2 Corinthians 4:18 – Things That Are Unseen

What we see happening around us in the world can be overwhelming. There are times it takes our breath away. We ask, “How could this possibly happen?” “Is anyone in charge?” “What next?” It seems that from one week to the next, things get worse. “Is there no end to this?” “Can’t we get back to normal?” The short answer is no.

There are many who are hopeful that an incredible turnaround will take place. In this camp are those who believe in God and those who don’t. Despite the two opposing views, they have great hope and confidence in a Great Awakening. From their perspective, everything that has occurred since the 2020 election was strategic: Donald Trump was aware of the fraud that would happen, but had to let it go forward. He did this so that a large majority of people would truly see the corruption of the Left. They would experience it firsthand. There was the necessity of going through the legal process of demonstrating the vast conspiracy to win the White House illegally. Then, when all this and more had been accomplished, the people would rise up and in unity demand the reinstatement of the rightful president. Once that happens, it changes the trajectory of evil for good, and we’re able to move forward into a future that finally destroys the wicked.

That’s a lovely scenario. It’s hopeful, optimistic, and completely non-Biblical. Within the camp who believe and are trusting for this outcome, there are many Christians. I don’t doubt the sincerity of their faith whatsoever. However, in their believing this storyline, I wonder what Bible they’re reading.

Scripture has a combination of literal and allegorical writings. Typically when something is symbolic, it is pointed out as such. Sometimes there is hyperbole which could be taken literally – as many have over the years – but common sense indicates the figure of speech must be considered. However, when the plain sense of God’s Word and its context indicate for us to take the text literally, why should anyone attempt to spiritualize it or make it figurative?

One of the major aspects of this deals with end-times issues. People go to great extremes to twist the Word in order to convince themselves and others that there is no pre-Tribulation Rapture. For whatever reason, they have determined that Christ’s 2nd Coming contains all the elements of the vanishing of true believers in the twinkling of an eye along with Jesus returning to earth victoriously with His Bride following immediately behind. They conflate Scriptures and argue that what many of us see as our blessed hope through the promise of God to keep us from the wrath to come, is all an effort in escapism. They say we have to gird ourselves, prepare for the Tribulation to come, and endure the hardships. The conditions around the world currently being experienced are the harbingers they use to assert that we’re most assuredly going through this most awful seven years. Find a bolthole, stock up on supplies, get your guns ready!

How about if we look at the world through a Biblical, prophetic lens? Consider what Paul said in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18:

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Perhaps what we’re going through right now is the end game. Maybe the craziness around us is what God is allowing us to undergo as light momentary affliction so that we get our minds and hearts right for the eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison that is coming. How about, rather than God wanting us to set our eyes on the things of the world, maybe He desires to correct our vision? Perhaps we are to look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen?

We have an eternal hope that God’s promises are true. From His Word, we see that our hope in Him isn’t something like what the world hopes for. When the world hopes, it is speculative. There is no assurance that what is hoped for will actually come to pass. For believers, hope in God’s promises takes on a whole other dimension. The world says that seeing is believing. Those of us who are true and faithful in Christ Jesus agree with the Bible which says that believing is seeing. We can’t look only at the things around us and think that’s all there. What emptiness that brings!

No, we must take the perspective that Paul does: For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. This is one reason we don’t go along with the crowd that says: “Get ready for the Tribulation.” God has made certain promises in His Word, i.e. Revelation 3:10:

Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.

Pre-Trib believers cling to this as a sure Word that God will keep. There are many others. The hope that we have is more than how the world hopes. Ours is a confidence that is unshakable. Why? Because God said it. We believe it. That settles it.

Yes, the world is deteriorating before our very eyes. Scripture clearly says this will happen. It will get worse before it gets better. On this earth, prior to the worst of the worst, the Lord will snatch us away. Only after the time of God’s judgment upon this unbelieving world will we return with Jesus. Then, and only then, will the wonder and glory follow as we enter the Millennial Reign of Christ.

We have much to look forward to; in the meantime much to be thankful for. When we place our faith and hope in the Lord, He will see us through whatever is coming our way. We can also rest assured that He will keep us safe in the hiding place with Him.

5 Responses to “2 Corinthians 4:18 – Things That Are Unseen”

  1. Reply Amy Swift

    Agreed. The irony of this for me, I look outside where I live and it is so peaceful and then read the headlines and the world truly is in it’s last chaotic spin. The next day the chaos gets worse and my world is still very peaceful. How wonderful He is to give me such peace and beauty.

  2. Reply Amy Swift

    Agreed. The irony of all this world wide chaos in the headlines and I see such beauty and peace in my world outside my window. I am very grateful for this major contrast. And to be able to live in such a beautiful world.

  3. Reply Vera

    Dear brother, I found your blog from a sister, and linked some of your encouraging writings to some german brothers and sisters, so they can read it. Thank you very much for your work. The Lord bless you and your family! Maranatha! Greetings from Spain!

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