Rejecting or speaking against the truth of Scripture is treated with utmost seriousness throughout the Bible. Both the Old and New Testaments warn that those who spread falsehood, distort God’s Word, or lead others astray will face severe judgment from God. This post explores what the Bible says about these consequences—both in this life and in the life to come.
Old Testament Warnings and Judgments
In the Old Testament, God’s law condemned false prophets and anyone who rebelled against His revealed truth. The penalty was often death.
“But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak… even that prophet shall die.” (Deuteronomy 18:20)
False prophets were to be removed from the community because they led people into spiritual ruin (Deuteronomy 13:5). God also rebuked lying prophets through Jeremiah and Ezekiel, promising to cut them off from His people (Jeremiah 14:14, Ezekiel 13:9).
New Testament Warnings Against False Teaching
Jesus, Paul, Peter, and others in the New Testament also gave sobering warnings:
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Jesus said, “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Matthew 7:19)
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Paul declared, “If anyone preaches another gospel… let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8–9)
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Peter warned that false teachers “bring upon themselves swift destruction.” (2 Peter 2:1–3)
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Jude described their end as “the blackest darkness… reserved forever.” (Jude 13)
These verses make it abundantly clear: those who knowingly distort the truth of the gospel face divine judgment.
Spiritual Consequences in This Life
Rejecting the truth of Scripture leads to serious spiritual consequences even now:
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Separation from God’s people (Ezekiel 13:9)
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Spiritual deception and delusion (2 Thessalonians 2:10–11)
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Discipline or judgment in the church (1 Timothy 1:19–20)
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Greater condemnation for false teachers (James 3:1)
“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin… it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck.” (Matthew 18:6)
Eternal Consequences After Death
The most serious warnings in Scripture are about eternity:
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“The wrath of God remains on him.” (John 3:36)
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“Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.” (Matthew 7:23)
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“They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction.” (2 Thessalonians 1:8–9)
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“The lake of fire… is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8)
Rejecting God’s truth means rejecting Christ Himself, who is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). This leads not to life, but to eternal separation from God’s presence.
Final Warnings and the Call to Truth
The Bible ends with a serious warning:
“If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues… and if anyone takes away… God will take away his part from the Book of Life.” (Revelation 22:18–19)
To deny the truth of Scripture, especially the truth about Jesus Christ, is to place oneself under God’s judgment. Hebrews 10:31 says:
“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
Conclusion: Stand Firm in the Truth
The Bible’s message is clear:
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Embracing God’s truth leads to life
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Rejecting or corrupting it leads to judgment and death
We are called to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3), to love the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10), and to teach it faithfully.
If you’ve read this far, consider it a call not just to know the truth—but to stand firm in it, teach it, and guard it with your life.
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