Why do people choose to reject Jesus as their Savior?

from the old testament

• From Genesis onward, humans often chose their own way instead of God’s (Genesis 3; Isaiah 53:6). Our natural inclination is to trust ourselves rather than submit to God.
• The Israelites frequently ignored God’s commands despite His guidance and miracles (Exodus 7-14, Exodus 32; Deuteronomy 9:6-7). This shows that repeated exposure to God’s truth doesn’t guarantee acceptance; pride and stubbornness can block faith.
• People often cling to comfort, power, or wealth instead of obeying God (Psalm 4:2; Ecclesiastes 5:10). Earthly attachments can blind hearts to spiritual truth.
• The Old Testament describes people unable to perceive God’s truth due to spiritual blindness (Isaiah 6:9-10).
• Many followed the ways of surrounding nations rather than God’s commands (Judges 2:11-14). Social and cultural pressures can lead people away from God’s salvation plan.

from the new testament

• Romans 1 indicates that everyone has a chance to recognize God's glory and react rightly to it, but some “by their unrighteousness suppress the truth” (vv. 18-23).
• People reject Jesus because their pride tells them that their good works will save them, but the reality is that only Jesus saves. Paul noted this problem with the Jews who rejected Jesus: “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness” (Romans 10:2-3)..
• Many are also afraid of rejection by their family, friends, and even society if they accept Jesus as their Savior and begin living as He wishes. Some may fear loss of job. In John 12:42-43, some didn’t confess Christ because they cared more about their peers' view of them rather than God's. Jesus indicated that we must be willing to give up even our closest relationships to follow Him (Luke 14:26).
• People often prioritize material possessions over following Jesus. This was the case with the rich man who rejected Jesus because Jesus told him to sell his possessions and follow Him (Matthew 19:16-23).
• Ultimately, people reject Jesus because they love their sin more than they love God’s goodness. Jesus told Nicodemus, “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil” (John 3:19).

implications for today

By accepting Jesus, we are promised forgiveness, restoration with God, and the hope of everlasting life beyond this world. We are also given purpose and fullness of life on this side of eternity as well as gaining a personal relationship with a loving Savior who directs our steps and provides wisdom as we live on this earth. Even amid life’s challenges, we have an anchor for our souls, which transforms every part of our lives. Christ reconciles us to God so that we avoid eternal separation from His goodness and grace.

Even with all these reasons to accept Jesus, people reject Him. The question is straightforward: Who is on the throne of your life? Is it yourself, your friends, some wise man, or the true Son of God—Jesus Christ? God never forces anyone to submit to Him; His invitation is always loving and voluntary. He draws us with grace, presents the truth of His love, and leaves the choice in our hands. True faith is a willing response, not coerced compliance, and God respects the freedom He has given each person to accept or reject His salvation.

Because the stakes are so high, though, the urgency to tell others about Christ should be too. This doesn’t mean everyone must become a full-time missionary. But it does mean that we should take opportunities in our daily life to tell others about Jesus—at work, waiting in the line at the grocery store, in a class at school. Our life as Christians should be to love others by telling them about the only way to eternal life: Christ.