Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the concept of "refuses" can be understood as the act of rejecting, declining, or not accepting something that is offered or commanded. This term appears in various contexts throughout Scripture, often highlighting themes of obedience, rebellion, and the consequences of rejecting God's will or commands.Old Testament References 1. Pharaoh's Refusal: One of the most notable examples of refusal in the Old Testament is Pharaoh's repeated refusal to let the Israelites go, despite the plagues sent by God through Moses. In Exodus 7:14, the Lord says to Moses, "Pharaoh’s heart is unyielding; he refuses to let the people go." This refusal leads to a series of divine judgments upon Egypt, demonstrating the consequences of hardening one's heart against God's commands. 2. Israel's Rebellion: The Israelites themselves are often depicted as refusing to obey God's laws and commands. In Deuteronomy 9:23, Moses recounts, "And when the LORD sent you out from Kadesh-barnea, He said, 'Go up and possess the land that I have given you.' But you rebelled against the command of the LORD your God. You neither believed Him nor obeyed Him." This refusal to trust and obey God resulted in their prolonged wandering in the wilderness. 3. Wisdom's Call: In the wisdom literature, refusal is often associated with rejecting divine wisdom. Proverbs 1:24-25 states, "Because you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand, because you neglected all my counsel and wanted none of my correction." Here, refusal is linked to ignoring the guidance and correction that leads to life and understanding. New Testament References 1. The Rich Young Ruler: In the New Testament, refusal is illustrated in the account of the rich young ruler who, when invited by Jesus to sell his possessions and follow Him, refuses to do so. Mark 10:21-22 records, "Jesus looked at him, loved him, and said, 'One thing you lack: Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.' But the man was saddened by these words and went away in sorrow, because he had great wealth." This refusal highlights the challenge of prioritizing earthly possessions over spiritual commitment. 2. Rejection of the Gospel: The New Testament also addresses the refusal to accept the gospel message. In Acts 13:46, Paul and Barnabas speak boldly, saying, "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." This refusal by some of the Jewish audience to accept the message of salvation through Christ opened the door for the gospel to be preached to the Gentiles. 3. Warnings Against Apostasy: Hebrews 12:25 warns believers, "See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape when they refused Him who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape if we turn away from Him who warns us from heaven?" This passage underscores the seriousness of refusing God's voice and the greater accountability under the new covenant. Theological Implications The act of refusing, particularly in relation to God's commands and invitations, is a significant theme in Scripture. It often serves as a warning against the dangers of disobedience and unbelief. Refusal can lead to spiritual hardening, missed opportunities for blessing, and divine judgment. Conversely, the Bible encourages acceptance, obedience, and submission to God's will as pathways to life, blessing, and eternal fellowship with Him. Greek 3878. parakouo -- to overhear, to hear amiss, to take no heed ... I disobey, disregard. Cognate: 3878 -- properly, to hear in a (flawed) way, ie is and refuses to sound counsel. Word Origin from ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3878.htm - 7k 571. apistos -- incredible, unbelieving Strong's Hebrew 3985. maen -- to refuse... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to refuse NASB Word Usage absolutely refuses (1), refuse (8), refused (26), refuses (4), refusing (2). refuse, utterly. ... /hebrew/3985.htm - 5k 2310. chadel -- forbearing, lacking Library Polycarp Refuses to Revile Christ. Faustus Claims to Believe the Gospel, yet Refuses to Accept the ... Christ Refuses to Interfere in Civil Disputes. (Luke, xii. , 13-15 ... Simon Refuses Peace. Peter Refuses to Discuss Certain Questions in Regard to the Devil. Topic vii. If any one Affirms that Christ is Saved, and Refuses to ... The Delusion of the Deist Lies Here: He Refuses an Assent to the ... Synod of Antioch; Unjust Deposition of Eustathius; Euphronius ... Coelestius, on his Trial at Carthage, Refuses to Condemn his Error ... Whether the Believer who Leaves his Unbelieving Wife Can Take ... Thesaurus Refuses (21 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Refuses (21 Occurrences). ... (WEY). Matthew 18:17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. ... /r/refuses.htm - 12k Refuse (103 Occurrences) Gentile (24 Occurrences) Tax-gatherer (7 Occurrences) Treat (53 Occurrences) Regard (230 Occurrences) Pagan (7 Occurrences) Balak (42 Occurrences) Correction (26 Occurrences) Collector (8 Occurrences) Resources What should a believer do if his or her spouse chooses to live a transgender lifestyle? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is excommunication in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Abigail in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Refuses (21 Occurrences)Matthew 10:14 Matthew 18:17 Acts 3:23 2 Thessalonians 3:14 1 Timothy 6:3 3 John 1:9 3 John 1:10 Revelation 2:21 Exodus 7:14 Exodus 22:17 Numbers 22:13 Numbers 22:14 Deuteronomy 25:7 Job 6:7 Psalms 77:2 Proverbs 11:15 Proverbs 13:18 Proverbs 15:32 Jeremiah 15:18 Jeremiah 31:15 Ezekiel 3:27 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |