Topical Bible: Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Blind

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In the biblical context, the concept of spiritual blindness is frequently associated with the unrenewed heart. This blindness is not a physical condition but a metaphorical one, indicating a lack of spiritual perception and understanding. The unrenewed heart is described as being unable to comprehend or accept the truths of God, resulting in a life that is disconnected from His will and purpose.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Corinthians 4:4 : "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." This verse highlights the influence of Satan, referred to as "the god of this age," in blinding the minds of those who do not believe. The unrenewed heart is thus depicted as being under the sway of spiritual forces that obscure the truth of the gospel.

2. Ephesians 4:18 : "They are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts." Here, the Apostle Paul describes the condition of those who are spiritually blind as being darkened in understanding. This darkness is attributed to ignorance and a hardened heart, which alienates them from the life that God offers.

3. John 12:40 : "He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they cannot see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them." This passage, quoting Isaiah, underscores the judicial aspect of spiritual blindness. It suggests that God allows this blindness as a consequence of persistent unbelief and rebellion, preventing them from turning to Him for healing.

4. Matthew 15:14 : "Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit." Jesus uses the metaphor of blindness to describe the Pharisees, who, despite their religious knowledge, fail to recognize the truth of His message. The unrenewed heart, therefore, is not only blind but also misleads others, resulting in mutual destruction.

The Nature of Spiritual Blindness:

Spiritual blindness is characterized by an inability to perceive spiritual truths and a resistance to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. The unrenewed heart is often self-reliant, prideful, and dismissive of divine revelation. This condition is not merely a lack of information but a deep-seated spiritual malaise that affects one's entire being.

Consequences of Spiritual Blindness:

The consequences of an unrenewed heart are severe. Spiritual blindness leads to a life devoid of true purpose and meaning, as it is disconnected from the source of all truth and life—God Himself. It results in moral and ethical confusion, as the individual lacks the divine guidance necessary to navigate the complexities of life. Moreover, it ultimately leads to eternal separation from God, as the unrenewed heart remains unresponsive to His call for repentance and faith.

Hope for the Spiritually Blind:

Despite the grim portrayal of the unrenewed heart, the Bible offers hope for those who are spiritually blind. Through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and the illuminating power of the Holy Spirit, individuals can be brought from darkness into light. Acts 26:18 speaks of this transformative process: "to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me."

In summary, the unrenewed heart is marked by spiritual blindness, a condition that hinders one's ability to perceive and embrace the truth of God's Word. This blindness is both a result of and a contributor to a life estranged from God, yet through Christ, there is the promise of sight and renewal.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 4:18
Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Blind Beggar
... The unrenewed mind is so blind, that it perceives not the ... poor man's faith was of
such a character that it ... renewed;" tell him thou hast a hard heart, ask him ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the blind beggar.htm

Covenanting Adapted to the Moral Constitution of Man.
... the mandate, "Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye ... The tendency that there
is in the unrenewed heart to seek ... in a state of sin, has the character of a law ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vii covenanting adapted to.htm

The Necessity of Divine Influences.
... of the man of irreproachable morals but unrenewed heart is as ... consciousness of the
"plague of the heart" which says ... in your moral state and character, as they ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the necessity of divine influences.htm

God's Exhaustive Knowledge of Man. [*Continued]
... Hence men generally, and unrenewed men always, are ... of His word, respecting the character
and necessities of ... exhaustive knowledge of the human heart waken dread ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/gods exhaustive knowledge of man 2.htm

Characters Will be Disclosed, and Justice Awarded.
... We can neither see the heart, nor know the thoughts ... had allowedly disregarded
it"that his character was as ... Some suppose that the unrenewed can do nothing but ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xvi characters will be.htm

Victory Over the World through Faith
... as they might do in an unrenewed mind, but ... respecting them must at least embrace
their general character. ... Deep in their heart lies the conviction that here and ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xxii victory over the world.htm

Instruction for the Ignorant:
... Some count him a kind of an ignorant and blind God, that can neither know nor see
through ... Q. You have given me a very bad character of the heart, but how ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/instruction for the ignorant .htm

Twelfth Sunday after Trinity Gospel Transcends Law.
... Surely works are essential." Arguments of this character have indeed a semblance
of merit, but ... Without Christ the heart remains unchanged and unrenewed. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twelfth sunday after trinity gospel.htm

A Message from God for Thee
... terrible figures to set forth the abominable character of sin ... Unrenewed persons find
fault with God's justice ... But when the heart is really touched by divine grace ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/a message from god for.htm

First Sunday after Epiphany
... between the outward priesthood of dazzling character and the ... command of God"and without
spirit and heart. ... not only continues unchanged and unrenewed in its ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/first sunday after epiphany.htm