Apollos at Corinth
87
gospel of Christ with scoffing and derision. It behooved him to intro-
duce most carefully the great truths he wished to teach them. True
Christianity is a religion of progress. It is ever giving light and bless-
ing, and has in reserve still greater light and blessing to bestow to
those who receive its truths. The illuminating influence of the gospel
of Christ, and the sanctifying grace of God, can alone transform the
carnal mind to be in harmony with spiritual things.
Paul did not venture to directly rebuke the licentious, and to show
them how heinous was their sin in the sight of a holy God. His work
was, as a wise instructor, to set before them the true object of life,
impressing upon their minds the lessons of the divine Teacher, which
were designed to bring them up from worldliness and sin to purity
and immortal life. The spiritual senses must be matured by continual
advancement in the knowledge of heavenly things. Thus the mind
would learn to delight in them; and every precept of the word of God
would shine forth as a priceless gem.
The apostle had dwelt especially upon practical godliness, and the
character of that holiness which must be gained in order to make sure
of the kingdom of Heaven. He wished the light of the gospel of Christ
[125]
to pierce the darkness of their minds, that they might discern how
offensive their immoral practices were in the sight of God. Therefore
the burden of Paul’s preaching among them had been Christ, and him
crucified. He wished them to understand that the theme for their most
earnest study, and greatest joy, should be the grand truth of salvation
through repentance toward God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
The philosopher turns aside from the light of salvation, because it
puts his proud theories to shame. The worldling refuses to receive it,
because it would separate him from his earthly idols, and draw him
to a holier life, for which he has no inclination. Paul saw that the
character of Christ must be understood, before men could love him,
and view the cross with the eye of faith. Here must begin that study
which shall be the science and the song of the redeemed through all
eternity. In the light of the cross alone can the true value of the human
soul be estimated.
The refining influence of the grace of God changes the natural
disposition of man. Heaven would not be desirable to the carnal-
minded; their natural, unsanctified hearts would feel no attraction
toward that pure and holy place; and if it were possible for them to