The Veiled Gospel
W. G. Barrett. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:… I. THAT CERTAIN STATES OF MIND MAY VEIL OR CONCEAL THE GOSPEL FROM OUR VIEW. That is the main idea of the passage; notwithstanding its glory, it may be a thing of darkness, a "savour of death unto death." In the Corinthian Church, party spirit, contentions, immoralities, and self-laudation, prevented their full perception of the glory and purity of the gospel. 1. Indifference may cause the gospel to be veiled. We cannot see anything except we look at it. Having the gospel is not examining the gospel. It has a personal claim, founded on facts of the most solemn character. 2. Misapprehension of its nature may veil the gospel from our minds. They have difficulties about church-government, about baptism, about election, dec.; and so to them the gospel is veiled. 3. Sometimes the troubles of life may veil the gospel from our hearts. 4. The recollections of, and despair on account of, past sins may veil the gospel from our hearts. II. THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE GOSPEL ARE ALL INTENDED AND ADAPTED TO REMOVE THESE OBSTACLES. (W. G. Barrett.) Parallel Verses KJV: But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: WEB: Even if our Good News is veiled, it is veiled in those who perish;