In order to fully understand the consequences of rejecting Jesus, we must first understand who He is. According to the Bible, Jesus is the Son of God who came to earth as a man to save us from our sins. He lived a sinless life, performed miracles, and taught about God’s love and grace.
But Jesus is not just a historical figure or a religious teacher. He is also God in the flesh. This means that He is both fully human and fully divine. The Bible teaches that Jesus is the second person of the Trinity, and that He is equal with God the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Understanding the person of Jesus is essential to understanding the consequences of rejecting Him. When we reject Jesus, we are not just rejecting a religious teacher or a good moral example. We are rejecting God Himself. We are rejecting the one who created us, who loves us, and who wants to save us from our sins.
Furthermore, when we reject Jesus, we are rejecting the only means of salvation. Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). There is no other way to be saved except through faith in Jesus.
There are still some individuals who question the identity of Jesus. Some do so out of a genuine desire to establish a deeper connection with the Lord, while others knowingly reject His presence. These questions about Jesus’ identity have been debated for centuries, with various interpretations and beliefs arising from different religious and cultural backgrounds.
The diverse perspectives reflect the complexity of understanding a figure who has had such a profound impact on history and continues to inspire millions around the world. However, ignorance is not a good enough reason to refuse the person of Jesus because His teachings and example have influenced countless individuals to live lives of compassion, love, and forgiveness.
Furthermore, exploring the life and teachings of Jesus can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and the purpose of existence. Not being aware is not a valid reason for not following Christ. In Acts 17:30–31, we read, “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.”
This means that God doesn’t tolerate ignorance and calls for repentance from all individuals. Furthermore, it emphasizes the belief in a future judgment where God will evaluate the world based on righteousness, with Jesus as the appointed judge. This passage “Acts 17:30–31” provides assurance to all people that Jesus’ resurrection serves as evidence of these teachings.
God has designated Jesus as the man who will judge the world, and it is He who was raised from the dead. It makes sense why the Bible states, Psalm 16:10: “For you will not leave my soul in Sheol, neither will you allow your holy one to see corruption.” This was a word of prophecy that came to us even before Jesus walked the earth. And God proved it by raising Him from the dead.
None of us can say that we are unaware of Jesus because everything around us is a manifestation of God’s glory. This was the same God that walked the earth in flesh and blood to save us from our sins, which the world still talks about to this day. In John 1:14 we read, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
Again, in Acts 4:12, the scriptures say, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” This verse emphasizes the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus and highlights the significance of His resurrection. It reminds us that there is no alternative path to eternal life apart from accepting Jesus as our Savior.
Contrast the above passage with John 14:1–6, we see the scriptures reinforcing that the identity of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. In John 14:1-6, Jesus explicitly declares himself as “the way, the truth, and the life” and emphasizes that no one can come to God except through him. This passage highlights the exclusivity of Jesus’ role in salvation and underscores the belief that acknowledging his identity is crucial for eternal life. The scriptures consistently emphasize Jesus’ divinity and his unique position as the savior of humanity, providing a clear contrast to other religious beliefs that may diminish the importance of his identity and role.
By emphasizing his divine nature and exclusive role in salvation, Christianity sets itself apart from other religions that may have alternative views on the central figure of their faith. It is through this unique understanding of Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life that Christians find hope and assurance for eternal salvation. Acknowledging Jesus’ identity and placing faith in Him is, therefore, a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, enabling believers to experience abundant life and receive the promises of God’s grace and salvation.
No one by themselves knows the way to God or has what it takes to inherit eternal life. It is only in Jesus, who is the embodiment of truth and life, that we can find the path to God and receive eternal life. Jesus’ resurrection serves as a powerful testament to His divinity and the fulfillment of the prophecy regarding corruption.
The world likes to talk about the consequences of refusing Jesus, but we fail to remember that God is love. His love abounds for all of us, and God is patiently waiting for you to accept His love and embrace His forgiveness. It is through Jesus that we can experience true joy, peace, and purpose in life. Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back from experiencing the unconditional love that God offers.
Still, “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19). It is important to remember that while God offers forgiveness and love, he also holds us accountable for our actions. It is crucial to strive for obedience and righteousness in order to fully experience the blessings and promises of God.
Finally, the consequences of rejecting Jesus are clearly outlined in the Bible book of Matthew 25:31–46, which teaches that those who reject Him will face eternal separation from God and suffer the consequences of their sins. It emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life and warns against the grave repercussions of turning away from Him.
In summary, understanding the person of Jesus is essential to understanding the consequences of rejecting Him. When we reject Jesus, we are rejecting God Himself and the only means of salvation.
I hope you find this lesson on the Intersection of divinity and humanity helpful because it is God who created us in His image and likeness. Understanding the intersection of divinity and humanity allows us to grasp the depth of our purpose and the potential for spiritual growth.
May we go on to serve God faithfully, living without fear but believing that God is working in us to live lives that are fulfilling and purposeful. As we trust in His guidance, we can strive to make a positive impact on others, spreading love and compassion in all that we do.
If you haven’t yet made peace with God but want to, I invite you to pray this salvation prayer. After you’re saved, I encourage you to seek out a community of believers who can support and guide you in your spiritual journey. Surrounding yourself with fellow Christians can provide a strong foundation for your faith and help you grow closer to God. Additionally, don’t hesitate to reach out to a pastor or spiritual mentor who can provide guidance and answer any questions you may have along the way. Remember, building a relationship with God is a lifelong journey, and having the support of others can make it even more meaningful.
