“In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
(2 Corinthians 4:4)
Unbelief is no small problem. In fact, Scripture presents it as blindness. In other words, the natural mind does not just lack information; it lacks spiritual sight because Satan has blinded its understanding so the glory of Christ cannot be seen.
Scripture makes it clear that the world in general remains blind. Even when Christ Himself preached and worked miracles, most did not believe. This is due to the fact that men prefer darkness over light because darkness protects their pride, sin, and self-rule.
This preference explains why holiness is only characteristic of those who walk in the light. God calls His people to be holy, as He is holy. And true faith, which leads to repentance, will produce sanctification and holiness in the life of the believer who allows God’s Word to do its work of cleansing and renewal in the mind and heart.
Because no one possesses spiritual sight by nature, the ability to see through the eyes of faith is itself a gift of God. The elect believe because God grants His grace to open their blind eyes. Scripture even speaks of “the faith of God’s elect,” teaching that those chosen by God will, in His appointed time, be brought to Christ by effectual grace.[1]
Moreover, God does not invite blind sinners to see; rather, He gives them sight. Through His Word and the power of His Spirit, He causes the light of Christ to shine into dark hearts such that the gospel becomes glorious where once it appeared foolish.
And that Light of the world still shines! The light of the glorious gospel of Christ still opens the eyes of the spiritually blind. Christ’s gospel is still effective for the salvation of sinners and for cleansing of God’s wayward children.
God alone can dispel spiritual blindness. And when He does, a resultant faith, repentance, salvation, sanctification, and holiness will all flow from His sovereign grace.
Contemplations:
- My Former Blindness. I must remember that I was blind until Christ gave me sight. I did not naturally love truth, holiness, or Christ. Knowing this keeps me humble and grateful for the light of His grace.
- My Remaining Darkness. Though grace has opened my eyes, I still find areas where worldliness and spiritual dullness remain. I can become careless, distracted, and slow to behold Christ’s glory… showing me that I need His Spirit to continue His work in me.
- My Weak Repentance. I often grieve the weakness of my repentance. Sin still lingers and my sorrow for it does not always match its seriousness. I desire a deeper hatred of sin and greater love for holiness.
- My Dependence Upon Grace. This passage reminds me that everything spiritual comes from grace. Faith, repentance, holiness, and perseverance are gifts that I depend on Christ for every day.
Prayer (Confession):
Most holy and merciful God, I come before You confessing my spiritual blindness. Your Word declares that the god of this world blinds unbelieving minds, and I confess that apart from grace I would still remain in darkness.
Lord, I also confess my pride, forgetting that faith itself came from You. I sometimes act as though understanding originated with me rather than being given by mercy. Forgive me for every hidden boast of self-confidence.
Though You have given me spiritual sight, my understanding is still imperfect. I am so easily distracted by earthly things and fail to behold Christ as I should. Forgive my spiritual dullness.
Lord, I know that sin grieves You more than it grieves me. My repentance is often shallow where it should be deep, and I’m too often careless toward holiness.
You call Your people to sanctification, yet I frequently settle for less than earnest obedience. Forgive every compromise, every neglected duty, and every worldly affection.
Father, preserve me from presumption and keep me humble beneath Your hand. May the gospel always remain precious to my heart. And keep me near Christ, dependent on grace, and watchful over my soul.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Further Scripture References for 2 Corinthians 4:4:
John 12:31; Colossians 1:15; John 1:18; 2 Corinthians 3:14
[1] Increase Mather, Awakening Soul-Saving Truths, Plainly Delivered, in Several Sermons, Early American Imprints, 1639-1800; No. 2147 (Boston: S. Kneeland, for B. Gray, and J. Edwards, at their shops on the north and south side of the Town House, 1720), 76-82.
