept him. The Bible is clear that we are His children "born not of natural descent, NOR OF HUMAN DECISION or a husband’s will, but born of God."

Jesus Himself said, "You do not believe because you are not my sheep". You have to be His Chosen, His Sheep in order to then believe. He did NOT say "You are not His sheep because you do not believe."

The Bible says: "The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and CANNOT understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit." 

Do you get it? The natural person CANNOT understand. They CANNOT make a decision based on the persuasion of the person sharing the Gospel. God, as quoted above, saves us. We do not decide to be saved - it is all "OF GOD." We do our part, and the Spirit moves the person. 

When the Bible says, "'No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day," it means that no one is ABLE to come unless they are "drawn". What does "draw" mean? It's the same word used (in Greek) when Paul and Silas were taken and put in the courtyard by the authorities to make their case. They were not persuaded to come out. "To draw" means to be taken, not persuaded. We don't go to a well to draw water by saying, "Here water, water, please come up to me. Please, it would be good for you to come out of that dank, dark hole...." No. You send a bucket down for it, and draw it up. It is the same when you draw a plow across a field. You don't entice it to come. You effectively make it come. When a person was "drawn and quartered" in the olden days, you can be sure they were not enticed into it.

Jesus said: "All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day." People are GIVEN to Jesus, by the Father. They do not come to Jesus of their own accord. We have seen above that they will not, and cannot. Additionally, Jesus said that those same people will not be lost and that they will be raised at the last day. It is not a maybe - if they come. It is a certainty because they will come to Him.

So if you are an evangelist, you don't have to worry about being perfect or persuasive. The Spirit guarantees that those appointed to come will come. The Bible says: "All who were appointed for eternal life believed.” 

In Acts 13:48, that phrase refers to people whose hearts and lives were prepared or set apart by God to receive the Gospel message and trust in Jesus Christ. The harvest is there. God has prepared it. You don't have to. Some plant, some water, some reap when God moves people to come.

2 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report