For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 2 Corinthians 4.6-7

Yes, when I see or hear of people who once enjoyed the benefits of revealed faith and for whatever foolish or absurd reason, felt ‘wronged’ and as a result relaxed in their faith, I immediately think of the contempt they have towards the treasure revealed by the Spirit of Faith. They disdain, despise or belittle what God Almighty has lent them.

Had they lived during the apostolic days, when Christians were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth (Hebrews 11:35-38), I imagine that they would be the shame of the Lord Jesus on earth.

Some of them were tested and approved for holding on to the treasure of faith within them. They carried in their bodies (earthen vessels) the Light of the knowledge of the Glory of God (faith).

Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. (Hebrews 11.16)

In fact, when a Christian is not baptised in the Holy Spirit, he cannot see the Light of the knowledge of the Glory of God nor can he perceive what it is that he carries in his miserable earthen vessel. His murky eyes can only see his dirty little world.

Meanwhile, those who have paid the correct sum for their salvation continue to be hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. (2 Corinthians 4:8-11)