Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian Theology
Category 5: Spiritual vs. Physical Realities
1. Introduction
In a material world where physical evidence is considered the basis of truth and reality, the Christian faith boldly asserts that what is seen is transient, and what is unseen is eternal. This paradox, drawn from 2 Corinthians 4:18, confronts the natural human assumption that visibility equates to permanence. It challenges believers to live by faith in invisible, eternal truths, even as they navigate the visible, fading world.
2. Scriptural Foundations
2.1 The Temporary Nature of the Visible
- 2 Corinthians 4:18 – “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
- 1 John 2:17 – “The world passeth away, and the lust thereof…”
- Psalm 102:25–26 – “The heavens… shall perish; yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment.”
2.2 The Eternity of the Unseen
- Hebrews 11:1 – “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
- Romans 8:24–25 – “Hope that is seen is not hope… But if we hope for that we see not…”
- Colossians 3:1–2 – “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
3. Theological Significance
- God created the visible from the invisible (Hebrews 11:3),
- True reality is rooted in the eternal nature of God, not in the perishable material world,
- Redemption refocuses human vision toward the invisible kingdom of God, which is already present and will be fully revealed.
4. Paradox Explained
| Visible (Material) | Invisible (Spiritual) |
|---|---|
| Perceived by senses | Perceived by faith |
| Temporary, passing | Eternal, abiding |
| Often distracting or deceiving | Truly revealing of God’s purpose and truth |
| Subject to decay | Untouched by sin, time, or entropy |
5. Faith as the Means of Perception
- 2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
- Faith grants access to the unseen realities of God, which are otherwise inaccessible to the natural eye,
- The Christian life is one of reoriented vision—not denial of the physical, but prioritisation of the eternal.
6. Christ as the Embodiment of Invisible Truth
- John 1:18 – “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son… hath declared him.”
- Colossians 1:15 – “[Christ] is the image of the invisible God.”
- In Christ, the unseen God becomes known, not just visibly in history but spiritually through union with Him.
7. Devotional and Missional Implications
- Believers must learn to value what the world ignores—righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17),
- Earthly possessions and positions are to be held loosely, while eternal investments are to be pursued (Matthew 6:19–21),
- The Church is called to model eternal values in a perishing world.
8. Eschatological Horizon
- At the return of Christ, the unseen will be revealed in glory (1 Peter 1:8–9),
- Believers will fully behold that which they now trust without seeing (1 Corinthians 13:12),
- The new heavens and new earth will unite the visible and the eternal (Revelation 21:1–5).
9. Summary Table
| Dimension | Visible | Unseen |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Temporary, fleeting | Eternal, unchanging |
| Mode of access | Senses, reason | Faith, revelation |
| Source of identity | Social status, possessions | Union with Christ, Spirit-led life |
| Spiritual significance | Often misleading | Holds true meaning and destiny |
10. Conclusion
The paradox that the unseen is eternal while the seen is fleeting calls believers to a transformed worldview. Faith pierces the fog of material illusion and lays hold of the enduring promises of God. To live in light of the unseen is not to reject the world, but to live in it with eternal clarity, godly perspective, and unwavering hope. The Christian walks in a world that fades, with eyes fixed on a kingdom that endures forever.
References
- The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)
- Calvin, J. Commentary on 2 Corinthians
- Augustine. Enchiridion on Faith, Hope, and Love
- Lewis, C.S. The Screwtape Letters
- Packer, J.I. Knowing God
- Wright, N.T. The Day the Revolution Began