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Understanding........
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One receives the Holy Spirit through faithNo Holy Spirit none belongs to Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:2 (KJV 1900) — 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Galatians 3:5 (KJV 1900) — 5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Galatians 3:14 (KJV 1900) — 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Ephesians 3:17 (KJV 1900) — 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
As been pointed out the context of 1Cor 2:14 concerns the things hidden in the mind of God not that which has been publically revealedNope. As been pointed to you the gospel is hidden to unbelievers, to those who are perishing.
Only the Spirit understands the things of God. No Spirit, no Spiritual understanding.
AmenNo Holy Spirit none belongs to Christ Jesus.
Such as the gospel to those who are perishing. As has been pointed oit.As been pointed out the context of 1Cor 2:14 concerns the things hidden in the mind of God not that which has been publically revealed
As been pointed out the context of 1Cor 2:14 concerns the things hidden in the mind of God not that which has been publically revealed
2Co 4:1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.As been pointed out the context of 1Cor 2:14 concerns the things hidden in the mind of God not that which has been publically revealed
2Co 4:2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.
2Co 4:3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
2Co 4:4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
2Co 4:5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.
2Co 4:6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
In 2 Corinthians 4:1-6, the apostle Paul is addressing the Corinthian church about his ministry and the challenges he faces in proclaiming the gospel. Understanding the context sheds light on the significance of his words.
Paul begins by affirming that he and his fellow ministers have been entrusted with their ministry by the mercy of God. Despite the difficulties and opposition they encounter, they do not lose heart. This sets the tone for the rest of his message, emphasizing perseverance and reliance on God's grace.
He then contrasts their approach with those who engage in deceitful tactics or manipulate God's word for personal gain. Paul and his companions reject such practices and instead choose to present the truth openly. They aim to commend themselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God, highlighting their integrity and sincerity in their ministry.
Paul acknowledges that despite their efforts, some people remain spiritually blind to the gospel message. He attributes this blindness to the influence of "the god of this world," referring to Satan, who seeks to keep unbelievers from recognizing the light of the gospel and the glory of Christ.
Nevertheless, Paul reaffirms the focus of their proclamation: not themselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord. They see themselves as servants for the sake of Jesus, dedicated to spreading the message of salvation through him.
Paul concludes by drawing a parallel between the creation narrative in Genesis, where God commanded light to shine out of darkness, and the spiritual illumination experienced by believers. He asserts that God has shone the light of the knowledge of his glory in their hearts through Jesus Christ, emphasizing the transformative power of the gospel.
In summary, the context of 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 provides insight into Paul's commitment to sincere and transparent ministry, the spiritual obstacles faced by unbelievers, and the centrality of Jesus Christ in proclaiming the message of salvation and revealing the glory of God.
Mat 11:25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children;
Mat 11:26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.
Mat 11:27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
Mat 11:28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Mat 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
In Matthew 11:25-27, Jesus is speaking following a series of events. The context is important for understanding the significance of his words.
Earlier in the chapter, Jesus had been preaching in various towns and performing miracles, including healing the sick and casting out demons. Despite witnessing these miracles, some of the people in these towns did not repent and turn to God. Instead, they remained hardened in unbelief.
In verse 20, Jesus rebukes these towns, including Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, for their lack of repentance despite witnessing his powerful works. He contrasts their unbelief with the response of other individuals, such as the Gentile city of Tyre and Sidon and the city of Nineveh, who would have repented if they had witnessed the same miracles.
Following this, Jesus offers a prayer of thanksgiving to the Father. He acknowledges that it is God's will to reveal spiritual truths not to the wise and learned in human wisdom, but to those who are humble and childlike in their faith. This statement reflects Jesus' frequent emphasis on the importance of humility and childlike trust in God.
Jesus also asserts his unique relationship with the Father, claiming that all things have been entrusted to him by the Father. He emphasizes the exclusive knowledge between the Father and the Son, indicating the intimacy of their relationship. Furthermore, Jesus declares that the Father can only be known through the Son, and vice versa, highlighting the central role of Jesus in revealing the nature and will of God to humanity.
In summary, the context of Matthew 11:25-27 underscores Jesus' authority as the revealer of spiritual truths, the importance of humility in receiving these truths, and the unique relationship between Jesus and the Father in the divine revelation.
