The term "rejecteth" is an archaic form of the word "rejects," and it is used in various contexts within the Bible to describe the act of refusing, dismissing, or repudiating something or someone. In the biblical narrative, rejection can pertain to the refusal of God's commandments, the rejection of Jesus Christ, or the dismissal of prophetic messages. This entry explores the theological implications and scriptural references associated with the concept of rejection.

Rejection of God's Commandments

Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites are often depicted as rejecting God's commandments and statutes. This rejection is seen as a grave sin, leading to divine judgment and consequences. In 1 Samuel 15:23, the prophet Samuel rebukes King Saul for his disobedience, stating, "For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and arrogance is as wickedness and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king." Here, the rejection of God's word results in the loss of Saul's kingship, illustrating the seriousness of such an act.

Rejection of Jesus Christ

In the New Testament, the rejection of Jesus Christ is a central theme, particularly in the Gospels. Jesus Himself speaks of this rejection in Luke 10:16, saying, "Whoever listens to you listens to Me; whoever rejects you rejects Me; and whoever rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me." This passage underscores the gravity of rejecting Christ, as it equates to rejecting God the Father. The rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders and many of the people of His time is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, as seen in Isaiah 53:3, "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief."

Rejection of Prophetic Messages

The rejection of prophetic messages is another significant aspect of biblical rejection. Prophets in the Old Testament were often met with resistance and hostility. In Jeremiah 6:19, God declares, "Hear, O earth! I am bringing disaster on this people, the fruit of their own schemes, because they have not listened to My words and have rejected My law." The rejection of prophetic warnings leads to dire consequences, emphasizing the importance of heeding God's messengers.

Rejection and Apostasy

In the New Testament epistles, rejection is also associated with apostasy, the falling away from the faith. Hebrews 10:26-27 warns, "If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries." This passage highlights the peril of rejecting the truth of the Gospel after having received it, pointing to the severe spiritual consequences of apostasy.

Rejection and the Believer's Response

For believers, the concept of rejection serves as a cautionary reminder to remain steadfast in faith and obedience. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 4:8, writes, "Therefore, whoever rejects this instruction does not reject man, but God, the very One who gives you His Holy Spirit." This exhortation encourages believers to adhere to apostolic teaching, recognizing that rejection of such instruction is tantamount to rejecting God Himself.

In summary, the biblical concept of "rejecteth" encompasses the refusal of divine commandments, the rejection of Christ and His messengers, and the dangers of apostasy. It serves as a solemn warning to remain faithful and obedient to God's revealed truth.

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke x. 16, "He that Rejecteth You ...
... On the words of the Gospel, Luke x. 16, "He that rejecteth you rejecteth me.". ... On
the words of the Gospel, Luke 10:16, "He that rejecteth you rejecteth me.". ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lii on the words.htm

Mission and Return of the Seventy.
... [For comment on a similar passage, see pp.286, 287.] 16 He that heareth you heareth
me; and he that rejecteth you rejecteth me; and he that rejecteth me ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxxxiii mission and return of.htm

The Mission of the Seventy.
... city. He that heareth you heareth me; and he that rejecteth you rejecteth
me; and he that rejecteth me rejecteth him that sent me.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the mission of the seventy.htm

Human Responsibility
... sent us. he who rejecteth the message rejecteth not what we say, but
rejecteth the message of the everlasting God. The minister ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/human responsibility.htm

Epistle Liv. To Cornelius, Concerning Fortunatus and Felicissimus ...
... have despised me." [2537] And the Lord also in the Gospel says, "He that heareth
you, heareth me, and Him that sent me; and he that rejecteth you, rejecteth me ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle liv to cornelius concerning.htm

The First Stages. Ch. 9:51 to 13:21
... thou shalt be brought down unto Hades.16 He that heareth you heareth me; and he
that rejecteth you rejecteth me; and he that rejecteth me rejecteth him that ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/a the first stages ch.htm

1 Thessalonians iv. 9, 10
... good conduct, both that they may recover even from the preceding admonition, and
from the threat, when he said, "He therefore that rejecteth, rejecteth not man ...
/.../homily vi 1 thessalonians iv.htm

Ephesians iv. 25-27
... an expression of this sort. "He that rejecteth, rejecteth not man, but God."
(1 Thess. iv.8.) So also here. If thou utter a reproachful ...
/.../homily xiv ephesians iv 25-27.htm

1 Thessalonians iv. 3-Jan
... On this account, he has added,. Ver.8. "Therefore he that rejecteth, rejecteth
not man, but God, who giveth His Holy Spirit unto you.". ...
/.../homily v 1 thessalonians iv.htm

sermons on selected lessons of the new testament
... is plenteous," etc. Sermon LII. On the words of the Gospel, Luke x. 16,
"He that rejecteth you rejecteth me.". Sermon LIII. On the ...
/.../augustine/sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/

Rejecteth (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Rejecteth (3 Occurrences). Luke 10:16 He that
heareth you heareth me; and he that rejecteth you rejecteth...
/r/rejecteth.htm - 7k

Giveth (378 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). 1 Thessalonians 4:8 Therefore he that rejecteth, rejecteth not
man, but God, who giveth his Holy Spirit unto you. (ASV). ...
/g/giveth.htm - 35k

Rejecting (9 Occurrences)

/r/rejecting.htm - 8k

Judgeth (37 Occurrences)
... John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth
him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. ...
/j/judgeth.htm - 16k

Receiveth (48 Occurrences)
... John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth
him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. ...
/r/receiveth.htm - 20k

Rejected (96 Occurrences)

/r/rejected.htm - 36k

Spoken (631 Occurrences)
... John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth
him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. ...
/s/spoken.htm - 35k

Spake (704 Occurrences)
... John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my sayings, hath one that judgeth
him: the word that I spake, the same shall judge him in the last day. ...
/s/spake.htm - 33k

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