The concept of rejecting the call of God and the subsequent consequence of judicial blindness is a theme that runs throughout the Scriptures. This entry explores the biblical basis for understanding how the refusal to heed God's call can result in a divinely imposed inability to perceive spiritual truths.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible presents numerous instances where individuals or groups reject God's call, leading to a state of spiritual blindness. This blindness is not merely a lack of understanding but a judicial act of God, where He allows or causes the hardening of hearts as a consequence of persistent unbelief and disobedience.

Old Testament Examples

In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel frequently serves as an example of this principle. Despite being chosen as God's people and receiving His law, Israel often turned away from God, leading to periods of spiritual blindness and judgment. Isaiah 6:9-10 captures this vividly: "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 judicial aspect of blindness, where God commands Isaiah to deliver a message that will result in further hardening of the people's hearts due to their persistent rebellion.

New Testament Insights

The New Testament continues this theme, particularly in the ministry of Jesus Christ. In John 12:37-40 , despite the many signs Jesus performed, many did not believe in Him. This unbelief fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, as John writes: "For this reason they were unable to believe. For again, Isaiah says: '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.'"

The Apostle Paul also addresses this concept in Romans 11:7-8 , where he speaks of Israel's failure to obtain what it sought: "What then? What Israel was seeking, it failed to obtain, but the elect did. The others were hardened, as it is written: 'God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see and ears that could not hear, to this very day.'"

Theological Implications

The rejection of God's call and the resulting judicial blindness underscore the seriousness of unbelief and disobedience. It serves as a warning that persistent rejection of divine truth can lead to a state where repentance becomes increasingly difficult. This blindness is not arbitrary but is a response to the willful rejection of God's revelation and grace.

Practical Considerations

For believers, the concept of judicial blindness serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of responding to God's call with faith and obedience. It encourages vigilance in maintaining a soft heart towards God's Word and a readiness to repent and turn to Him. For those who have not yet responded to God's call, it is a call to urgency, recognizing the potential consequences of continued rejection.

Conclusion

The biblical theme of rejecting God's call leading to judicial blindness is a profound reminder of the gravity of unbelief and the necessity of responding to God's invitation with a receptive heart. Through the examples of Israel and the teachings of Jesus and Paul, Scripture warns of the spiritual peril that accompanies the refusal to heed God's voice.Isaiah 6:9
And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear you indeed, but understand not; and see you indeed, but perceive not.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 28:24-27
And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 11:8-10
(According as it is written, God has given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) to this day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

"Is the Spirit of the Lord Straitened?"
... He can still call some Saul of Tarsus without a ... But notwithstanding the rejection
of men, he will fulfill the ... the Holy Spirit come and turn you to God now, lest ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/is the spirit of the.htm

Answer to Eunomius' Second Book .
... they define as a right comprehension of the divine mysteries"the rejection of the ...
ready to our hand; when we speak of Him as God, we so call Him from ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/answer to eunomius second book.htm

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