1Jn 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
1Jn 4:2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,
1Jn 4:3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.
1Jn 4:4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
1Jn 4:5 They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them.
1Jn 4:6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
In this passage from 1 John 4:1-6, the author is addressing the recipients of the letter (referred to as "Beloved" or "little children") and warning them about the importance of discernment when it comes to spiritual matters. The context suggests that there were various teachings and individuals claiming spiritual authority circulating among the early Christian communities.
The author urges the readers not to believe every spirit but to test them to see if they are from God. The reason for this caution is the prevalence of false prophets in the world. The criteria for discerning whether a spirit is from God is whether it confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. This is a crucial affirmation of the Incarnation, emphasizing the core Christian belief that Jesus, as the Son of God, took on human form.
The passage contrasts those who confess Jesus with those who do not. Those who deny Jesus are characterized as having the spirit of the antichrist, an opposition to Christ and his teachings. The author reassures the readers that they are from God and have overcome these false teachings because the Holy Spirit, who dwells in them, is greater than the opposing forces in the world.
The passage concludes by highlighting the distinction between those who are "of the world" and those who are "from God." The author asserts their authority as representatives of God, stating that those who truly know God will listen to them, while those who do not are under the influence of the spirit of error.
Overall, the passage emphasizes the importance of discernment, the affirmation of Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, and the assurance of the believers' identity as children of God who have overcome the false teachings present in the world.
1Ti 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,
1Ti 4:2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,
1Ti 4:3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
In 1 Timothy 4:1-3, the apostle Paul is writing to Timothy, a young leader in the early Christian church, providing him with guidance and instruction for the church's well-being. Understanding the context helps illuminate the significance of these verses.
Paul begins by emphasizing that the Spirit explicitly warns that in the latter days, some will depart from the faith. This departure from the faith is characterized by individuals giving heed to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons. This suggests a spiritual apostasy or falling away from the truth of the gospel.
He describes those promoting these false teachings as being marked by insincerity and deception. Their consciences are so desensitized that they are capable of lying and propagating falsehoods without feeling guilt or remorse.
Paul then specifies two particular teachings of these deceivers. First, they forbid marriage, and second, they advocate for abstaining from certain foods. Both of these prohibitions contradict the truths of the gospel and the principles of Christian liberty.
Regarding marriage, Paul affirms that marriage is a God-ordained institution to be honored and entered into with thanksgiving (Genesis 2:24). Regarding dietary restrictions, Paul asserts that all food created by God is good and to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth. This echoes Jesus' teaching that it is not what goes into a person's mouth that defiles them but what comes out of their heart (Mark 7:18-23).
By addressing these specific false teachings, Paul is equipping Timothy to recognize and combat the errors that were infiltrating the early Christian community. The overarching theme is the importance of adhering to sound doctrine and rejecting false teachings that distort the gospel message.
Lastly--
Matthew 24:10-13 - "And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved."
2 Thessalonians 2:3 - "Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction."
1 Timothy 4:1 - "Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons."
2 Timothy 4:3-4 - "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."
Hebrews 3:12-14 - "Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called 'today,' that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end."
Hebrews 6:4-6 - "For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt."
2 Peter 2:1-3 - "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction."
These passages highlight the warnings in the New Testament about the reality of apostasy and the importance of remaining steadfast in the faith.
You and I need to be careful to preaching the whole counsel of God which is essential for several reasons:
Faithfulness to Scripture: Preaching the entire counsel of God ensures that believers receive a comprehensive understanding of God's Word. It involves teaching both the Old and New Testaments, covering a range of topics from the character of God to salvation to ethical principles. Neglecting certain aspects of Scripture can lead to an incomplete or distorted understanding of God's revelation.
Spiritual Growth: The full range of biblical teaching provides spiritual nourishment and growth for believers. Different aspects of God's truth speak to various aspects of our lives, helping us grow in wisdom, faith, and maturity. By preaching the whole counsel of God, pastors and teachers equip believers for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Protection Against Error: Teaching the whole counsel of God guards against doctrinal error and false teaching. When believers are grounded in the entirety of Scripture, they are better equipped to discern truth from falsehood and to refute false teachings that may arise (Titus 1:9; Ephesians 4:14-15).
