The Matrix of Reprobation
In 1999, a movie was released that dealt with issues and philosophical concepts many moviegoers were not familiar with. That movie was “The Matrix”. The premise of the movie is as follows, it is almost the twenty-third century, and humanity has been enslaved by machines. These machines take their ultimate form in the antagonist of the film, Mr. Smith. These machines need human bioelectricity for their survival, and therefore humans are kept in containment units in an unconscious state hooked up to cables, somewhat like batteries. Humans spend their entire lives in this condition unaware of the reality, and are fed information and stimulated to believe they are in the year 1999, within a simulation manufactured by the machines.
The protagonist of the movie is the character “Neo”. Neo is a computer hacker who is contacted by another hacker, Morpheus. Morpheus proceeds to offer enlightenment to Neo regarding the Matrix, it is at their first meeting I quote the following,
Morpheus: I imagine that right now, you're feeling a bit like Alice. Hmm? Tumbling down the rabbit hole?
Neo: You could say that.
Morpheus: I see it in your eyes. You have the look of a man who accepts what he sees because he is expecting to wake up. Ironically, that's not far from the truth. Do you believe in fate, Neo?
Neo: No.
Morpheus: Why not?
Neo: Because I don't like the idea that I'm not in control of my life.
Morpheus: I know exactly what you mean. Let me tell you why you're here. You're here because you know something. What you know you can't explain, but you feel it. You've felt it your entire life, that there's something wrong with the world. You don't know what it is, but it's there, like a splinter in your mind, driving you mad. It is this feeling that has brought you to me. Do you know what I'm talking about?
Neo: The Matrix.
Morpheus: Do you want to know what it is?
Neo: Yes.
Morpheus: The Matrix is everywhere. It is all around us. Even now, in this very room. You can see it when you look out your window or when you turn on your television. You can feel it when you go to work... when you go to church... when you pay your taxes. It is the world that has been pulled over your eyes to blind you from the truth.
Neo: What truth?
Morpheus: That you are a slave, Neo. Like everyone else you were born into bondage. Into a prison that you cannot smell, or taste, or touch. A prison for your mind.
It is at this point Morpheus offers Neo either a blue pill or a red pill. If Neo chooses the blue pill, he will awaken in his bed believing whatever he wishes. However, if he takes the red pill then truth is opened to him, and he learns what the reality is concerning the Matrix.
So, what is my point to all this?
As you can see, we are still dealing with epistemology and the nature of reality. The Matrix is an excellent example for illustrating the predicament of the unbeliever. This predicament is twofold in nature.
First off, in The Matrix we have Neo, along with most of humanity, oblivious as to what reality truly is. Reality is perceived, via the senses. But, unbeknownst to Neo and the rest of humanity, their senses are being manipulated by the machines. This is comparative to the unbeliever.
Unbelievers are within a Matrix themselves and are completely unaware of this situation. The difference is, instead of it being a machine duping the mind of these individuals it is something else,
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 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. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4, KJV)
The god of this world is a key, it is in reference to Satan. It is he who is blinding people to the reality that is right in front of them. He is the Mr. Smith of our reality. I appeal to Clifford McManis who states in his book Biblical Apologetics: Advancing and Defending the Gospel of Christ,
Similarly John said “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). Unbelievers’ belong to Satan and his jurisdiction-he owns them, and most of them don’t even know it.
Why do skeptics reject the gospel? Why do atheists say they don’t believe in God? Why do agnostics claim ignorance? Because Satan has supernaturally blinded them with spiritual blinders that prevents them from accepting the truth of Jesus Christ and His gospel.
How similar does this sound to the situation in The Matrix?
The question then maybe asked, “If these individuals are blinded by Satan, then how can it be their fault for not believing?” As I addressed in Chapter 2, despite Satan's evil workings, blame is still laid at the feet of the unbeliever. This leads us to the second point,
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (Romans 1:18-20, KJV)
Although Satan is at work blinding people to the truth, they are in the midst of the truth. In order to maintain their blindness, they must play an active part. Again, I quote Morpheus for allegorical reasons,
The Matrix is a system, Neo. That system is our enemy. But when you're inside, you look around, what do you see? Businessmen, teachers, lawyers, carpenters. The very minds of the people we are trying to save. But until we do, these people are still a part of that system and that makes them our enemy. You have to understand, most of these people are not ready to be unplugged. And many of them are so inured, so hopelessly dependent on the system that they will fight to protect it.
