Topical Encyclopedia Spiritual blindness is a condition described in the Bible where individuals are unable or unwilling to perceive spiritual truths. This blindness is often attributed to a deliberate rejection of God's revelation and truth, resulting in a hardened heart and a darkened understanding. The wicked, in particular, are frequently depicted as willfully guilty of this spiritual blindness, choosing to ignore or reject the light of God's word.Biblical References: 1. Isaiah 6:9-10 · The prophet Isaiah is commissioned by God to deliver a message to a people who will not understand or perceive: "Go and tell this people: ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed." This passage highlights the willful ignorance of the people, who choose not to see or hear the truth. 2. Jeremiah 5:21 · The prophet Jeremiah speaks to the house of Israel, saying, "Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear." Here, the spiritual blindness of the people is attributed to their foolishness and senselessness, indicating a deliberate choice to ignore God's message. 3. Matthew 13:13-15 · Jesus explains to His disciples why He speaks in parables: "This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’ In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.’" Jesus points out that the people's spiritual blindness fulfills Isaiah's prophecy, emphasizing their willful rejection of His teachings. 4. John 9:39-41 · After healing a man born blind, Jesus declares, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind." Some Pharisees who were with Him heard this and asked, "Are we blind too?" Jesus replied, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains." The Pharisees' spiritual blindness is highlighted as a conscious choice, as they claim to see yet reject the truth of Christ. 5. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 · The Apostle Paul writes, "And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." Here, spiritual blindness is attributed to the influence of Satan, yet it is also a condition that the wicked willingly embrace, as they choose to remain in darkness rather than accept the gospel. Theological Implications: Spiritual blindness is not merely a passive condition but is often portrayed as an active choice by the wicked to reject God's truth. This rejection leads to a hardened heart and a darkened understanding, making it difficult for them to perceive spiritual realities. The Bible consistently warns against this willful blindness, urging individuals to open their eyes and ears to the truth of God's word. The wicked, by choosing to remain blind, are held accountable for their rejection of the light, and this spiritual condition ultimately leads to judgment and separation from God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 26:11LORD, when your hand is lifted up, they will not see: but they shall see, and be ashamed for their envy at the people; yes, the fire of your enemies shall devour them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 1:19-21 Library Ten Reasons Demonstrating the Commandment of the Sabbath to be ... Earnest Expostulation The Unknown Giver and the Misused Gifts Letter Xciii. (AD 408. ) Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels. Extracts No. X. Introduction. Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ... Resources Why do most Jews reject Jesus as the Messiah? | GotQuestions.orgIs it sometimes God's will for believers to be sick? | GotQuestions.org Who was Bar-Jesus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Blindness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Blindness of Animals, Disqualified for a Sacrifice Blindness: Disqualified for Priestly office Blindness: Miraculous Healing of Blindness: Miraculously Inflicted Upon the Sodomites Blindness: The Miraculous Healing of a Man Born Blind Blindness: The Miraculous Healing of a Man of Bethsaida Blindness: The Miraculous Healing of Bartimaeus Spiritual Blindness is Consistent With Communion With God Spiritual Blindness of Ministers, Fatal to Themselves and to the People Spiritual Blindness: A Work of the Devil Spiritual Blindness: Christ Appointed to Remove Spiritual Blindness: Christ's Ministers are Lights to Remove Spiritual Blindness: Churches of Laodicea Spiritual Blindness: Explained Spiritual Blindness: Judicially Inflicted Spiritual Blindness: Leads to all Evil Spiritual Blindness: Pray for the Removal of Spiritual Blindness: Removal of, Illustrated Spiritual Blindness: Saints are Delivered From Spiritual Blindness: Scribes and Pharisees Spiritual Blindness: The Effect of Sin Spiritual Blindness: The Self-Righteous are In Spiritual Blindness: The Wicked are In Spiritual Blindness: The Wicked Wilfully Guilty of Spiritual Blindness: Unbelief, the Effect of Spiritual Blindness: Uncharitableness, a Proof of Related Terms |
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