Honoring God's Word: Preaching the whole counsel of God honors the authority and sufficiency of Scripture. It acknowledges that every part of the Bible is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).
Faithful Shepherdship: Pastors and teachers have a responsibility to faithfully shepherd God's people by proclaiming His Word in its entirety. This includes addressing challenging or uncomfortable topics, as well as presenting the full scope of God's redemptive plan. By faithfully preaching the whole counsel of God, pastors fulfill their calling to feed and care for the flock of God (Acts 20:27-28; 1 Peter 5:1-3).
In summary, preaching the whole counsel of God is essential for the spiritual health, growth, and protection of believers, as well as for honoring the authority of Scripture and faithfully shepherding God's people.
Satan's work in blinding the mind of those that believe not actually mitagates against a Calvinist understanding. One born addled by total inability requires no blinding to keep them from believing2Co 4:1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.
2Co 4:2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.
2Co 4:3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
2Co 4:4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
2Co 4:5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.
2Co 4:6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
In 2 Corinthians 4:1-6, the apostle Paul is addressing the Corinthian church about his ministry and the challenges he faces in proclaiming the gospel. Understanding the context sheds light on the significance of his words.
Paul begins by affirming that he and his fellow ministers have been entrusted with their ministry by the mercy of God. Despite the difficulties and opposition they encounter, they do not lose heart. This sets the tone for the rest of his message, emphasizing perseverance and reliance on God's grace.
He then contrasts their approach with those who engage in deceitful tactics or manipulate God's word for personal gain. Paul and his companions reject such practices and instead choose to present the truth openly. They aim to commend themselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God, highlighting their integrity and sincerity in their ministry.
Paul acknowledges that despite their efforts, some people remain spiritually blind to the gospel message. He attributes this blindness to the influence of "the god of this world," referring to Satan,
2 Corinthians 4:1–6 (KJV 1900) — 1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath 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 unto them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Nevertheless, Paul reaffirms the focus of their proclamation: not themselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord. They see themselves as servants for the sake of Jesus, dedicated to spreading the message of salvation through him.
Paul concludes by drawing a parallel between the creation narrative in Genesis, where God commanded light to shine out of darkness, and the spiritual illumination experienced by believers. He asserts that God has shone the light of the knowledge of his glory in their hearts through Jesus Christ, emphasizing the transformative power of the gospel.
In summary, the context of 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 provides insight into Paul's commitment to sincere and transparent ministry, the spiritual obstacles faced by unbelievers, and the centrality of Jesus Christ in proclaiming the message of salvation and revealing the glory of God.
Such work is redundant in a Calvinist world view. Additionally what can Satan do if God irresistibly infuses faith
Calvinistically He would not be needed in the case of the non elect and impotent in the case of the elect
Nope the gospel is not hidden but revealed andSuch as the gospel to those who are perishing. As has been pointed oit.
Satan's work in blinding the mind of those that believe not actually mitagates against a Calvinist understanding. One born addled by total inability requires no blinding to keep them from believing
Such work is redundant in a Calvinist world view. Additionally what can Satan do if God irresistibly infuses faith
Calvinistically He would not be needed in the case of the non elect and impotent in the case of the elect
Paul is warning believers about the ψυχικὸς ἄνθρωπος state that they will fall into if they do not continue to abide in the Spirit."Paul contrasts the 'natural person' (ψυχικὸς ἄνθρωπος) with the spiritual person."
- Paul distinguishes between two types of individuals: the "natural person" (often translated as the "unspiritual person" or "person without the Spirit") and the "spiritual person." The former refers to someone who is governed by their natural human inclinations and faculties, while the latter refers to someone who is guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
2. "The natural person 'does not accept' (οὐ δέχεται) and 'is not able' (οὐ δύναται) to understand spiritual things..."
- The natural person, lacking the guidance and illumination of the Holy Spirit, is unable to fully comprehend or accept the things of the Spirit. This incapacity stems from their reliance solely on human wisdom and understanding rather than on the revelation and enlightenment provided by the Spirit.
3. "...indicating an inherent incapacity without the Spirit's work."
- This indicates that without the work of the Holy Spirit, individuals are inherently unable to grasp spiritual truths. Human intellect and reasoning alone are insufficient to comprehend the deep things of God, which require spiritual discernment enabled by the Spirit's illumination.
