According to the Apostle Paul, the “lost” are “blinded” by the “god of this world” to “the light of the glorious gospel of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). Contrary to popular opinion, it takes more than a gospel tract or a preacher’s three points and poem for unbelievers to see the truth of the gospel. In order for them to see “the glory of God in the face of Jesus,” it takes, as Paul teaches in 2 Corinthians 4:6, God, “who commanded the light to shine out of darkness,” to shine His light in their dark hearts.

Although we may persistently and proficiently proclaim the gospel to the lost, they’ll never see its glorious light through the blind eyes of their unbelief. Their darkened hearts will never be illuminated with the light of the gospel until God speaks in their hearts His command: “Let there be light.” Only then will the Satanic shroud be lifted from their heart so that the glorious light of the gospel can shine in. 

Before God commanded “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3), “the earth was without form, and void” (Genesis 1:2). “Without form and void” could be translated “meaningless and empty.” Thus, the earth was meaningless, empty, and covered with darkness before the “Spirit of God” began moving “upon the face of the waters.” After the Spirit began to move, God commanded, “Let there be light,” and suddenly the darkness was dispelled and the earth was no longer meaningless and void. 

To the darkened hearts of unbelievers, the glorious gospel of Christ is both meaningless and empty. It means nothing to them and holds nothing for them. However, when the Spirit of God begins to move on dark hearts and God speaks within them His command “Let there be light,” suddenly the darkness is dispelled by the light of the gospel and the gospel is no longer meaningless and empty. Blinded eyes are miraculously opened to behold for the first time “the glory of God in the face of Jesus.”

Sample Prayer:

I praise you Father of lights, in whom there is no darkness at all. I pray that your Spirit would begin to move upon the hearts of the lost for whom I am burdened to pray. I also pray that you would illuminate the dark hearts of the lost by speaking within their hearts your command: “Let there be light.” For only then will the Satanic shroud be lifted, the blind eyes of unbelief be opened, the glorious light of the gospel shine forth, spiritual darkness be dispelled, and sinners enabled to see your glory in the face of your Son, our Savior. Amen.