Why has Satan blinded the minds of the lost?
Satan, the god of this world, has blinded the minds of the lost because they will not believe the gospel. He holds the veil in place, constantly confusing the issues with his seeming light, but it is Satanic. God's controversy with them is that they refuse to believe.
Les explains that Satan, the god of this world, is the one holding the veil that blinds the lost. He is a powerful being who can transform himself into an angel of light, and he constantly confuses the issues with his seeming light. The context clarifies that Satan has not blinded them because they won't repent or be baptized, but because they will not believe. God's controversy with the lost is their unbelief; He demands that they believe the gospel. Thus, Satan's blinding is tied to their refusal to believe.
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.