4. "Again the reference is to the hidden things in the mind of God not that which has been revealed."
- The passage underscores the distinction between human wisdom and divine wisdom. The "hidden things" in the mind of God refer to truths that are beyond human understanding and can only be revealed by the Spirit. This emphasizes the dependence of believers on the Spirit for insight into God's mysteries.
Summary:
In summary, 1 Corinthians 2:14 contrasts the natural person, who lacks the spiritual discernment to understand God's truths, with the spiritual person, who is enabled by the Holy Spirit to comprehend and accept spiritual realities. The passage highlights the necessity of the Spirit's work in illuminating believers' minds and hearts to grasp the deep things of God.
Actually the Bible says it is hidden to those who are perishing.Nope the gospel is not hidden but revealed and
Satan's work in blinding the mind of those that believe not actually mitagates against a Calvinist understanding. One born addled by total inability requires no blinding to keep them from believing
Such work is redundant in a Calvinist world view. Additionally what can Satan do if God irresistibly infuses faith
Calvinistically He would not be needed in the case of the non elect and impotent in the case of the elect
I see no answer to thisActually the Bible says it is hidden to those who are perishing.
Satan's work in blinding the mind of those that believe not actually mitagates against a Calvinist understanding. One born addled by total inability requires no blinding to keep them from believing
Such work is redundant in a Calvinist world view. Additionally what can Satan do if God irresistibly infuses faith
Calvinistically He would not be needed in the case of the non elect and impotent in the case of the elect
Exactly! Calvinism has merged the roles of God and the Devil into their pagan calvinist god. What blasphemy on their part.I see no answer to this
Satan's work in blinding the mind of those that believe not actually mitagates against a Calvinist understanding. One born addled by total inability requires no blinding to keep them from believing
Such work is redundant in a Calvinist world view. Additionally what can Satan do if God irresistibly infuses faith
Calvinistically He would not be needed in the case of the non elect and impotent in the case of the elect
You sound like a Bot.Satan's work in blinding the mind of those that believe not actually mitagates against a Calvinist understanding. One born addled by total inability requires no blinding to keep them from believing
Such work is redundant in a Calvinist world view. Additionally what can Satan do if God irresistibly infuses faith
Calvinistically He would not be needed in the case of the non elect and impotent in the case of the elect
2 Corinthians 4:3
ESV
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
NIV
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
NASB
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,
CSB
But if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
NLT
If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing.
KJV
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
This passage deals with apparent allegations from some among the Corinthians that Paul has been false in some way. They may have suggested he has some hidden agenda. Or, that he and his friends have not been completely honest. Paul has declared in the previous verse that the opposite is true. They present the message of the gospel to everyone with openness and honestly. They are committed to never deceiving anyone or manipulating God's Word. They invite everyone who evaluates them, before God, to see if they can find any falsehood in them, at all.
In this verse, Paul adds an important clarification. There is a difference between being deceptive about the gospel of Jesus Christ and being misunderstood.
He will more clearly describe in the next verse that unbelievers are simply unable to see the glory of God. Their minds are hardened by sin. A veil of misunderstanding separates them from God's glory. That veil can only be removed through Christ by the power of God's Holy Spirit.
Those who are perishing are the ones who have not come to God by faith in Christ. They remain hardened in their sin, unforgiven by God. Their current destiny is eternal death and separation from God. They are truly dying and unable to understand even the clearest teaching about God's glory, as Paul further describes in the following verse.
This verse is often cited by those pleading for believers to present the gospel in an upright and unobstructed way. Taken out of context, it seems to be a plea to be more ethical and clear in explaining truths about salvation. That point is not unreasonable; in fact, the points Paul makes here are tied to the need for simplicity, transparency, and honesty. Strictly speaking, though, the "veiling" referred to here is something caused by unbelievers' hard hearts, not our own failures.
NIV
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
The truth of the gospel—the "good news" about Jesus—is veiled from those who are perishing. This was Paul's comment in the previous verse (2 Corinthians 4:3). In the previous chapter, Paul wrote about a veil that keeps those hardened by sin from being able to see God's glory. This glory is revealed to humanity in Christ, but the veil is only removed from those who turn to the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:16). Then they can see God's glory. Those who resist will be made unable to see the truth, at all.
