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Spiritual Blindness (Part One): The God of This World

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

The concept of the "God of This Age" as presented in II Corinthians 4:3-4 often raises questions about who is truly being described. While some may attribute this title to Satan, Scripture does not support naming the Devil as a god of anything. Instead, the gospel accounts consistently refer to Satan as a ruler, not a god. He is called the ruler of the demons and the ruler of this world by Jesus Himself in the book of John. Paul also identifies him as the prince or ruler of the power of the air, emphasizing his authority and capabilities, which are far above man's but do not approach God's supreme level. The word "aion" in II Corinthians 4:4 refers to this age, not this world, and God has not made Satan a god over this age, only a ruler with limited authority. Scripture affirms that Christ is far above all principalities and powers, including Satan, who operates only within the boundaries God permits. God's sovereignty remains unchallenged, and Satan's desire to be like the Most High, as recorded in Isaiah 14:14, is merely his own estimation, not a reality endorsed by God.

Who Is the 'God of This World'? (Part One)

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

Translators use a lowercase "g" in "god of this age [or, world]" in II Corinthians 4:4, yet it is the true God who blinds; He alone opens and closes eyes.

Who Is the 'God of This World'? (Part Two)

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

As Moses had to veil his luminous face, so, metaphorically, the God of this age mercifully blinds carnal individual for now because light hurts their eyes.

Spiritual Blindness (Part Two): The God of This Age

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

In the discussion of spiritual sight and understanding, the concept of the 'God of this age' emerges as central to comprehending who holds authority over blinding and revealing truth. It is asserted that Jesus Christ is the God of this age, reigning supreme over every principality and power, including rebellious entities like Satan. His preeminence extends not only to the current age but also to the age to come, with only the Father being higher in authority. As the King of the ages, His dominion is unchallenged, and He possesses all authority in heaven and earth. The interpretation of II Corinthians 4:4 reveals a significant perspective: it is the true God, not Satan, who blinds the minds of those who are perishing, preventing them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ. This blinding is an act of His sovereign will, often as a judgment or out of mercy, aligning with His purpose to guide His creation toward everlasting light. He withholds understanding from some, as seen with the Israelites, whose hearts He hardened due to their disobedience, ensuring that only a few recognized their Savior when He came. In contrast, Satan is not designated as the god of any age, nor is he granted the authority to open or close spiritual eyes. His role is confined to deception, distorting truth to serve his agenda, but he lacks the power to blind as the true God does. While many may inadvertently or deliberately follow Satan, he is not the deity of this or any age, and neither God nor His servants confer such a title upon him. Historically, early writers near the apostolic era understood II Corinthians 4:4 to refer to the Eternal God as the one who blinds, a view that persisted for over a millennium. This perspective shifted during the Protestant Reformation, influenced by figures who asserted that Satan was responsible for blinding, despite the consistent scriptural testimony that it is the true God who exercises this authority. Thus, Jesus Christ remains the unconstrained God of this age, sovereign over all spiritual sight and understanding.