Saturday, May 26, 2007

Bits and Pieces: Instruction

"And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, 'Light shall shine out of darkness,' is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ," (II Corinthians 4:3--6).

* The apostle Paul here pictures the immeasurable difference between the pagan's awareness of the true gospel, and the Christian's knowledge of the truth. The lost person's understanding is blocked by the god of this age, while the Christian has the light of God within to illumine the truth. If you have been born again, praise and thank the Lord for the grace He granted in opening your eyes to see your need of Jesus.

* In graphic fashion Paul details the night-and-day difference between the lost person's and the saved person's understanding. The pagan is incapable of God's instruction, because his mind is blinded.
We who have been saved, however, have the Holy Spirit's light within us, illuminating the Lord's truth.

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