1 Corinthians 2:14
Popular Bible Verse Series
The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. – 1 Corinthians 2:14
Christians often wonder why some people accept the Gospel while others reject it. Two theological perspectives, Calvinism and Arminianism, offer different explanations. Calvinism attributes acceptance or rejection to God’s election, while Arminianism emphasizes human free will. This post, however, explores the question without delving into these theological debates.
In my decades of sharing the Gospel, I’ve used various approaches with diverse groups, including highly educated individuals. When engaging with intellectuals, I’ve employed apologetics, highlighting that many brilliant minds, such as world-class scientists, are Christians. I’ve also recommended books like Can a Smart Person Believe in God? by Michael Guillen, a Harvard-trained science reporter. Guillen argues compellingly that faith in God does not diminish intellectual credibility. Yet, despite these efforts, I have not succeeded in leading many of these individuals to faith.
This pattern isn’t limited to intellectuals. People from all backgrounds respond to the Gospel differently, whether they accept or reject it. The Apostle Paul provides insight into this in 1 Corinthians 2:14: “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”
Paul explains that those without the Holy Spirit—“natural” people—cannot grasp spiritual truths, including the Gospel, regardless of their intelligence. He reinforces this in 1 Corinthians 12:3, stating, “No one can say ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.” Only through the Spirit’s work can someone confess Jesus as Lord and Savior, aligning with the doctrine of salvation by grace alone.
While Christians can share the Gospel through personal testimonies, apologetics, or rational arguments, these methods alone are not enough. The most critical step is to pray for the Holy Spirit to move in the hearts and minds of unbelievers, preparing them to receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ.