Responses to gospel

The gospel calls for a positive response

Romans 10:5–13 ESV

5 For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

See also Ac 13:38–39; Ac 16:29–32; Ro 3:21–26; Jn 6:41–52; 1 Jn 5:1; 1 Jn 5:5; 1 Jn 5:10–12

The command to accept the gospel

Mt 11:28; Ac 17:30

See also Mt 6:19–24; Mt 7:7–12; Mt 7:24–27; Jn 4:13–14; Jn 6:35–40; Jn 8:31–32; Jn 8:36; Jn 10:9–10; Jn 11:25–26; Jn 12:44–46

Examples of people who accepted the gospel

Mark 1:16–18 ESV

16 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him.

See also Mk 1:19–20; Mt 9:9 Matthew was also known as Levi; Ac 2:41; Ac 11:19–21; Ac 13:46–48; Ac 16:13–15

Rejection of the gospel

Through lack of perception

John 12:37–41 ESV

37 Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him, 38 so that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Lord, who has believed what he heard from us, and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 39 Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said, 40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I would heal them.” 41 Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him.

See also Mt 13:13–15; Is 6:9; Ro 11:8; Eph 4:17–19

Through worldly distractions

Matthew 13:22 ESV

22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.

See also Mt 6:24; 2 Ti 4:10; Jas 4:4; 1 Jn 2:15

Through indifference

Matthew 12:30 ESV

30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

Through hostility to God

Romans 8:6–8 ESV

6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

See also Jn 7:13–20; Jn 10:24–33; Ac 4:15–18; Ac 5:17–28; Ac 7:51–53; Ac 19:8–9; Ac 21:27–32; 1 Th 2:14–16

Warnings against rejecting the gospel

Hebrews 2:1–4 ESV

1 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. 2 For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, 4 while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

See also Mk 8:36–38; Lk 12:5; Lk 12:16–21; Lk 13:22–30; Jn 12:47–50; Heb 6:4–6; Heb 10:29–31; Heb 12:25; 2 Pe 2:17–22

Examples of people who rejected the gospel

Matthew 19:16–22 ESV

16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

See also Ac 5:29–33; Ac 7:51–58; Ac 17:32; Ac 13:44–47; Ac 19:23–28; Ac 24:24–25; Ac 26:24–28

The gospel evokes opposition

Jn 17:14; Ac 17:13

See also Ac 13:8; Ac 17:5–9; 1 Th 2:14–16

The gospel evokes persecution

Ac 8:1–3; 1 Th 3:7

See also Ac 13:49–50; 2 Th 1:4