The Matrix is a system, and that system is our enemy. Compare that quote to James 4:4,
4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (KJV)
Contrary to the movie, for Christians it is the souls of the people we are trying to save. But, so many do not want that. Just as the unconscious humans trapped in containment units were being used as batteries for the machines. The same is true for the unbeliever, who is powering their matrix by their own personal sin. They allow themselves to be deceived by Mr. Smith (Satan). They are willing to embrace the fictitious reality he has constructed for them. I essence, they choose the blue pill. They do not want to be unplugged from the matrix. Inside the matrix they can indulge themselves in their favorite sins. Live their lives however they wish, and never worry about answering to a Holy God because he simply does not exist within it.
Remember the song I have been using throughout the past few chapters? In light of what we have expounded on, let’s now take a look at the final verse.
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...
This sounds much like an utopian society. It gives an allusion to the fact that many within the atheistic community seek their idea of the perfect world. However, this perfect world is to the exclusion of God, and is built upon their humanistic merit. This is the matrix they wish to construct. But, they continue to deceive themselves by overlooking their own sinfulness and satanic blindness. The above song verse makes mention of a brotherhood of man, only this brotherhood is reigned over by the fatherhood of Satan. If there were to ever come any sort of peace from within this matrix of unbelief, it would be a false peace. Manufactured by the devil and given power by the reprobate.
Neo was willing to learn the truth, despite what it would cost. The truth is what was important. In order to learn that truth he was willing to take the red pill. So now, if you who are reading this are an unbeliever I pose the same question... red or blue?
In closing this, I would like to advise my Christian brothers and sisters. Do not rely upon any argumentation you may put forth to an unbeliever to do the job of the gospel. It is through the gospel, and the preaching thereof, that people come to a saving knowledge of Christ. People need to be convicted of their sin and moved to repentance of the same, not intellectually reasoned into a relationship with Christ. If we can reason an individual to Christ, then we run the risk of a false conversion. For if a person can be reasoned to Christ, then it stands they can be reasoned away from Christ. Especially by someone who is skilled in rhetoric. When such instances do occur, it serves to show that person was never a true believer to begin with. I would encourage Christians engaging unbelievers, to take every opportunity throughout the dialogue to show them where they are guilty of sinning against a holy God. And that their only hope is through a crucified Savior. Give them the gospel.
The protagonist of the movie is the character “Neo”. Neo is a computer hacker who is contacted by another hacker, Morpheus. Morpheus proceeds to offer enlightenment to Neo regarding the Matrix, it is at their first meeting I quote the following,
Morpheus: I imagine that right now, you're feeling a bit like Alice. Hmm? Tumbling down the rabbit hole?
Neo: You could say that.
Morpheus: I see it in your eyes. You have the look of a man who accepts what he sees because he is expecting to wake up. Ironically, that's not far from the truth. Do you believe in fate, Neo?
Neo: No.
Morpheus: Why not?
Neo: Because I don't like the idea that I'm not in control of my life.
Morpheus: I know exactly what you mean. Let me tell you why you're here. You're here because you know something. What you know you can't explain, but you feel it. You've felt it your entire life, that there's something wrong with the world. You don't know what it is, but it's there, like a splinter in your mind, driving you mad. It is this feeling that has brought you to me. Do you know what I'm talking about?
Neo: The Matrix.
Morpheus: Do you want to know what it is?
Neo: Yes.
Morpheus: The Matrix is everywhere. It is all around us. Even now, in this very room. You can see it when you look out your window or when you turn on your television. You can feel it when you go to work... when you go to church... when you pay your taxes. It is the world that has been pulled over your eyes to blind you from the truth.
Neo: What truth?
Morpheus: That you are a slave, Neo. Like everyone else you were born into bondage. Into a prison that you cannot smell, or taste, or touch. A prison for your mind.
It is at this point Morpheus offers Neo either a blue pill or a red pill. If Neo chooses the blue pill, he will awaken in his bed believing whatever he wishes. However, if he takes the red pill then truth is opened to him, and he learns what the reality is concerning the Matrix.
So, what is my point to all this?
