Gospel doctrines are
humbling to human pride
There are thousands around us
who loathe the distinctive doctrines of
the Gospel on account of their
humbling character. They cannot tolerate the
atonement, and the sacrifice, and the substitution of Christ.
His moral teaching they approve. His example and self-denial
they admire. But speak to them of Christ's blood--of Christ
being made sin for us--of Christ's death being the corner-stone
of our hope--of Christ's poverty being our riches--and you will
find they hate these things with a deadly hatred. Truly the
offence of the cross is not yet ceased!
- J. C. Ryle, The Gospel of John
