Why do not all people embrace or believe in Christ? If God is the creator of heaven and earth, why does not everyone worship Him? These thought-provoking questions often arise in the minds of many teenagers and young adults.
If you feel comfortable using the Bible, be ready to refer to it as we explore this topic.
In the biblical text of Daniel 7:14 and various other scriptures, e.g., Revelation 7:9-10, Psalm 86:9-10, Philippians 2:10-11, Romans 14:11, Isaiah 66:23, Psalm 22:27-28, Matthew 24:14, a powerful declaration is made:
“All peoples, nations, and languages should serve him.”
This statement highlights the ultimate sovereignty and authority of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, over all of creation, suggesting a divine plan where everyone would recognize his supremacy.
Yet, the reality we observe today is one of remarkable diversity in religious beliefs, numerous faith systems, and, in some cases, outright rejection of Christ. This phenomenon can be understood through a multitude of perspectives. Each viewpoint sheds light on the complexities of faith, spirituality, and human experience, revealing why many individuals and cultures choose different paths in their search for meaning and truth:
1. Free Will and Human Choice
God’s Gift of Free Will
God created humans with the ability to choose, including the freedom to accept or reject Him (Deuteronomy 30:19). This freedom is essential for genuine love and worship but also accommodates rebellion, leading to the rise of alternative beliefs, religions, and even opposition to God.
Not All Submit Yet
While Christ’s sovereignty is already established in a spiritual sense, not all people willingly recognize or submit to His authority in the present age. This reflects the tension between God’s kingdom being “already here” but “not yet fully realized.”
2. The Already and Not Yet of God’s Kingdom
Partial Fulfillment Now
Christ’s first coming inaugurated God’s kingdom (Luke 17:21). Believers who submit to Jesus serve Him as King now, forming a spiritual kingdom that grows as people come to faith through the gospel.
Future Fulfillment
The ultimate fulfillment of Daniel 7:14 will occur at the end of time when Christ returns to fully establish His kingdom. At that point, “every knee will bow…and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:10-11). This will be a universal acknowledgment of His authority, whether out of worship or compulsion.
Compelled Acknowledgment
For those who have rejected Christ, their bowing will not come from worship but from the undeniable recognition of His supreme authority. Even His enemies—human or spiritual—will have no choice but to acknowledge His lordship. However, this acknowledgment will not save them; it will mark their defeat and separation from God’s kingdom (Matthew 25:31-46).
3. The Influence of Sin and Deception
Spiritual Opposition
The Bible teaches that Satan actively works to deceive people and turn them away from God (2 Corinthians 4:4, 1 Peter 5:8). This spiritual opposition has contributed to the rise of false religions, ideologies, and practices that reject or distort God’s truth.
Human Rebellion
Humanity’s sinful nature also leads people to create their own systems of belief that align with their desires rather than God’s will (Romans 1:21-23). These include atheism, paganism, and other practices contrary to God’s revelation.
4. God’s Patience and Redemptive Plan
A Time of Grace
The current diversity of beliefs reflects God’s patience, as He allows time for people to turn to Him (2 Peter 3:9). The Church’s mission during this period is to share the gospel so that more people may come to know and serve Christ willingly but prioritizing dented gospel material wealth.
A Global Call
The prophecies and Jesus Himself remind believers of the ultimate goal: to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). The presence of non-Christian beliefs underscores the urgency of this mission.
5. Judgment and Final Restoration
Ultimate Victory of Christ
The existence of opposing religions and beliefs does not negate Christ’s sovereignty. Instead, it highlights the ongoing spiritual battle that will ultimately end with Jesus’ complete victory. Revelation 11:15 declares, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.”
Eternal Accountability
In the end, everyone will recognize Christ’s authority in joy or judgment (Revelation 20:11-15). Those who reject Him will face eternal separation from God, while those who believe will reign with Him in His eternal kingdom (Revelation 21:1-4).
6. Not Faith but Tangible and Instant
Individuals often lean towards beliefs grounded in tangible experiences—what they can see, touch, or interact with immediately, regardless of the price they must pay for such beliefs. This deep-seated reliance on the physical world makes it challenging for many to embrace the concept of faith in Christ, as it requires a leap into the unseen and the intangible.
In today’s world, people are used to instant gratification and tangible results. We want things to happen quickly and to be able to see the outcome right away. This mindset can make it difficult for people to believe in Christ, who is invisible and intangible but doesn’t mean He can’t respond quickly.
Faith is About Trusting in What We Can’t See
The Bible reminds us that faith is about trusting in something we can’t see or touch (Hebrews 11:1). It’s about believing in the unseen and the unspoken. This can be challenging for our brains, which are wired to respond to what we can see and touch, but it’s in believing your mind is renewed.
