Stubborn Resistance

Why do people witness the truth and still refuse to change? John saw it in a vision, and Scripture names it plainly—a stubborn, unrepentant heart.

“The rest of mankind … did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshipping demons and idols … nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts” (Revelation 9:20–21).

In a vision, John saw a time when horrible judgment would fall on the earth and a third of mankind would be killed. This judgment would come on those who rebelled against God, who worshipped demons, and whose lives were filled with sin.

John was amazed that in the aftermath of these terrible events, most people still refused to change how they lived. Why wouldn’t these survivors be humbled and overwhelmed by the devastation they had witnessed? How could they not see that this judgment was the result of their sin and disbelief, their rejection of God, and their idolatry? How could they help but believe in God and turn to Him?

Yet the Bible tells us that those who lived “did not repent of the works of their hands.” They stubbornly refused to change.

This is a prophetic picture of events to come, but it also provides a portrait of the hearts of people throughout history. Before they entered the Promised Land, God told the Israelites that they were “a stubborn people” (Deuteronomy 9:6). Later, God sent Ezekiel to “impudent and stubborn” descendants (Ezekiel 2:4). He told Jeremiah how “this people has a stubborn and rebellious heart” (Jeremiah 5:23).

Today, the hearts of many unbelievers are just as stubborn. Our challenge is to pray for them, share the love of Jesus, and help them experience peace and fulfillment through a covenant relationship with God.

Reflection Question: When have you been stubborn and asked God to help change your heart?

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Revelation 9:20–21 reveal about human nature?

It shows that even after witnessing severe judgment, many people refused to repent of idolatry and sin. The passage exposes the stubbornness of the human heart and the reality that hardship alone doesn’t change hearts—only God can.

How should believers respond to those who reject God?

Rather than condemnation, Scripture calls believers to pray for them, share the love of Jesus, and point them toward the peace and fulfillment found in a relationship with God.