Spiritual Blindness

Richard Thetford

In 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, the apostle Paul wrote these words: “But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.” Sadly, there are millions of people who are spiritually blind, and their blindness can be caused by several factors. Jesus talked about those whose hearts had grown dull because they had closed their eyes (Matthew 13:15). Satan walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour (1 Peter 5:8). Those who have closed their eyes to the truth of the gospel of Christ will not be able to see and recognize Satan’s devouring ways. Others are blinded because they refuse to grow in the Christian characteristics that Peter describes in 2 Peter 1:5-7. God’s word says: “For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins” (2 Peter 1:9). It is unfortunate to see so many people close their eyes to the truth. Even most religious denominations think that belief in Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Bible is all that is needed to be on the train of salvation.

What are the Results of Spiritual Blindness?

Individuals who are spiritually blind, whether religious or not, will find themselves alienated from God. God’s word says: “having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart” (Ephesians 4:18). Those who are spiritually blind really do not know where they are going. Unfortunately, because of this, there are many so called “pastors” and “teachers” who are leading others into a ditch. Jesus tells us that; “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch” (Matthew 15:13-14). It truly saddens me to see so many souls who are so easily swayed into a false sense of eternal salvation by those who are teaching error. Most people will end up in an eternal hell because they refuse to open up their own Bible and see for themselves what God requires them to do in order to be saved.

What is the Remedy for Spiritual Blindness?

Before one can be cured, one must possess a desire to be cured. When one truly decides to turn to Christ to find out the truth of the gospel, then one will be able to see the truth and cure their spiritual blindness. God’s word says: “But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away” (2 Corinthians 3:14-16). Another way that one can remove spiritual blindness is to remove the cause of that blindness. Listening to false teaching will cause one to remain spiritually blind. Only the truth of the gospel of Christ will make you free and allow you to see properly (John 8:32).

Why Be Cured?

You must be cured in order to enjoy the true hope, riches, and greatness of the power of Christ (Ephesians 1:18-19). In order to be forgiven of your sins and become an heir of eternal salvation, your eyes must be opened to truth (Acts 26:18). Have you diligently sought the cure for spiritual blindness?