We Must Walk by Faith, Not by Sight
The Bible also reminds us that we must walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). This means that we must trust in God’s plan and purpose, even when we can’t see the outcome. We must trust that He works in our lives, even when we don’t feel or see anything happening.
This is where patience and perseverance come in. We must be willing to wait on God and trust in His timing, even when it doesn’t align with our expectations.
7. Knowledge of God/ignorance of God:
It is said that some have not found the knowledge that will bring them to God, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ. However, remember that every human being was created with a desire for God. It’s just that some have not discovered the knowledge that will lead them to Him. Because of this inherent desire, every human being is searching for God—whether they are in a shrine, involved in the occult, or practicing other religions. They are all seeking God. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has also set eternity in the human heart…” This is why, when you speak in a way that reflects God’s truth, every person listens attentively—they instinctively recognize His power and truth.
Everyone knows when the Word of God is being preached, even traditionalists, because in every person is an appetite for God. So when God speaks, even if that person doesn’t have the Spirit of God within them, something inside will say, “Check that one.” At that point, it is up to the individual whether they choose to follow that direction or not.
God is bigger than all modes of worship. It doesn’t matter if someone practices Hinduism, Shintoism, or Islam—religion doesn’t matter. People will come to know God for who He truly is. They will recognize Him even in the mosque or in the temple, because both the temple, the mosque, and the shrine belong to the Lord. Thy Word is truth. You don’t need to be in a church to meet Jesus; you can meet Him anywhere. They that seek Him shall find Him. All those seeking the knowledge of God will find the truth, in one way or another, and the revelation will be unavoidable, for Christ is not bound by religion.
As John 12:32 says, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
The Spirit of God is at work everywhere, revealing Christ in ways beyond human understanding. No place or religion can confine Him, for His revelation can pierce through any barrier.
Summary
The presence of other religions, philosophies, and ideologies today reflects the reality of free will, human rebellion, and spiritual opposition in a fallen world. However, a future reality where Christ’s kingdom will be fully realized, and all people will acknowledge His authority. For now, God’s patience allows time for redemption, and believers are called to share the hope of Christ with the world.
Why Choose Christ
Why choose Christ? It’s a question that echoes through generations, and its answer has the power to change not just a moment, but your eternity.
The Hope Christ Offers
To choose Christ is to choose hope in a world often drenched in uncertainty. Life throws challenges at us—disappointments, heartbreaks, and setbacks—but Christ offers an anchor. His promise is not that storms won’t come, but that you’ll never face them alone. “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). In Him, you find a strength that rises above circumstances and peace that defies logic.
Embracing Identity in Christ
To choose Christ is to embrace identity. In a culture obsessed with appearances, achievements, and comparison, Christ offers something deeper. He calls you beloved, chosen, and priceless—not because of what you do, but because of who He is. When you know Christ, you’re no longer defined by your mistakes, failures, or insecurities. You’re defined by His unshakable love.
Discovering Purpose
To choose Christ is to step into purpose. Many wander through life asking, “Why am I here? What’s my reason for existence?” Christ answers with clarity. “For we are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10). You were made on purpose, for a purpose, and in Christ, you discover it—a life that impacts others, glorifies God, and fills your soul with meaning.
Forgiveness and Freedom
To choose Christ is to find forgiveness and freedom. We all carry regrets, shame, and sins we’d rather forget. But Christ doesn’t just sweep them under the rug—He wipes them clean. Through His sacrifice on the cross, He paid the debt we couldn’t, giving us the freedom to live unchained and fully alive.
Eternal Life
Ultimately, to choose Christ is to choose eternal life. This world, with all its beauty and brokenness, isn’t the end. Christ offers the gift of eternity—a promise of being with Him forever in a place free of pain, tears, and sorrow.
Choosing Christ isn’t about religion; it’s about relationship. It’s not about rules, but a radical love that transforms your heart. It’s not about a perfect life, but a redeemed one.So, why choose Christ? Because in Him, you’ll find what your heart has always been searching for: love that never fails, peace that surpasses understanding, and a life that matters—now and forever. It is also good to understand the concepts that align to him:
Concepts That Align with Christ
1. The Sovereignty of God
The concept of God’s sovereignty encompasses His supreme authority and control over the entirety of creation. No matter how powerful or prideful earthly rulers may appear, they are ultimately under His divine judgment and authority.
This truth is beautifully captured in Psalm 24:1, which emphasizes that the earth and everything in it belongs to God, affirming His position as the ultimate sovereign over all that exists.
2. The Final Judgment
The Final Judgment paints a vivid picture of the Ancient of Days enthroned upon a blazing, fiery throne, symbolizing the certainty of divine judgment. In this powerful scene, it is conveyed that God will summon all nations, rulers, and individuals, compelling them to face the consequences of their actions throughout time.
