In the biblical narrative, the theme of rejection and its consequences is a recurring motif that underscores the relationship between God and humanity. Rejection, in this context, often refers to the refusal to accept God's commands, His messengers, or His offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. The consequences of such rejection are depicted throughout Scripture as both immediate and eternal, affecting individuals, communities, and nations.

Old Testament Examples

1. Adam and Eve (Genesis 3): The first instance of rejection is found in the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve disobey God's command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Their rejection of God's command results in the fall of man, introducing sin and death into the world. The immediate consequence is their expulsion from the Garden, symbolizing a broken relationship with God.

2. Israel's Rejection of God (1 Samuel 8:7): When the Israelites demand a king to rule over them, God tells Samuel, "It is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king." This rejection leads to a monarchy that eventually results in division, idolatry, and exile.

3. Prophets Rejected (Jeremiah 7:25-26): The prophets sent by God to call Israel back to righteousness were often rejected. Jeremiah records God's lament: "From the day your fathers came out of Egypt until today, I have sent you all My servants the prophets again and again. But they did not listen to Me or incline their ear, but they stiffened their necks; they did more evil than their fathers."

New Testament Examples

1. Rejection of Jesus (John 1:11): The ultimate rejection is seen in the New Testament with the coming of Jesus Christ. "He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him." This rejection by the Jewish people leads to the crucifixion of Christ, which, paradoxically, becomes the means of salvation for all who believe.

2. Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 21:33-41): Jesus tells a parable about tenants who reject and kill the landowner's son. This parable illustrates the rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders and foretells the destruction that will come upon those who reject God's Son.

3. Consequences for Unbelief (John 3:18): Jesus states, "Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son." The consequence of rejecting Jesus is eternal separation from God.

Eternal Consequences

The Bible consistently teaches that the ultimate consequence of rejecting God and His offer of salvation is eternal separation from Him. This is often depicted as judgment or condemnation. In Matthew 25:41, Jesus speaks of the final judgment, where those who have rejected Him will be told, "Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels."

Hope and Redemption

Despite the severe consequences of rejection, the Bible also offers hope. God's desire is for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). The account of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) illustrates that even those who have rejected God can return and be restored to a right relationship with Him. The father's welcome of the returning son symbolizes God's readiness to forgive and restore those who repent and accept His grace.

In summary, the consequence of rejection in the biblical context is a serious matter with both temporal and eternal implications. However, the overarching narrative of Scripture is one of redemption and the possibility of reconciliation with God through faith in Jesus Christ.