We've discussed the possible referent of 2 Cor. 4:4. I still believe it's Satan, whereas some argue that Jehovah (YHWH) is the god of this age (world). Let's assume that Paul is referring to Satan. The verse states that the god of this world blinds the minds of the unbelievers. I used to wonder how Jehovah could allow Satan to blind someone's mind from the good news about the Christ. How can God punish someone who does not accept the truth, if he allowed Satan to blind their minds?
I've since learned that Satan can only blind the minds of those, who do not love divine truth. Paul writes:
"And for this cause God sendeth them a working of error, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be judged who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness" (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 ASV).
Jehovah allows the desires of their hearts to be fulfilled, in accordance with their free choice.
The case with Pharoah is enlightening, since Pharoah, his advisors and Jehovah are all said to play a part in his heart being hardened.
ReplyDeleteImperfection plays a part as well. Remember Deut. 32:5- They are the ones who acted corruptly they are not his children the defect is their own. So they can be influenced by Satan, and it is not Jehovah fault. That is one way to look at it as well.
ReplyDeleteABP English 2Th 2:11,12 And on account of this [shall send forth to them God] an energy of delusion, for them to believe in the lie, that [should be judged all the ones not believing in the truth but taking pleasure in unrighteousness].
ReplyDeleteAllow for a influence of delusion. Let outside sources influence them, we can all be under the influence. Any kind of influence or energy as some like to call it. "Did you feel the energy in the rock crowd tonight it was incredible" If God doesn't prevent it, it will influence many. In another part of the bible it is called the spirit of the air.-Ephesians 2:2.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all the observations in this thread. One point I was also trying to make, is that Satan can only blind us, if we allow him to do it. Just like he entered Judas because he allowed his heart to become corrupt. See 2 Timothy 2:24-26, I believe.
ReplyDeleteThanks, my friends.
Yeah, that scripture is about as plain as it gets. They can be caught alive like an animal, but still can get free, if they choose to. Well said brother Foster.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.academia.edu/13926876/An_Ur-History_of_the_New_Testament_Devil_The_Celestial_satan_in_Zechariah_and_Job
ReplyDeletehttps://books.google.co.uk/books?id=C7_vbvy3NH0C&pg=PA182&lpg=PA182&dq=4QPrNabar&source=bl&ots=oGaGBqC20j&sig=oNqmRqNjbRS2hLILQMadrnIPXhE&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiay5LW87jNAhVqCsAKHaIrAXoQ6AEIJzAD#v=onepage&q=4QPrNabar&f=false
ReplyDeletehttps://isthatinthebible.wordpress.com/2014/08/20/the-book-of-enoch-as-the-background-to-1-peter-2-peter-and-jude/
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