Required reading
The attraction of the cross by Gardiner Spring (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 22 (The cross rejected, the great sin) and the Conclusion.
My summary
This week we finish reading Spring's work.
Firstly, in Chapter 22, Spring teaches us about the sin of unbelief. We learn that unbelief:
(i) is the act of the mind rejecting the salvation of the cross;
(ii) is a sin against great degrees of knowledge in regard to the obligation and duty of men as sinners;
(iii) is wicked in persevering in resistance to all calls to repent;
(iv) involves the highest contempt of God;
(v) is directed against the best interests of that kingdom of truth and holiness;
(vi) is sin against the soul;
(vii) brings future and eternal death.
Then, in the Conclusion, Spring gives one final exhortation to go to the cross.
What grabbed me
I liked Spring's point that unbelief holds God in contempt: 'As the Cross is the highest expression of the divine love, wisdom, justice and power, so unbelief sets at nought these affecting exhibitions of the divine nature. There is no such demonstration of the enmity of the carnal mind against God as is made by the actings of unbelief. The 'glory of God shines in the face of Jesus Christ.' His Cross is the highest expression of that glory. All things that are in heaven and on earthy, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, principalities or powers, are but auxiliaries t6 this great work of redeeming mercy, and as the more retired features of that full portraiture of the Deity. Greater honors and more exalted ascriptions of praise are paid to him for this redemption, than for any other enterprise he has undertaken. Yet all this is set at nought by the spirit of unbelief. This great work, for which all other works were made — this great design, which comprehends all other designs — this holiest and best purpose, itself the glory and pride of the eternal Godhead — is opposed, obstructed, degraded and dishonored, wherever it is rejected. The wisdom and love of the Eternal Father are dishonored in the gift of his Son ; and the amazing condescension, kindness and self-denial of the Son are dishonored in his mysterious incarnation and agonizing sufferings ; nor is God the Spirit less dishonored in the testimony he bears to the truths and obligations of the Gospel. The ever-blessed and adorable Trinity has no greater complaint against men, than that, after all the condescension and suffering of the Cross, men look upon the blood of the Covenant as a common thing, and, because they think him unworthy of their confidence, and not fit to be entrusted with their salvation, crucify the Son of God openly, and put him to open shame. The whole weight of this combined authority and influence is thrown against the unbelief of men, and m favor of Christ and his salvation ; yet unbelief resists it all, and in this resistance, trifles with tlie King eternal, immortal and invisible, casts contempt on Him who created, supports and moves the universe — mocks, insults Him before whom angels bow and devils tremble.'
To spurn the cross, is to spurn God himself.
Next week's reading
Commence 'Heaven taken by storm' by Thomas Watson (Available from Amazon or free here) by reading Chapter 1 (Taking the kingdom of heaven by holy violence) and Chapter 2 (The Christian offering violence to himself).
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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