The theme of rejecting God's message is a recurring motif throughout the Bible, illustrating the consequences of disobedience and unbelief. This rejection can be seen in various forms, from the outright denial of God's existence to the refusal to heed His commandments and the messages delivered by His prophets.

Old Testament Instances

1. The Fall of Man: The first instance of rejecting God's message is found in Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve disobey God's command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This act of defiance leads to the fall of humanity and the introduction of sin into the world.

2. The Generation of Noah: In Genesis 6, the wickedness of humanity reaches such a level that God decides to cleanse the earth with a flood. Despite Noah's warnings and the building of the ark, the people reject God's message and continue in their sinful ways, resulting in their destruction.

3. Israel's Rebellion: Throughout the history of Israel, the people repeatedly reject God's commandments and turn to idolatry. In 1 Samuel 8, the Israelites demand a king to rule over them, rejecting God as their sovereign. The prophet Samuel warns them of the consequences, but they persist in their request.

4. Prophetic Warnings: The prophets of the Old Testament, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, often faced rejection as they delivered God's messages of repentance and judgment. Jeremiah 7:25-26 states, "From the time your fathers left Egypt until now, day after day, again and again I sent you My servants the prophets. But they did not listen to Me or incline their ear, but they stiffened their necks and did more evil than their fathers."

New Testament Instances

1. Rejection of Jesus Christ: The ultimate rejection of God's message is seen in the New Testament with the rejection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Despite His teachings, miracles, and fulfillment of prophecy, many of the Jewish leaders and people refused to accept Him as the Messiah. John 1:11 states, "He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him."

2. Parables of Rejection: Jesus often spoke in parables to illustrate the rejection of God's message. In the Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 21:33-46), the tenants reject and kill the landowner's servants and son, symbolizing Israel's rejection of the prophets and Christ.

3. The Apostolic Era: The apostles also faced rejection as they spread the Gospel. In Acts 7, Stephen delivers a powerful sermon recounting Israel's history of rejecting God's messengers, culminating in their rejection of Jesus. His message is met with hostility, and he becomes the first Christian martyr.

4. Warnings in the Epistles: The epistles contain numerous warnings against rejecting God's message. Hebrews 2:1-3 cautions, "We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every transgression and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?"

Consequences of Rejection

The Bible consistently portrays the rejection of God's message as leading to spiritual and often physical consequences. In the Old Testament, Israel's repeated disobedience results in exile and suffering. In the New Testament, the rejection of Christ leads to spiritual death and separation from God. Romans 1:18-20 warns of God's wrath against those who suppress the truth, emphasizing the accountability of all who reject His message.

Call to Acceptance

Despite the theme of rejection, the Bible also offers hope and redemption for those who turn back to God. 2 Chronicles 7:14 promises, "If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land." This call to repentance underscores God's desire for reconciliation and the acceptance of His message.