After insisting that he and his co-workers openly and clearly teach the gospel, Paul has repeated that this does not mean everyone understands his teaching. The truth obscured from those currently destined for eternal death apart from God. They are perishing because they do not understand the truth, and they cannot understand it, because they refuse to.
Now Paul shows that someone is at work to keep those who are perishing from coming to Christ. There is an actual person making an effort, behind the scenes, to keep people from being freed from this lack of understanding. Paul refers to this entity as "the god of this world." Paul is describing the work of Satan on earth (Ephesians 2:2). The Devil actively participates in blinding the minds of those who don't believe in Jesus, to keep them from coming to faith in Christ. His purpose is to keep them from seeing the light.
Paul describes truth as the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. Christ is literally God's revelation of Himself to humanity (John 1:14; Hebrews 1:3). God means for humans to know Him by knowing Christ. Only those who come to Him through faith in Christ can see God's glory. Those who see it begin to be transformed to become more and more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18).
So Paul has now identified two sources of spiritual blindness: sin inside of unbelievers and the work of Satan to keep them spiritually blind.
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 4:1–6 begins with Paul's insistence that he would never act in disgraceful or deceptive ways. He and his co-workers present the truth of God's Word openly. They invite others to openly evaluate their conduct before God. Some will not be able to believe their true teaching about Christ, though, since they are blinded by Satan from seeing the light of God's glory in Christ. God has shone that light into the hearts of Paul and his friends, and they bring the light of knowing God's glory through Christ to the world.
You are so fixated on Calvinism seems you can't hold a reasonable dialogue-you are posting in a "robotic manner"-what's wrong with you? Or am I the only one noticing it?
This is not biblical-human reasoning-are you a robot? You don't make any sense at all man.Nope the gospel is not hidden but revealed and
Satan's work in blinding the mind of those that believe not actually mitagates against a Calvinist understanding. One born addled by total inability requires no blinding to keep them from believing
Such work is redundant in a Calvinist world view. Additionally what can Satan do if God irresistibly infuses faith
Calvinistically He would not be needed in the case of the non elect and impotent in the case of the elect
He does not blind those that believe. Read it again.I see no answer to this
Satan's work in blinding the mind of those that believe not actually mitagates against a Calvinist understanding. One born addled by total inability requires no blinding to keep them from believing
Such work is redundant in a Calvinist world view. Additionally what can Satan do if God irresistibly infuses faith
Calvinistically He would not be needed in the case of the non elect and impotent in the case of the elect
The gospel is hidden to those who are perishing. Are believers perishing?
And it sounds like you do not address the problem of a Calvinist interpretationYou sound like a Bot.
2 Corinthians 4:3
ESV
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
NIV
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
NASB
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,
CSB
But if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
NLT
If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing.
KJV
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
This passage deals with apparent allegations from some among the Corinthians that Paul has been false in some way. They may have suggested he has some hidden agenda. Or, that he and his friends have not been completely honest. Paul has declared in the previous verse that the opposite is true. They present the message of the gospel to everyone with openness and honestly. They are committed to never deceiving anyone or manipulating God's Word. They invite everyone who evaluates them, before God, to see if they can find any falsehood in them, at all.
In this verse, Paul adds an important clarification. There is a difference between being deceptive about the gospel of Jesus Christ and being misunderstood.
He will more clearly describe in the next verse that unbelievers are simply unable to see the glory of God. Their minds are hardened by sin. A veil of misunderstanding separates them from God's glory. That veil can only be removed through Christ by the power of God's Holy Spirit.
Those who are perishing are the ones who have not come to God by faith in Christ. They remain hardened in their sin, unforgiven by God. Their current destiny is eternal death and separation from God. They are truly dying and unable to understand even the clearest teaching about God's glory, as Paul further describes in the following verse.
This verse is often cited by those pleading for believers to present the gospel in an upright and unobstructed way. Taken out of context, it seems to be a plea to be more ethical and clear in explaining truths about salvation. That point is not unreasonable; in fact, the points Paul makes here are tied to the need for simplicity, transparency, and honesty. Strictly speaking, though, the "veiling" referred to here is something caused by unbelievers' hard hearts, not our own failures.
