J.I. Packer wrote, "Illumination is thus the applying of God's revealed truth to our hearts, so that we grasp as reality for ourselves what the sacred text sets forth." Dr. Packer went on to say, "Illumination, which is a lifelong ministry of the Holy Spirit to Christians, starts before conversion with a growing grasp of the truth about Jesus."
"But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14).
Illumination of the Holy Spirit enables believers to understand the word of God. Until that happens, the Scripture is not understood. As a believer, you continue to receive more illumination to understand the Bible. That's your growth in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).
Without illumination of the Holy Spirit, spiritual things are foolishness to those who don't believe. This is especially true of the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ. "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing" (1 Corinthians 1:18). Only when the Holy Spirit opens our eyes of understanding to Christ crucified do we see "the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16).
