The article “Wicked Men Blind” by Benjamin Keach addresses the theological concept of spiritual blindness, articulating how all humanity, in their natural state, suffers from this condition due to sin. Keach argues that this blindness results in an inability to perceive the truth of the Gospel, which is further compounded by a refusal to acknowledge their state and seek guidance. He substantiates his points with Scripture references such as Luke 6:39, Matthew 23:26, and Revelation 3:17, indicating that without divine illumination, wicked men cannot see the light of Christ—even when it shines brightly before them. The theological significance of this text lies in its depiction of the total depravity of humankind, a key tenet of Reformed theology, highlighting the need for divine intervention for spiritual awakening and salvation.
Key Quotes
“An unconverted Man or Man in his natural state is Blind.”
“Though the Gospel be preached never so powerfully yet wicked Men see not nor can they till the eyes of their understanding are enlightened.”
“There is no blindness like spiritual Blindness.”
“Wicked Men who are spiritually Blind refuse that guide God directs them to viz his holy Word.”
What does the Bible say about spiritual blindness?
The Bible teaches that all mankind is spiritually blind due to the fall and sin, denying them understanding of the truth.
Furthermore, as God's judgment, He may blind some individuals further, withdrawing His grace and allowing their hearts to be hardened as seen in Isaiah 44:18 and Romans 11:8. Thus, the spiritual blindness described in Scripture signifies not just the inability to perceive spiritual truths but also highlights the severity of the consequence of sin that leads individuals away from salvation.
Matthew 23:26, Revelation 3:17, Isaiah 44:18, Romans 11:8
How do we know total depravity is true?
Total depravity is affirmed by Scripture, illustrating that every part of humanity is affected by sin.
This doctrine further exalts the grace of God, showcasing His mercy in choosing to save a people for Himself despite their inherent rebellion and total inability to attain salvation on their own. Therefore, understanding total depravity not only aligns with biblical teaching but also highlights the necessity for the sovereign grace of God in redemption.
Romans 3:10-12, Ephesians 2:1-3
Why is grace important for Christians?
Grace is essential for Christians as it is the means by which we are saved and sustained in faith.
Furthermore, grace continues to play a significant role in the believer's life after conversion. It empowers Christians to live in accordance with God’s will, sustain them in trials, and encourage them toward holiness. As 2 Corinthians 12:9 states, God's grace is sufficient, and it is in our weakness that His power is made perfect. Thus, grace is not just the starting point of Christian faith; it is the sustaining force throughout a believer's journey, providing hope and strength in every circumstance.
Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Romans 5:20-21
WICKED MEN BLIND
"Can the Blind lead the Blind?" &c., Lu 6:39.
"Thou Blind Pharisee," &c., Mt 23:26.
"Miserable, poor, and Blind," &c., Re 3:17.
An unconverted Man, or Man in his natural state, is Blind.
PARALLELS
I. Some Men are born Blind. All mankind spiritually may be said to be born Blind; for as they are under a privation of life, it follows they are Blind, that is, their understanding is darkened.
II. Some Men are Blind casually, either by age, or some accident. Adam before his fall, could see, originally Man's eye-sight was good, but sin hath put his eyes out.
III. Blind Men hare not the comfortable benefit of the sun: so Wicked Men receive not the heavenly and sweet benefit of the Sun of Righteousness.
Though the sun shines never so bright, a Blind Man is never the better for it, unless his eyes were opened. So though the Gospel be preached never so powerfully, yet wicked Men see not, nor can they, till the eyes of their understanding are enlightened.
IV. Blind Men stumble, and know not many times at what they, stumble; they also are in great danger, without a sure guide. So Wicked Men know not what they stumble at; they stumble at God himself, and at Christ, when they stumble at his truth, and his people. They know not whither they go, nor the dreadful danger they are in; they think they are in the right way to heaven, and yet are in the broad way to hell; they are led oft-times by those who are as blind as themselves: "And if the Blind lead the Blind, they will both fall into the ditch."
V. Some Men's natural Blindness hath been by the just judgment of God upon them, for their sin. So God in a way of judgment Blinds the eyes of some Men, after common illuminations. He is said to Blind their eyes, and harden their hearts, that is, he denies them his grace, and withdraws those common influences of it from them, suffering Satan to take full power of them, leaving them to their own hearts' lusts, and so consequently to final impenitency, Isa 44:18; Ro 11:8.
DISPARITY
I. Men who are naturally Blind, would gladly see; they lament nothing more than the loss of their eye -sight. But Wicked Men are willingly Blind, they love darkness rather than light, and refuse the means God is pleased to afford them, in order to the opening their eyes.
II. Men who are naturally Blind, do gladly accept of a faithful and sure guide. But Wicked Men, who are spiritually Blind, refuse that guide God directs them to, viz., his holy Word; they are neither thankful to God, nor good Men, for any help afforded them; nay, they vilify such as would take them by the hand to save them out of the pit of eternal misery. There is no blindness like spiritual Blindness. Call upon wicked Men, and entreat them never so often and earnestly, pray do not go that way, take heed, Man, take heed! there is a pit before you; alas! you are going into the lion's den, nay, worse, into everlasting fire, to death and hell. Yet these Blind wretches will go on, live or die, sink or swim, all is one. No advice or warning will be received.
Comments
Your comment has been submitted and is awaiting moderation. Once approved, it will appear on this page.
Be the first to comment!