“And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
– 2 Corinthians 4:3-4
Main Thought: Many of us are astounded in this day and time by what we see around us from those who are not Christians to those who are unbelievers. These unbelievers hear the same Gospel that we have heard, but not only reject the message of the Gospel but often speak of it with viciousness and blasphemy. Very often we hear people decry the exclusive claims of Christianity, that Christ is the way, the truth, and the light, as intolerant or bigoted. Others will say that when we call certain types of immorality sinful–especially sexual immorality, like living together without marriage or homosexuality– then we are being unkind or unloving. These rejections of Christ, however, should not be shocking considering what Paul has to say in these verses. Men and women reject Biblical truth because they are spiritually blind, blind because Satan blinds their minds. We must remember that he is the great deceiver and has great spiritual power. Remember that when Jesus was confronting the Pharisees in John 8, he eventually said to them “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires (lusts).” (John 8:44). However, we understand that Satan does not have ultimate spiritual power. Only our Lord has omnipotent power, and millions of times throughout the course of time He has broken the power of blindness held by Satan, opened the eyes of unbelievers, and delivered them from the realm of spiritual darkness into spiritual light (1 Peter 2:9), delivering those of us that know Christ, from a destiny of eternal death into the promise of eternal life. Perhaps today you are burdened for someone you know and love who is under this curse of death and darkness, and perhaps are beginning to think that they are a hopeless case. But remember the one who wrote this, the apostle Paul, who was in great spiritual darkness, persecuting the church. He was stopped one day on the road to Damascus by Christ and his blindness was removed, making him see the beauty and wonder of the One he had persecuted. Certainly, if Jesus did that for him, then we can know that no one is beyond the power of God and redemption. I pray that we do not despair of those lost deeply in sin, but trust in the great saving power of our God.
David Webber
David Webber is married to Mary with four children and four grandchildren, and serves as the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Longview, TX. He obtained a BS in History from the University of Texas at Tyler, TX, and pursued studies at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, TX. Throughout his ministry, he has been an invited preacher and educator in numerous churches and various Bible conferences. Surrendering to the gospel ministry’s calling in 1972 at the age of 16, he received preaching licensure from Little Flock Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, in 1974. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1978, he was ordained in December of 1980 by Faith Baptist Church. Following this, he contributed his services to Faith Baptist in Longview and subsequently engaged with Grace Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, where he instructed Sunday School and delivered sermons as needed. In February of 1994, Faith Baptist invited him to lead as their pastor, a role he has faithfully held to the present day. David writes a blog for the church website and is a writer for The Art of Worship.
More from David Webber
Romans 4:2-3
“For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about–but not before God! For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” – Romans 4:2-3
Psalm 92:8
“But You are on high forever, O Yahweh.” – Psalm 92:8
John 11:25-27
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die–ever. Do you believe this?’ She (Martha) said to Him, ‘Yes Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, the One who comes into the world.” – John 11:25-27
John 8:23-24
“And He was saying to them, ‘You are from below, I am from above. You are of this world, I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am His, you will die in your sins.” – John 8:23-24
John 6:39-40
“Now this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” – John 6:39-40
John 2:18-21
“The Jews then said to Him, ‘What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this sanctuary, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews then said, ‘It took forty-six years to build this sanctuary, and will You raise it up in three days?’ But He was speaking about the sanctuary of His body.” – John 2:18-21
John 1:14
“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14
Psalm 85:6
“Will You not Yourself return to revive us, that your people may be glad in You?” – Psalm 85:6
Psalm 86:1 and 86:5
“Incline your ear, O Yahweh, and answer me; For I am afflicted and needy…For You, Lord, are good, and by nature forgiving, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.” – Psalm 86:1 and 86:5
John 14:19
“After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me, because I live, you will live also.” – John 14:19