The Acts of the Apostles (1911) — PDF Scan 279

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AP0LL08 AT CORINTH 273 den of Ms teaching among tliem was Christ and Him crucified. He sought to show them that their most earnest study and their greatest joy must be the wonderful truth of salvation through repentance toward God and faith in the 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. Paul saw that the character of Christ must be understood before men could love Him, or 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 o.f 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 enter, they would find there nothing congenial. The propensities that control the natural heart must be subdued by the grace of Christ, before fallen man is fitted to enter heaven, and enjoy the society of the pure, holy angels. When man dies to sin, and is quickened to new life in Christ, divine love fills his heart; his understanding is sanctified; he drinks from an inexhaustible fountain of joy and knowledge; and the. light of an eternal day shines upon his path, for with him continually is the Light of life. Paul had sought to impress upon the minds of his Corinthian brethren the fact that he and the ministers associated with him were but men com-