NIV
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
The truth of the gospel—the "good news" about Jesus—is veiled from those who are perishing. This was Paul's comment in the previous verse (2 Corinthians 4:3). In the previous chapter, Paul wrote about a veil that keeps those hardened by sin from being able to see God's glory. This glory is revealed to humanity in Christ, but the veil is only removed from those who turn to the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:16). Then they can see God's glory. Those who resist will be made unable to see the truth, at all.
After insisting that he and his co-workers openly and clearly teach the gospel, Paul has repeated that this does not mean everyone understands his teaching. The truth obscured from those currently destined for eternal death apart from God. They are perishing because they do not understand the truth, and they cannot understand it, because they refuse to.
Now Paul shows that someone is at work to keep those who are perishing from coming to Christ. There is an actual person making an effort, behind the scenes, to keep people from being freed from this lack of understanding. Paul refers to this entity as "the god of this world." Paul is describing the work of Satan on earth (Ephesians 2:2). The Devil actively participates in blinding the minds of those who don't believe in Jesus, to keep them from coming to faith in Christ. His purpose is to keep them from seeing the light.
Paul describes truth as the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. Christ is literally God's revelation of Himself to humanity (John 1:14; Hebrews 1:3). God means for humans to know Him by knowing Christ. Only those who come to Him through faith in Christ can see God's glory. Those who see it begin to be transformed to become more and more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18).
So Paul has now identified two sources of spiritual blindness: sin inside of unbelievers and the work of Satan to keep them spiritually blind.
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 4:1–6 begins with Paul's insistence that he would never act in disgraceful or deceptive ways. He and his co-workers present the truth of God's Word openly. They invite others to openly evaluate their conduct before God. Some will not be able to believe their true teaching about Christ, though, since they are blinded by Satan from seeing the light of God's glory in Christ. God has shone that light into the hearts of Paul and his friends, and they bring the light of knowing God's glory through Christ to the world.
You are so fixated on Calvinism seems you can't hold a reasonable dialogue-you are posting in a "robotic manner"-what's wrong with you? Or am I the only one noticing it?
This is not biblical-human reasoning-are you a robot? You don't make any sense at all man.
Satan's work in blinding the mind of those that believe not actually mitagates against a Calvinist understanding. One born addled by total inability requires no blinding to keep them from believing
Such work is redundant in a Calvinist world view. Additionally what can Satan do if God irresistibly infuses faith
Calvinistically He would not be needed in the case of the non elect and impotent in the case of the elect
Nope. It says it's hidden from those who are perishing. Believers are not perishing.And it sounds like you do not address the problem of a Calvinist interpretation
Satan's work in blinding the mind of those that believe not actually mitagates against a Calvinist understanding. One born addled by total inability requires no blinding to keep them from believing
Such work is redundant in a Calvinist world view. Additionally what can Satan do if God irresistibly infuses faith
Calvinistically He would not be needed in the case of the non elect and impotent in the case of the elect
No kidding that is what I stated and you did not address the difficulty of a Calvinist interpretationHe does not blind those that believe. Read it again.
The gospel is hidden to those who are perishing. Are believers perishing?
Satan's work in blinding the mind of those that believe not actually mitagates against a Calvinist understanding. One born addled by total inability requires no blinding to keep them from believing
Such work is redundant in a Calvinist world view. Additionally what can Satan do if God irresistibly infuses faith
Calvinistically He would not be needed in the case of the non elect and impotent in the case of the elect
Get it? Satan is ineffective in a Calvinist world view
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He does not blind those that believe. Believers are not perishing. So the gospel is hidden as it clearly states. Your premise is debunkedNo kidding that is what I stated and you did not address the difficulty of a Calvinist interpretation
Satan's work in blinding the mind of those that believe not actually mitagates against a Calvinist understanding. One born addled by total inability requires no blinding to keep them from believing
Such work is redundant in a Calvinist world view. Additionally what can Satan do if God irresistibly infuses faith
Calvinistically He would not be needed in the case of the non elect and impotent in the case of the elect
Yup-you are robotic-regurgitating human philosophy, not able to discern what stands written. Just goes to show you can have all the commentaries at your disposal and still miss as to what stands written, in plain text.And it sounds like you do not address the problem of a Calvinist interpretation
Satan's work in blinding the mind of those that believe not actually mitagates against a Calvinist understanding. One born addled by total inability requires no blinding to keep them from believing
Such work is redundant in a Calvinist world view. Additionally what can Satan do if God irresistibly infuses faith
Calvinistically He would not be needed in the case of the non elect and impotent in the case of the elect
Lets see if you can have a reasonable dialogue. In one of his Epistles to the Corinthians, Paul is warning believers about the ψυχικὸς ἄνθρωπος state that they will fall into if they do not continue to abide in the Spirit. Are you prepared to talk about that?You sound like a Bot.