Scriptural references such as 1 Corinthians 15:25-28, Matthew 25:31-32, Acts 17:31, and Revelation 20:1-5 emphasize this sobering truth—no one will escape accountability for their deeds, and the ultimate reckoning is inescapable.
3. The Temporary Nature of Earthly Kingdoms
Throughout history, human kingdoms have emerged with great fanfare, only to eventually crumble and fade away. In stark contrast, God’s kingdom stands as an everlasting sovereign reality.
This profound truth inspires believers to anchor their hopes in the unwavering reign of God rather than in the fleeting and often unreliable powers of this world. Biblical passages such as Daniel 2:41-44 and Hebrews 1:10-12, Colossians 2:15, and Revelation 20:1-3, 10 highlight the permanence of God’s rule, offering a stark reminder of the temporary nature of earthly dominions.
4. The Justice of God
The destruction of the blasphemous beast demonstrates God’s commitment to justice. Evil will not go unpunished, and God’s people will be vindicated (Revelation 20:15, 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8).
5. The Role of Angels
Angels are a vast array of celestial beings that serve a profound purpose in the grand design of God’s creation, reflecting His majesty and power. Their presence emphasizes the significance of the heavenly realm as they actively fulfill divine directives and carry out God’s will on Earth and beyond.
This is beautifully illustrated in the biblical account of Isaiah 6:1-5, where the prophet witnesses the seraphim worshipping around God’s throne, proclaiming His holiness and sovereignty. Similarly, Hebrews 1:6 underscores the honor and reverence accorded to the Son, showcasing the angels’ role as messengers and servants in the glorious reign of God’s kingdom. Their existence is a testament to the ongoing interaction between the divine and earthly realms, marking the angels as vital participants in the unfolding narrative of faith.
Practical Lessons
1. Trust in God’s Sovereignty
Believers can find hope and peace knowing that God rules over history and will bring justice to all.
2. Remain Faithful Amid Opposition
Challenges and opposition to God’s followers will inevitably emerge, testing their resolve and faith. However, in the end, the unwavering truth of God’s justice will triumph, bringing light and righteousness to every situation.
3. Be Prepared for Judgment
This reminds us that everyone is accountable before God. This calls for self-reflection, repentance, and faith in Christ.
4. Hope in God’s Eternal Kingdom
This serves as a poignant reminder that every individual is ultimately accountable to God for their actions and choices. This profound truth encourages us to engage in meaningful self-reflection, examining our thoughts and behaviors to understand where we may need to change. It calls for a heartfelt spirit of repentance, urging us to turn away from wrongdoing and seek forgiveness. At its core, this message emphasizes the importance of placing our faith in Christ, who takes away our sins, the way, the truth, and the life, recognizing Him as our source of hope and redemption as we navigate our journey of faith.
5. Redemption Through Christ’s Sacrifice
Through the profound and selfless act of Jesus’ sacrifice, believers are offered a transformative gift: liberation from the bondage of sin. This extraordinary love not only cleanses and redeems but also bestows upon individuals a new and dignified identity. As followers of Christ, they are embraced as righteous beings, adopted as beloved sons and daughters of God, and become integral members of His eternal kingdom. This embracing grace reshapes their lives and purpose, guiding them into a deeper relationship with God and a renewed way of living.
6. Alpha and Omega
These are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, signifying that God is the beginning and the end of all things. He is eternal, encompassing all of time and existence (Isaiah 44:6, Revelation 22:13).
Christ’s Return
The return of Christ will be an extraordinary and unmistakable event that will reverberate across the entire globe. It will be a moment witnessed by all—believers who await this divine arrival, skeptics who doubt its possibility, and even those who oppose the faith. Everyone, without exception, will be aware of this monumental occurrence as described in Revelation 1:7.
When Christ returns, it will be like the ultimate revelation, transforming the entire universe. For believers, it’s a grand finale of God’s power and glory, where they’ll be:
- Resurrected, receiving a brand-new, flawless body
- Transformed, unlocking new spiritual abilities and experiences
- Reunited with Christ, meeting the one who loved them enough to die for them
- Vindicated, proven right in front of the world, like winning a championship title
However, for non-believers, the outcome is different: they’ll face judgment, being held accountable for their actions and decisions, experience eternal separation from God and all the good things He offers, and enter the lake of fire, a symbolic representation of eternal punishment, where there’s no hope, no joy, and no chance of escape.
Why Should You Care?
As a teen or young adult, you might wonder why this matters. Here’s the thing: life is short, and the time on earth is limited, but eternity is forever. Your choices and decisions today will affect your eternal future.
