The Pulpit Commentary — Mark — Volume 1 — Section 19

tinctly assured. This, the period of Christ's ministry, was "in the fulneee of the time." 2. The kingdom of God was at hand. Not that the Most High had abdicated hie rightful throne; but he had lon~ suffered the rebellion of men, o.nd ho.d not interfered with the tyrant who had usurpeo. dominion. The evils of this unjust tyranny ho.d now been made apparent. It was time, according to the counsels of God, that rightful authority should be asserted and re-established. Little as the Prophet of Nazareth seemed, to ordinary eyes, the Prince who should defeat the foe of God and man this was the character in which he came to earth, the work and warfare he came to adcom- plish. 3. Christ preached the gospel of God. Good news for mankind: an amnesty for rebels, the favour of the Divine Sovereign, peace betweeu heaven and earth, salva- tion for sinners, and eternal life for the dcad,-such was the theme of this Messianio proclamation. In preaching the gospel our Lord could not but preach himself, for he not only brought the gospel-he was the gospel. IIL CHRIST ADDRESSED TO MEN AN EXHORTATION-A S'DllMONS. A preacher has not only truth to state, good news to proclaim, but he has counsel to offer, a requirement to make. ,Al!, here succinctly recorded, the preaching of Christ enjoined upon men two precepts. 1. They were summoned to repentance. This is a universal condition of entering into the benefits of Christ's kingdom. This change of heart, of thought of purpose, is a change indispensable to the highest privileges. It is the preparation of spirit which, on the Divine side, is regeneration. "Except a man be born again [a.fresh], he cannot see the kingdom of God." The condition of repentance is one bind in" through all time. There are flagrant and notorious sinners, who must be brought t~ penitence and contrition before they can receive the forgiveness which God has pro- mised and which Christ has secured. There are unspiritual professors of Christianity, who have the form of godliness without the power, who must be led to see the sandy foundation upon which they build before they can seek and find their foundation upon the Rock of Ages. There are backsliders, who have gone back religiously, who have lost their first love, and have ceased to do their first works, who must repent before they can enjoy'.the pleasures and privileges of religion. Christianity makes no compromise with sin, has no flattery for sinners. Her voice rings through the wilder- ness and the city, and her demand is this-Repent I 2. They were summoned to belief of the gospel. This is a condition which respects the relation and attitude of the mind towards God. Those who credit God's promise alone can experience and enjoy its fulfilment. Faith is ever represented in Scripture as the means of appropriating what has been provided by Divine grace. A condition this both honourable to God and spiritually profitable to the believer. Faith is the Divine path to acceptance and pardon, to life and immortality. Christ demanded and deserved faith. APPLICATION. This is a gospel for sinners. It is they who need a gospel, sunk as they are in sin. exposed as they are to condemnation and destruction. 'l'his is a gospel for you. Whoever you are, you need it; and, in your heart of hearts, you are well aware that it is so. God sent his Son that yo11, might be saved. Christ gave himself for you. Unto you is the word of salvation sent. Christ has suffered that you might escape, has died that you Inight live. In him there is for you pardon for the past and strength for the present and hope for the future. "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." This is a gospel from God. Only he could send news 9.dapted to the case of sinners, and he has sent such news. Hero is the expression of his deepest sympathy, his ten~~res_t soli_citude, his most fatberl_y love. _Coming from him, the gospel cannot be an 1llus1on; 1t may be trusted. It 1s the wisdom of God and the power of God unto salvation. Yet, what is this gospel to those who believe not? Good news to those who reject it is all the same as bad news. '!'here is every reason, every motive, for believing it. Christ will be glorified, God will be rejoiced, angels will sympathize and sing with gladness, and you will be saved. 'l'he gos~el is worthy of belief in itself, and it is exactly and perfectly adapted to you, Believe 1t, and believe it now I Vere. 16-20.-Fishers of men. It was an incident of great moment in the history of Christianity and of the world-this, the calling by our Lord Jesus of his followers and apostles. Christ did not make many converts; but the few he did make made many, so that, in selecting and appointing them, he was sowing the seed of a great ffll, I, 1-45,] THE ttOSPEL ACCORDING 'fO ST. MARK. 15