NOW I SEE

By Geoff Daniels

“One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see” (John 9:25). This is the heartfelt testimony of a man who was born blind and Jesus gave him his sight. That is why the blind man could declare “now I see.” Just as how this man was blind from birth, we can hardly relate to his condition unless it happens to us. Before a person believes in Jesus Christ, that person is “blind” to Him, His will and His ways. And, by no means can anyone change this condition by his or her ability, intellect, or works. Isn’t it any wonder King David said, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me” (Psalm 51:5). Iniquity is man’s rebellion toward God and sin is the inborn human nature.

Just as Jesus gave the man his sight, so it is with anyone who receives Jesus Christ as Savior. Every human being from the first man, Adam, whom God created, is born “spiritually blind,” that is, not knowing the truth of the Gospel, that “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4), neither have they discovered God's love, mercy, and saving grace. The fact is that without exception, “All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory” (Romans 3:23). Also, “All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned everyone to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6). This means that everyone chooses to go his or her way rather than going God’s way.

God’s way is that sinful man should hear and respond to the glorious good news of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, because “it is not God’s will that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Consider the fact that God is holy and righteous and mortal man is unholy and unrighteous. Therefore, there needs to be “reconciliation” whereby man is made right with God. For this purpose, “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Salvation is a “free Gift” because of God’s grace. It is free because Jesus paid the price through His shed blood and death on the cross. The Bible says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not of works so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

In his commentary on Ephesians 2:8-9, Dr. Charles Stanley wrote, “If our salvation were dependent upon our actions—if we could be redeemed by doing good works, keeping the commandments and refraining from sin—we would always be in danger of losing it whenever we stumbled. However, because salvation is a gift given to us freely—and not in exchange for anything we can do—it is completely secure. Our salvation therefore magnifies the awesome love and grace of God alone, since He blesses us not because of our merit but because of His goodness.” (The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, p. 1415). Dr. Stanley is absolutely right. What about those who were not capable of doing good works and keeping the commandments? Where are they heading?

The greatest problem in our society is sin. That is why God is the God of all grace who freely offers salvation to this world that truly deserves God’s judgment. The Bibles declares, "But where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that as sin reigned in death, grace also may reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 5:20-21). All the demands of God's holiness have been fully met in Jesus Christ. Why not repent of your sins and trust Jesus Christ as your Savior, and make Him Lord of your life now? You too will be able to confidently exclaim, "I was blind, now I see." May God help you to do so.as your Savior, and make Him Lord of your life now? You too will be able to confidently exclaim, "I was blind, now I see." May God help you to do so.see." May God help you to do so.