The Greek and the Gospel

Allow me to introduce you to “the Greek” (1 Corinthians 1:23); manufactured in schools, universities and colleges all over this world. The Greek is very well-read and has an intense aversion to anything religious. Ask him almost anything and he knows it. Ask for a quotation from any of the old poets, philosophers or anyone else and he can give it you. He is always ready to save the whale, the rain forest or Internet (www.savetheinternet.com). He is prepared to save everything – but his soul. Raise the subject of “Christ and Him crucified” and he is bound to say, “Stop your cant! I wish to hear nothing of the sort!”

The sate of the Grecian is a sad one indeed. He believes all philosophy except the true one. He studies all wisdom except the true wisdom of God. He pursues all learning except spiritual learning. He likes everything which man makes and nothing which comes from God. The old, old Gospel is foolishness to him. Address just one doctrine in the Bible, he shuts his ears and no longer wishes to keep your company. Declare God’s Truth to him – “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12, NIV)” – but he will have none of it. He will declare you a narrow-minded bigot and wish you a good morning.

The basic problem with the Grecian is that he is so full of himself, there is no room for Christ. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit wish to come and make “all things new”, but alas, “there was no room for them in the inn (Luke 2:7, NIV).” We should hold no enmity towards the Grecian, for he is to be pitied. Until he accepts the free gift of salvation found only in Christ Jesus, he will be forever wrapped up in himself. A very small bundle indeed.