Physical blindness (the inability to see the material world) has several origins: disease, injury, malformity, age, etc. Spiritual blindness (the inability to understand spiritual truth) has only one cause: Satan, “the god of this world” who “has blinded the minds of the unbelieving. (2 Corinthians 4:3).
Although the devil is involved in accusing and harassing followers of Christ; don’t forget he also is intensely active in obscuring the truth of salvation.
Those who have received Christ have triumphed over the devil through the blood of Christ. But those who continue to be deceived through his lies are victims of his cruel and deadly tyranny. Satan’s objective is to bring along with him as many people as possible in his rebellion against God. Just look at the entirety of the world situation around us (i.e. riots in the streets, conflicts, and confusion in the minds of young and old people alike regarding their purpose and responsibilities in life thinking someone else is responsible for their well being – Don’t forget Satan is a liar and the truth is not in him).
How does Satan blind? Primarily by undermining the inerrancy and integrity of the whole of Scripture. In this way he removes the convicting tool of the Holy Spirit for repentance and faith.
He also blinds by exalting self and diminishing the effect of sin. “I’m not lost. Sure, I’m not perfect, but who is?” Satan blinds the minds of the unbelieving by making “the word of the cross…foolishness” (1 Corinthians 1:18).
Just as there is only one cause for spiritual blindness, so there is only one cure. Paul prescribes it in his letter to the Corinthians: “But whenever a man turns to the Lord the veil (of unbelief) is taken away” (2 Corinthians 3:16).
Only a personal encounter with the risen Christ can bring life and light. The Apostle John proclaimed that Christ is “…the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man” (John 1:9)
Unbelievers abide in the dominion of darkness and Satan. It is God the Father Who “delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son” (Colossians 1:13).
As the Gospel (the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ) is preached, the Holy Spirit moves in the hearts of men to guide them into the truth that sets them free. We understand our alienation from God is the result of our sins. We realize our inability to win His favor. We also clearly see that we can be forgiven and reconciled to God the Father only through Christ’s sin bearing work at Calvary.
We call on Jesus’ name, asking Him to save us from our sins, placing our faith in Him alone – and in that moment our blindness is lifted and we can see the kingdom of God. Thus, the love of God is triumphant.
