Unregenerate individuals hate the Gospel because it exposes their sinful nature and condemns their works as evil.
The Gospel confronts individuals with the reality of their sinfulness, leading them to a state of hatred toward it. In John 7:7, Christ declares that He testifies of the evil works of men, which is an affront to their pride and self-righteousness. The natural man, steeped in sin, does not wish to confront the truths of the Gospel that highlight their need for a Savior. Instead, they prefer to remain in ignorance or to mock the message. This is exemplified when the crowds at the feast either whisper their doubts or outright accuse Him of deception. Therefore, the rejection of the Gospel is rooted in a refusal to acknowledge the inherent evil of one's own works and a desire to maintain autonomy rather than submit to God's authority.
Scripture References:
John 7:7, Jeremiah 13:23, Romans 3:10-12
Commentary