What happens to people who are blinded by Satan when the gospel is presented to them?
When the gospel is presented, those blinded by Satan see nothing to be gained; the light of the glorious gospel does not shine into them, and the message runs off like water off a duck's back. They continue on their way in total darkness.
Les explains that this is what we are up against when we try to enlighten people: we try to bring them to the same joy of salvation we enjoy, but it is just like water falling off a duck's back. Because they are blinded by the powers of Satan, they see absolutely nothing to be gained, so they go on their way in total darkness. The context contrasts this with Romans 8, where the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus frees from the law of sin and death, giving a new outlook and hope for eternity; Romans 6:23 connects sin and death.
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
More Questions
Why don't unbelievers understand or respond to the gospel?
Unbelievers do not receive the gospel because Satan has blinded their minds, so that the light of the glorious gospel cannot shine into them.
How does Satan keep people from seeing the gospel?
Satan's number one method today for blinding people is to keep them so busy.