2 Corinthians 4:3
ESV
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
NIV
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
NASB
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,
CSB
But if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
NLT
If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing.
KJV
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
This passage deals with apparent allegations from some among the Corinthians that Paul has been false in some way. They may have suggested he has some hidden agenda. Or, that he and his friends have not been completely honest. Paul has declared in the previous verse that the opposite is true. They present the message of the gospel to everyone with openness and honestly. They are committed to never deceiving anyone or manipulating God's Word. They invite everyone who evaluates them, before God, to see if they can find any falsehood in them, at all.
In this verse, Paul adds an important clarification. There is a difference between being deceptive about the gospel of Jesus Christ and being misunderstood.
He will more clearly describe in the next verse that unbelievers are simply unable to see the glory of God. Their minds are hardened by sin. A veil of misunderstanding separates them from God's glory. That veil can only be removed through Christ by the power of God's Holy Spirit.
Those who are perishing are the ones who have not come to God by faith in Christ. They remain hardened in their sin, unforgiven by God. Their current destiny is eternal death and separation from God. They are truly dying and unable to understand even the clearest teaching about God's glory, as Paul further describes in the following verse.
This verse is often cited by those pleading for believers to present the gospel in an upright and unobstructed way. Taken out of context, it seems to be a plea to be more ethical and clear in explaining truths about salvation. That point is not unreasonable; in fact, the points Paul makes here are tied to the need for simplicity, transparency, and honesty. Strictly speaking, though, the "veiling" referred to here is something caused by unbelievers' hard hearts, not our own failures.
NIV
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
The truth of the gospel—the "good news" about Jesus—is veiled from those who are perishing. This was Paul's comment in the previous verse (2 Corinthians 4:3). In the previous chapter, Paul wrote about a veil that keeps those hardened by sin from being able to see God's glory. This glory is revealed to humanity in Christ, but the veil is only removed from those who turn to the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:16). Then they can see God's glory. Those who resist will be made unable to see the truth, at all.
After insisting that he and his co-workers openly and clearly teach the gospel, Paul has repeated that this does not mean everyone understands his teaching. The truth obscured from those currently destined for eternal death apart from God. They are perishing because they do not understand the truth, and they cannot understand it, because they refuse to.
Now Paul shows that someone is at work to keep those who are perishing from coming to Christ. There is an actual person making an effort, behind the scenes, to keep people from being freed from this lack of understanding. Paul refers to this entity as "the god of this world." Paul is describing the work of Satan on earth (Ephesians 2:2). The Devil actively participates in blinding the minds of those who don't believe in Jesus, to keep them from coming to faith in Christ. His purpose is to keep them from seeing the light.
Paul describes truth as the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. Christ is literally God's revelation of Himself to humanity (John 1:14; Hebrews 1:3). God means for humans to know Him by knowing Christ. Only those who come to Him through faith in Christ can see God's glory. Those who see it begin to be transformed to become more and more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18).
So Paul has now identified two sources of spiritual blindness: sin inside of unbelievers and the work of Satan to keep them spiritually blind.
Context Summary
Second Corinthians 4:1–6 begins with Paul's insistence that he would never act in disgraceful or deceptive ways. He and his co-workers present the truth of God's Word openly. They invite others to openly evaluate their conduct before God. Some will not be able to believe their true teaching about Christ, though, since they are blinded by Satan from seeing the light of God's glory in Christ. God has shone that light into the hearts of Paul and his friends, and they bring the light of knowing God's glory through Christ to the world.
You are so fixated on Calvinism seems you can't hold a reasonable dialogue-you are posting in a "robotic manner"-what's wrong with you? Or am I the only one noticing it?
This is not biblical-human reasoning-are you a robot? You don't make any sense at all man.
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