1 Corinthians 2:9
The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian Church, “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.” Whatever God has planned for His faithful is included in the word “things.” Therefore, there are two applications to this verse:
First application
Paul’s statement deals with all that is provided through the gospel for the good and happiness of God’s children while here on this earth. This applies to forgiveness of sins, justification, sanctification, the happiness and peace that the grace of God gives to the Christian, and his hope of his final liberation from this wicked world.
The word heart points to the center of human faculties (Romans 1:21). The magnificent truths of the kingdoms of grace cannot be fully comprehended either through the senses or by the mind. But it can be understood by believers through the knowledge God gives to His children. Of himself, man can’t appreciate the benefits of the gospel. The experience of the unfaithful has nothing that can be likened to the happiness and peace that comes to the heart of the sinner who yields to the Lord and receives the guarantee of His pardon.
God has planned an ongoing revelation of truth to His children. But the understanding of the truth is given only to those who love God, who are grateful to what He is and all that He has done for them. These individuals are ready and eager to receive whatever provision He has made for them and who look for the Bible light as for hidden treasure. The Holy Spirit is the One through whom the knowledge of truth is given to humans (John 14:16). Therefore, a continuous attaining of knowledge is possible only for those who willingly yield to His guidance (Romans 8:5, 14, 16).
Second application
The meaning of 1 Corinthians 2:9 extends to the inexpressible marvel, beauty and eternal happiness of God’s eternal kingdom of glory – the final home of the redeemed. Man has lived in sin and knows by experience the consequences of rebellion which pain, suffering, and death. He has never experienced what life would be like without sin. Therefore, living in heaven will be an entirely new and glorious experience to him.
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). Conditions as we know today will pass away. In God’s new kingdom, there will be nothing that have the mark of the curse of sin (Revelation 22:3).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
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