The Gospel and its Adversaries
H. Allen, D. D. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:… Note — I. THE REPRESENTATION GIVEN OF CHRIST. "The image of God" (Hebrews 1:3). This representation is not a solitary one. 1. The allusion is to the Divine nature of Christ, especially with reference to the incarnation. What an "image of God" Christ was in all His movements! Who can read those movements without being constrained to say, This is some person higher than a creature! 2. The subject throws great light on the truthfulness and the inspiration of the N.T. writers. They who could describe such a character as Christ, "the image of God," must have been inspired by God, no uninspired men could write such a character. Heathens tried to do something in this way; but their deities were the personifications of wickedness. 3. Do you love this Christ — this "image of God"? Have you embraced Him? Have you gratefully acknowledged Him as your Saviour and King? II. THE DESCRIPTION GIVEN OF THE WORK OF CHRIST. "The light of the glorious gospel." 1. The meaning of gospel is "glad tidings." In the Saxon there was but one word for "God" and "good." God is goodness, and there is none good but God. Then the expression "spell," is not only news or tidings, but an attraction or charm. The gospel is God's charm, God's spell, or gospel. Indeed, it ought to act as a charm, for unless the Son of God had died, you must have been ruined. 2. The expression "glorious" may mean — (1) "Brilliant," because it is a striking description of the character of Godhead. Nowhere have we such an exhibition of, e.g., God's justice, as the sufferings and death of Christ, "the image of God." But the gospel is "glorious," not because it brightens one attribute of deity, but because it shows forth all His attributes, His greatness, righteousness, truth, and also His grace, lovingkindness, and compassion. (2) Excellency displayed — something super-excellent; nothing could ever be conceived like the gospel. Look at — (a) Its design — to save poor sinners from impurity, and raise them to holiness; from wretchedness, and to raise them to happiness for ever. (b) Its results. It is true the proud and the haughty reject it, but the poor are blessed by it; the man who feels himself a sinner is blessed by it. 3. The glorious gospel of Christ is the great light — it is a light to the sinner's wants and necessities — it empties him of all self-dependence, and points to Christ as one who can fill the soul with pardon and peace. III. THE DANGEROUS HINDRANCES IN THE WAY. The devil acts by means of sin and temptation; he has been nearly six thousand years practising upon our race — so that he knows our weak points. Note a few of the many ways in which he makes his attacks. 1. By positive and direct influences. 2. By indirect agency — (1) By encouraging infidel philosophy. (2) By the encouragement of false religion. If men will not do without Christianity, he will try and make them accept of a false system. (3) By representing things in undue proportions. He exaggerates the difficulties in the way of a godly life, and flatters the pleasures of a sinful. (4) By stimulating men's passions. One man is fond of pleasure, another of society, and another of amassing property, etc. (5) But the great hindrance, "unbelief." "The mind of them that believe not." (H. Allen, D. D.) 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;