The Bible, as the inspired Word of God, serves as the ultimate authority and guide for believers. Ignoring its teachings and commands can lead to spiritual, moral, and even physical consequences. Throughout Scripture, numerous examples illustrate the cost of disregarding God's Word, emphasizing the importance of obedience and reverence.

Old Testament Examples

1. Adam and Eve (Genesis 3): The first instance of ignoring God's command is found in the Garden of Eden. God explicitly instructed Adam not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:17). However, both Adam and Eve chose to disobey, resulting in the fall of humanity, the introduction of sin into the world, and the subsequent curse upon creation (Genesis 3:16-19).

2. The Israelites in the Wilderness (Numbers 14): After God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, they repeatedly ignored His commands and grumbled against Him. When they refused to enter the Promised Land due to fear and disbelief, God declared that the entire generation, except for Joshua and Caleb, would die in the wilderness (Numbers 14:29-30). Their disobedience cost them the opportunity to enter the land flowing with milk and honey.

3. King Saul (1 Samuel 15): Saul, the first king of Israel, was commanded by God to completely destroy the Amalekites and all they possessed. However, Saul spared King Agag and the best of the livestock, disobeying God's clear instructions. As a result, God rejected Saul as king, stating, "Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king" (1 Samuel 15:23).

New Testament Warnings

1. The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders (Matthew 7:24-27): Jesus illustrates the importance of hearing and acting upon His words. The wise builder, who hears and obeys, builds his house on the rock, withstanding storms. In contrast, the foolish builder, who ignores Jesus' teachings, builds on sand, leading to destruction. This parable underscores the peril of ignoring Christ's words.

2. The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31): In this parable, the rich man lives a life of luxury, ignoring the needs of the poor and the teachings of Scripture. Upon death, he finds himself in torment, while Lazarus, the poor man, is comforted in Abraham's bosom. The rich man's plea for his brothers to be warned is met with the response that they have "Moses and the Prophets" to guide them (Luke 16:29), highlighting the sufficiency and necessity of God's Word.

3. Hebrews 2:1-3: The author of Hebrews warns believers to pay careful attention to what they have heard, lest they drift away. Ignoring such a great salvation, first announced by the Lord and confirmed by those who heard Him, results in dire consequences. The rhetorical question posed—"how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?" (Hebrews 2:3)—serves as a sobering reminder of the cost of neglect.

Consequences of Ignoring God's Word

Ignoring God's Word leads to spiritual blindness, moral decay, and separation from God. Proverbs 29:18 states, "Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law." The absence of divine guidance results in chaos and lawlessness. Furthermore, Romans 1:18-32 describes the downward spiral of those who suppress the truth, exchanging God's truth for lies, leading to a depraved mind and destructive behaviors.

Call to Obedience

The Bible consistently calls believers to heed God's Word, promising blessings for obedience and warning of the consequences of neglect. James 1:22 exhorts, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." The cost of ignoring God's Word is evident throughout Scripture, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of living according to His divine revelation.