Christ’s return is like the final countdown to a new era. You have the choice to:
- Be part of the ultimate celebration with Christ
- Face the consequences of not believing in Him
The good news is that you have the opportunity to choose Christ and experience the joy and love that He offers. Don’t wait until it’s too late—make the decision to believe in Him today!
Prepare for His Return
The certainty of Christ’s return should inspire us believers to live improved and purposeful lives, anticipating His coming with joy and readiness (2 Peter 3:11-12).
Trust in God’s Sovereignty
In a world filled with uncertainty, believers can find comfort in the eternal nature and supreme power of God, knowing that He is in control of history and the future.
It is a powerful reminder to live in light of Christ’s love, sacrifice, and promised return.
Jesus’ Kingdom
Jesus’ kingdom is unlike any earthly kingdom. It is not built on power, wealth, or military might but on truth, love, and submission to God. This distinction explains why followers do not fight to defend Him and why His mission transcends political and cultural boundaries.
Humanity, when disconnected from Christ, faces significant challenges in grasping or acknowledging absolute truth. In this context, truth morphs into a subjective concept, shaped and reshaped by personal experiences, cultural norms, current trends, and the shifting tides of political expediency.
This pervasive inclination to disregard objective truth in favor of what is convenient or advantageous starkly contrasts with the profound message of the gospel, which calls individuals to embrace the unchanging and objective truth rooted in Christ.
Embrace the Truth of Christ
As believers, we are called to accept the truth that Jesus embodies. In a world filled with confusion and varying perspectives on truth, we are called to trust in Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God’s truth. Pilate’s question serves as a reminder to us not to become cynical or dismissive of truth but to seek it in Christ and live according to it.
John 18:38: “What is truth?” Pilate asked.
Pilate’s question reflects a certain arrogance, assuming that truth is beyond reach or irrelevant. As believers, we are called to approach truth with humility, recognizing that we need God’s revelation to understand it fully. Our understanding of truth is not complete without Christ.
Standing Firm in the Face of Relativism
In a society that often promotes relativism—where truth is seen as subjective or changeable—believers must hold fast to the objective truth of the gospel. We are called to stand firm in our witness to Jesus, who is the truth (John 14:6), even when faced with skepticism or rejection.
Conclusion
Why is it that not everyone embraces or believes in Christ? It’s a question that lingers, especially for teenagers and young adults, as they navigate the complexities of faith, identity, and purpose. It’s a deeply personal question—and the answer isn’t a one-size-fits-all, as explained earlier.
Some resist because they feel that believing in Christ means surrendering control or conforming to a rigid set of rules. They see faith as a restriction, not realizing that true faith sets us free—free from the weight of insecurity, hopelessness, and the endless chase for validation.
For others, the journey to Christ is clouded by questions: Why does evil exist if God is good? Why doesn’t He prove Himself in tangible ways? How can I trust what I don’t see? These doubts are real, and they deserve attention. Yet, Christ calls us not to ignore them but to bring those doubts to Him—because He offers truth, not just easy answers.
And then there are those who’ve been wounded by life or even by others claiming to follow Christ. A painful past, a broken heart, or hypocrisy in the church may make belief feel impossible. But here’s the hope: Christ isn’t defined by our pain or people’s failures. He is defined by His love—a love that heals, restores, and reaches into the deepest hurt.
Finally, for some, it’s simply indifference. The distractions of the world—social media, peer pressure, the pursuit of success—make it easy to push the question aside. But ignoring Christ doesn’t make Him disappear; it only delays discovering the fullness of life He offers.
To you reading this, wondering if Christ is for you, I’ll leave you with this: Christ doesn’t demand blind belief or perfection. He simply invites you to know Him. Ask the hard questions. Search for Him in your doubts. And as you seek, you’ll find that He’s already been seeking you all along.
So, why don’t some embrace Christ? Perhaps it’s because they haven’t yet encountered Him for who He truly is: not a concept or a religion, but a Savior who knows you, loves you, and waits for you.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
I come to You with an open heart, seeking clarity and strength. At times, I wonder why not everyone believes in You, and even in my own journey, I face moments of doubt. Teach me to trust You wholeheartedly, even when answers seem distant. Strengthen my faith and fill me with Your peace that surpasses understanding. Let my life be a reflection of Your love and a testimony of Your truth. Use my journey—questions, struggles, and all—to draw me closer to You and inspire others to seek You.
In Your Mighty name, I pray. Amen.
Hey, I’m Angeline, your RN and founder of Finally Am Found. With a heart for mentorship, I’ve been guiding teens and young adults since 2017. As a Registered Nurse, I blend medical expertise with personal experiences to create a Christ-aligned space for self-discovery. Connect with Angeline on Facebook and let the journey to self-discovery begin!
