RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2021-01-19	What Does “Eye Has Not Seen, Nor Ear Heard” Mean? (1Co.2:9)
		1Co 2:6  However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 1Co 2:7  But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 1Co 2:8  which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 1Co 2:9  But as it is written: "EYE HAS NOT SEEN, NOR EAR HEARD, NOR HAVE ENTERED INTO THE HEART OF MAN THE THINGS WHICH GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM." This statement from Paul has intrigued generations of believers. Paul is in the middle of teaching the difference between human wisdom and wisdom revealed from God's Word. Many of the believers at Corinth were relying on human wisdom to deal with problems in the church. They were valuing worldly intelligence above the revelation of God from His word. The mystery Paul speaks of is the mystery of God, that has been previously hidden (v.7). But now it is revealed in the Bible. Long before the creation of the world, the heavenly Father chose to send His Son to die and become the way of salvation. God planned to bring along all who love Him to share in His glory. This is what no ordinary human eyes have seen. That is, the revelation of God in the person of Jesus Christ. No unregenerate ears have heard and received the truth in the gospel message of salvation. No unenlightened minds have perceived the mysteries of God, because they are beyond human thinking. True wisdom can only be received and understood through special revelation from the Spirit in the Word (v.10). Many Christians apply 1 Corinthians 2:9 as a promise of future blessings in heaven. Though the idea is true, the immediate context of 'eye has not seen' is not our heavenly home. Heaven, actually called the New Jerusalem, will be awesome indeed (Rv.21:4-6). It is just not what Paul is talking about here. The primary meaning is what God planned for those who love Him, as seen in the mystery of the gospel. That is, the human mind cannot comprehend this truth unless the Spirit reveals it. Paul quotes from Isaiah 64:4 and applies it to support his case that only the spiritually mature can grasp the mysteries of God. Those who only see from the perspective of human wisdom would never come up with the mystery of God in Christ. The gospel has more beauty and worth than anyone can comprehend apart from the Holy Spirit. The unbeliever does not know what he is missing. The meaning of this passage is that human wisdom could not apprehend what God planned before the world was created. He planned to send the Son to die for mankind, and to allow believers to share in His glory! Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

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