Why does the Bible say God blinds people to spiritual truth that could save souls?
40 "He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn - and I would heal them."
John 12:40
ESV - 40 "He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I would heal them."
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Asked July 20 2014
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Larry English
Supporter
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Singapore Moses
Supporter
"He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them." The Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in John (Jn. 12:40; Isa. 6:9-10) Two things promised believers here: 1. Conversion, a change of direction, a new walk with God (Ps. 19:7; 51:13; Isa. 6:10; 60:5; Mt. 13:15; 18:3; Mk. 4:12; Lk. 22:32; Jn. 12:40; Acts 3:19; 15:3; 28:27; Jas. 5:19-20) 2. Healing (physically), a change of health, a new health in God (Ex. 15:26; Ps. 91; 103:3; Isa. 6:10; Isa. 53; Mt. 8:17; Jn. 10:10; Rom. 8:11; 1Pet. 2:24; 3Jn. 1:2; Jas. 5:14-16) To accept the literal fulfillment of only half of this prophecy is wrong. The way Jesus demonstrated healing and conversion together is proof that both are still for all men (Mt. 8:17; 9:5,35; 10:1-8; 12:28; 13:15; Jn. 10:10; Acts 10:38). Shall we say that it is easier to forgive than heal? That it was only God's will that He do this for men for a limited time? That God does not care to bless His children this way today? That He loved them for only a few years? That the work of Christ on the cross has lost its power? That the promises, provision, and benefits started with the gospel were only temporary? Or, shall we return to God and the original gospel benefits?
JD Abshire
Supporter
John 12:39 tells us that verse 40 is a prophecy made by Isaiah (Isaiah 6:10). David states similar in Psalms 69:22-23 In Matthew 13:10-16 the disciples asked Christ why he spoke to the multitudes in parables, he also referenced Isaiah 6:9-10 See also Mark 4:12, Luke 8:10, Acts 28:26-27. Read Romans 11:7-12. Verse 11 answers the question regarding why national Israel has been blinded to the saving gospel message. "I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy." (See Deuteronomy 32:16-45) Isaiah 46:9 "Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Isa 46:10 "Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:" Isa 46:11 "Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it." It is not a popular subject among many professing Christians today but God is sovereign. He has and continues to exercise this sovereignty in fulfilling his divine purpose and plan according to his will and for his glory.
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