What causes the gospel to be "veiled" to those who are perishing? Setting the Scene “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.” (2 Corinthians 4:3) Paul is explaining why some people hear the same good news about Jesus yet do not perceive its beauty or power. The “veil” is a spiritual barrier, not simply a lack of information. What the Veil Looks Like • Hidden glory—2 Corinthians 4:4 speaks of “the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ.” • Dull minds—2 Corinthians 3:14 says, “their minds were closed.” • Hardened hearts—Hebrews 3:13 warns that sin “hardens” the heart. • Darkness instead of light—John 3:19: “people loved darkness rather than light.” Who Puts the Veil There? • “The god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 4:4). – “god of this age” = Satan, the adversary (see John 8:44; 1 John 5:19). • He blinds by promoting lies (Genesis 3:1-5), distracting with the world’s glitter (1 John 2:15-17), and fueling unbelief (Luke 8:12). Why the Veil Remains 1. Unbelief • “They perish because they refused the love of the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:10). 2. Love of sin • John 3:20: “Everyone who does evil hates the Light.” 3. Prideful self-reliance • 1 Corinthians 1:18: “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.” 4. God’s judicial handing over • Romans 1:24-25: God “gave them over” to their chosen path. 5. Spiritual inability apart from the Spirit • 1 Corinthians 2:14: “The natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God.” How the Veil Is Lifted • Turning to the Lord – “Whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” (2 Corinthians 3:16) • The shining of Christ’s light – “God…has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6) • Hearing accompanied by the Spirit – Romans 10:17: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” • Humble repentance and belief – Acts 3:19: “Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away.” Encouragement for Believers • Keep proclaiming—The same gospel that seems hidden today can break through tomorrow (Isaiah 55:11). • Stand firm—We do not tamper with God’s word but present it plainly (2 Corinthians 4:2). • Pray for illumination—Only God opens eyes (Ephesians 1:17-18). • Reflect Christ’s light—We carry “this treasure in jars of clay” so the surpassing power is seen to be from God (2 Corinthians 4:7). |
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