Originally, the term 'stiff-necked' was used to describe a harnessed ox that refused to change direction. The Bible applies that label to those who stubbornly adhere to an opinion, purpose, or course of action that is contrary to God's revealed truth.
Stephen used the expression when he rebuked the Jews for crucifying their Messiah ... You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered. (Acts 7:51-52)
Today, everyone has an opportunity to have a relationship with God through the redemptive act of His Son ... but most choose to 'stay the course' and continue to serve themselves instead.
There are severe consequences for the 'obstinant' soul ... Because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when His righteous judgment will be revealed. (Romans 2:5)
He is currently showing great patience ... The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
The Holy Spirit continually calls upon man to kneel at the foot of Calvary's cross and acknowledge Christ as Savior. Time and time again God disciplines and prods the unsaved in order to break their stubborn 'self-will' and draw them to Himself.
But according to Scripture, the Lord has a limit ... He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing. (Proverbs 29:1)
God eventually turns them over to the hardness of their hearts and stops pleading.
No comments:
Post a Comment