Topical Bible: The Devil: The Wicked: Blinded By

◄ The Devil: The Wicked: Blinded By ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of spiritual blindness is a recurring theme in the Bible, particularly in relation to the influence of the devil over the wicked. This blindness is not merely a lack of physical sight but a profound inability to perceive spiritual truths and the reality of God's kingdom. The devil, as the adversary of God and humanity, plays a significant role in perpetuating this blindness among those who reject the truth.

In 2 Corinthians 4:4, the Apostle Paul explicitly addresses this spiritual blindness: "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, "the god of this age" is understood to be the devil, who actively works to obscure the truth of the gospel from those who are perishing. This blinding is a deliberate act to prevent individuals from recognizing the glory and redemptive power of Christ.

The devil's blinding influence is also evident in the parable of the sower, as recounted in the synoptic gospels. In Matthew 13:19, Jesus explains, "When anyone hears the message of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart" . This illustrates how the devil seeks to prevent the word of God from taking root in the hearts of individuals, further contributing to their spiritual blindness.

Moreover, the wicked, by their own choices and inclinations, often align themselves with the devil's deceptions. In John 12:40, a reference to Isaiah's prophecy is made: "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 highlights the interplay between divine judgment and human responsibility, where persistent rejection of God's truth results in a hardened and blinded state.

The devil's role in blinding the wicked is not only a matter of individual consequence but also has broader implications for society. In Ephesians 2:2, Paul describes the state of those who follow the ways of the world: "in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience" . This "ruler of the power of the air" is another reference to the devil, who exerts influence over the systems and values of the world, further perpetuating spiritual blindness.

The Bible consistently warns against the devil's schemes and the resulting blindness that afflicts the wicked. Believers are called to remain vigilant, discerning, and rooted in the truth of God's word to counteract the devil's deceptions. Through the light of the gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit, the blindness imposed by the devil can be overcome, leading individuals to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 4:4
In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine to them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God ...
... with these particular examples, Paul declares generally that unbelievers are blinded
by God, though ... For the disposition of the devil being wicked, he has ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 in the creation.htm

From the Twentieth Chapter.
... the abyss," he says this, because the devil, excluded from the hearts of believers,
began to take possession of the wicked, in whose hearts, blinded day by day ...
/.../commentary on the apocolypse of the blessed john/from the twentieth chapter.htm

The Doctrine of Satan.
... 2 Cor.4:4""In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of ... is the devil."
John 8:44""Ye are of your father the devil." This name ... 3. THE WICKED ONE ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of satan.htm

Letter vi. Temptation.
... In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them that believe not.".
2. He has much knowledge. ... 3. He is wicked. "The devil sinneth from the ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter vi temptation.htm

The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He ...
... It seems absurd that man should be blinded by the ... of that trial of which Satan and
wicked robbers were ... perfidious Ahab should be deceived; the devil offers his ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 the instrumentality of.htm

How God Works in the Hearts of Men.
... says, that "the god of this world has blinded the minds ... And, in another passage,
he describes the devil as "the ... Eph.2:2). The blinding of the wicked, and all ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 4 how god works.htm

Enmity Between Man and Satan.
... and actions, they are becoming more and more blinded. ... the darkness of this world,
against wicked spirits in ... be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /30 enmity between man and.htm

Enmity Between Man and Satan
... and actions, they are becoming more and more blinded. ... the darkness of this world,
against wicked spirits in ... be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 30 enmity between man.htm

Man.
... "And she bare Cain:" the first sprout of a disobedient couple, a man in shape, but
a devil in disposition. ... There is a wicked man that goes blinded, and a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/iv man.htm

Turning-Points
... That was what blinded their eyes. ... man ripe and ready for doing something plainly
wrong and wicked, which will ... The devil is not simple enough to let you see the ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon viii turning-points.htm