Topical Encyclopedia The rejection of the Gospel by many is a theme that is woven throughout the Scriptures, with prophetic declarations found in both the Old and New Testaments. This foretelling serves as a sobering reminder of the spiritual resistance that the message of salvation would encounter.Old Testament Prophecies The anticipation of the Gospel's rejection is rooted in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. Isaiah, often referred to as the "Messianic Prophet," provides a poignant depiction of this rejection. In Isaiah 53:3, the suffering servant is described as "despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief." This passage not only foretells the Messiah's own rejection but also the broader dismissal of His message. Psalm 118:22 also alludes to this theme, stating, "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." This verse, later quoted in the New Testament, underscores the paradox of the Messiah's rejection and ultimate exaltation. New Testament Fulfillment The New Testament writers frequently reference these Old Testament prophecies to illustrate the fulfillment of the predicted rejection. Jesus Himself acknowledges this in His teachings. In Matthew 21:42, He cites Psalm 118:22, saying, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: 'The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?" The Apostle John also highlights this theme in his Gospel. John 1:11 states, "He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him." This verse succinctly captures the essence of the rejection that Jesus faced from the very people He came to save. Apostolic Writings The rejection of the Gospel is further elaborated upon in the writings of the apostles. In Acts 13:46, Paul and Barnabas address the Jewish rejection of the Gospel, declaring, "It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles." Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, reflects on Israel's unbelief, stating in Romans 10:16, "But not all of them welcomed the good news. For Isaiah says, 'Lord, who has believed our message?'" This citation of Isaiah 53:1 reinforces the continuity of the prophetic message regarding rejection. Theological Implications The foretelling of the Gospel's rejection serves multiple theological purposes. It underscores the sovereignty of God in salvation history, demonstrating that the rejection was neither unforeseen nor outside His divine plan. It also highlights the persistent hardness of the human heart, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture. Moreover, the rejection of the Gospel by many does not thwart God's redemptive purposes. Instead, it often serves to advance the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles, as seen in the ministry of Paul and the early church. This expansion fulfills the Abrahamic promise that "all nations on earth will be blessed" (Genesis 22:18). Conclusion The rejection of the Gospel, as foretold in Scripture, is a testament to the enduring truth of God's Word. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle that accompanies the proclamation of the Gospel and the steadfastness required of those who bear its message. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 53:1Who has believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 10:15,16 Library Heralds of the Gospel The Gospel of Matthew "The Kingdom of God is at Hand" Salvation to the Jews The Angel of the Everlasting Gospel. The Gospel of Matthew Judas' Betrayal and Peter's Denial Foretold. The Declensions of Christianity, an Argument of Its Truth. . Before Caiaphas Preface. Resources What is the Gospel Coalition? | GotQuestions.orgIs handing out gospel tracts a good evangelism method? | GotQuestions.org What is the gospel? | GotQuestions.org Gospel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Gospel According To the Hebrews Gospel: Called the New Covenant Gospel: Called: Doctrine According to Godliness Gospel: Called: Form of Sound Words Gospel: Called: Glorious Gospel of Christ Gospel: Called: Gospel of Christ Gospel: Called: Gospel of Jesus Christ Gospel: Called: Gospel of Peace Gospel: Called: Gospel of Salvation Gospel: Called: Gospel of the Kingdom Gospel: Called: Ministration of the Spirit Gospel: Called: Mystery of Christ Gospel: Called: Mystery of the Gospel Gospel: Called: Preaching of Jesus Christ Gospel: Called: The Dispensation of the Grace of God Gospel: Called: The Grace of God Gospel: Called: The Kingdom of God Gospel: Called: Word of Christ Gospel: Called: Word of Reconciliation Gospel: Called: Word of Salvation Gospel: Compared to a Householder Gospel: Compared to a Mustard Seed Gospel: Compared to a Pearl of Great Price Gospel: Compared to a Treasure Hidden in a Field Gospel: Compared to Leaven (Yeast) Gospel: Prophecies Relating To Gospel: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Gospel is Called the Dispensation of the Grace of God The Gospel is Called the Doctrine According to Godliness The Gospel is Called the Form of Sound Words The Gospel is Called the Glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ The Gospel is Called the Gospel of Christ The Gospel is Called the Gospel of God The Gospel is Called the Gospel of Peace The Gospel is Called the Gospel of Salvation The Gospel is Called the Gospel of the Grace of God The Gospel is Called the Gospel of the Kingdom The Gospel is Called the Ministration of the Spirit The Gospel is Called the Mystery of the Gospel The Gospel is Called the Preaching of Jesus Christ The Gospel is Called the Word of Christ The Gospel is Called the Word of Faith The Gospel is Called the Word of God The Gospel is Called the Word of Grace The Gospel is Called the Word of Life The Gospel is Called the Word of Reconciliation The Gospel is Called the Word of Salvation The Gospel is Called the Word of Truth The Gospel is Good Tidings of Great Joy for all People The Gospel is Hid to Them That are Lost The Gospel is the Power of God to Salvation The Gospel: Awful Consequences of not Obeying The Gospel: Be Careful not to Hinder The Gospel: Exhibits the Grace of God The Gospel: Let Him Who Preached Another, be Accursed The Gospel: Life and Immortality are Brought to Light by Jesus Through The Gospel: Ministers Have a Stewardship to Preach The Gospel: Preached Beforehand to Abraham The Gospel: Preached by Christ The Gospel: Preached to Every Creature The Gospel: Preached to The Gentiles The Gospel: Preached to The Jews First The Gospel: Preached to The Poor The Gospel: Preached Under the Old Testament The Gospel: Profession of, Attended by Afflictions The Gospel: Promises to Sufferers The Gospel: Rejection of, by Many, Foretold The Gospel: Rejection of, by the Jews, a Means of Blessing to The The Gospel: Saints Have Fellowship In The Gospel: Testifies to the Final Judgment The Gospel: The Knowledge of the Glory of God is By The Gospel: There is Fulness of Blessing In The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Adhere to the Truth of The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Earnestly Contend for the Faith of The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Have Their Conversation Becoming The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Live in Subjection To The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should not be Ashamed of The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Sacrifice Friends and Property For The Gospel: Those Who Receive, should Sacrifice Life Itself For Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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