As you can see, we are still dealing with epistemology and the nature of reality. The Matrix is an excellent example for illustrating the predicament of the unbeliever. This predicament is twofold in nature.
First off, in The Matrix we have Neo, along with most of humanity, oblivious as to what reality truly is. Reality is perceived, via the senses. But, unbeknownst to Neo and the rest of humanity, their senses are being manipulated by the machines. This is comparative to the unbeliever.
Unbelievers are within a Matrix themselves and are completely unaware of this situation. The difference is, instead of it being a machine duping the mind of these individuals it is something else,
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 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. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4, KJV)
The god of this world is a key, it is in reference to Satan. It is he who is blinding people to the reality that is right in front of them. He is the Mr. Smith of our reality. I appeal to Clifford McManis who states in his book Biblical Apologetics: Advancing and Defending the Gospel of Christ,
Similarly John said “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). Unbelievers’ belong to Satan and his jurisdiction-he owns them, and most of them don’t even know it.
Why do skeptics reject the gospel? Why do atheists say they don’t believe in God? Why do agnostics claim ignorance? Because Satan has supernaturally blinded them with spiritual blinders that prevents them from accepting the truth of Jesus Christ and His gospel.
How similar does this sound to the situation in The Matrix?
The question then maybe asked, “If these individuals are blinded by Satan, then how can it be their fault for not believing?” As I addressed in Chapter 2, despite Satan's evil workings, blame is still laid at the feet of the unbeliever. This leads us to the second point,
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (Romans 1:18-20, KJV)
Although Satan is at work blinding people to the truth, they are in the midst of the truth. In order to maintain their blindness, they must play an active part. Again, I quote Morpheus for allegorical reasons,
The Matrix is a system, Neo. That system is our enemy. But when you're inside, you look around, what do you see? Businessmen, teachers, lawyers, carpenters. The very minds of the people we are trying to save. But until we do, these people are still a part of that system and that makes them our enemy. You have to understand, most of these people are not ready to be unplugged. And many of them are so inured, so hopelessly dependent on the system that they will fight to protect it.
The Matrix is a system, and that system is our enemy. Compare that quote to James 4:4,
4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (KJV)
Contrary to the movie, for Christians it is the souls of the people we are trying to save. But, so many do not want that. Just as the unconscious humans trapped in containment units were being used as batteries for the machines. The same is true for the unbeliever, who is powering their matrix by their own personal sin. They allow themselves to be deceived by Mr. Smith (Satan). They are willing to embrace the fictitious reality he has constructed for them. I essence, they choose the blue pill. They do not want to be unplugged from the matrix. Inside the matrix they can indulge themselves in their favorite sins. Live their lives however they wish, and never worry about answering to a Holy God because he simply does not exist within it.
Remember the song I have been using throughout the past few chapters? In light of what we have expounded on, let’s now take a look at the final verse.
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...
This sounds much like an utopian society. It gives an allusion to the fact that many within the atheistic community seek their idea of the perfect world. However, this perfect world is to the exclusion of God, and is built upon their humanistic merit. This is the matrix they wish to construct. But, they continue to deceive themselves by overlooking their own sinfulness and satanic blindness. The above song verse makes mention of a brotherhood of man, only this brotherhood is reigned over by the fatherhood of Satan. If there were to ever come any sort of peace from within this matrix of unbelief, it would be a false peace. Manufactured by the devil and given power by the reprobate.
Neo was willing to learn the truth, despite what it would cost. The truth is what was important. In order to learn that truth he was willing to take the red pill. So now, if you who are reading this are an unbeliever I pose the same question... red or blue?
In closing this, I would like to advise my Christian brothers and sisters. Do not rely upon any argumentation you may put forth to an unbeliever to do the job of the gospel. It is through the gospel, and the preaching thereof, that people come to a saving knowledge of Christ. People need to be convicted of their sin and moved to repentance of the same, not intellectually reasoned into a relationship with Christ. If we can reason an individual to Christ, then we run the risk of a false conversion. For if a person can be reasoned to Christ, then it stands they can be reasoned away from Christ. Especially by someone who is skilled in rhetoric. When such instances do occur, it serves to show that person was never a true believer to begin with. I would encourage Christians engaging unbelievers, to take every opportunity throughout the dialogue to show them where they are guilty of sinning against a holy God. And that their only hope is through a crucified Savior. Give them the gospel.