But
even if our gospel is veiled,
it
is veiled to those who are perishing,
whose
minds the god of this age has blinded,
who
do not believe,
lest
the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ,
who
is the image of God,
should
shine on them.
2
Corinthians 4:3-4
The uncomprehending mind is unaffected by
truth. The intellect of the hearer may grasp saving knowledge while yet the
heart makes no moral response to it. A classic example of this is seen in the
story of Benjamin Franklin and George Whitefield. In his autobiography Franklin
recounts in some detail how he listened to the mighty preaching of the great
evangelist. He even walked around the square where Whitefield stood to learn
for himself how far that golden voice carried. Whitefield talked with Franklin
personally about his need of Christ and promised to pray for him. Years later
Franklin wrote rather sadly that the evangelist's prayers must not have done
any good, for he was still unconverted....
The inward operation of the Holy Spirit is
necessary to saving faith. The gospel is light but only the Spirit can give
sight. When seeking to bring the lost to Christ we must pray continually that
they may receive the gift of seeing. And we must pit our prayer against that
dark spirit who blinds the hearts of men. Born After Midnight, pp.
62-63
"Lord, I'll do my part today to share the
Gospel with anyone You'll bring my way. But Holy Spirit, I'll wait for You to
open eyes and give sight. I'll leave the results with You. Amen."
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