Charles H. Spurgeon

Brief Description

Title

Source

In Ezekiel, the Lord promises to give his people a "new heart." What is it, why do we need it, and how do we obtain it? Spurgeon answers these questions and shows that Calvinism and Arminianism have two diametrically opposed answers.

The New Heart

Ezekiel 36:24

Condensed from Spurgeon's Sermons, Vol. 5 (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1996).

What was Christ's intention in dying on the cross? To provide salvation for all men? Or was it to secure salvation for the elect? The Arminian answers with the former, the Calvinist with the latter. Which is correct? Could Jesus himself provide the answer? "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."

The Mission of the Son of Man

Luke 19:10

Condensed from Spurgeon's Sermons, Vol. 6 (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1996).

Paedobaptism is the belief in baptizing infants. Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Methodist, and Roman Catholic scholars all use this event in the ministry of Jesus as an argument for the paedobaptist position. However, Spurgeon, a baptist and advocate of believer's baptism, contructs a rather awkward dilemma for this argument.

Children Brought to Christ,
Not to the Font

Mark 10:14

Condensed from Spurgeon's Sermons, Vol. 8 (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1996).

What is the doctrine of election? In this sermon, Spurgeon points out that many who argue against election argue against a false characterization of the doctrine. He explains here that once the doctrine is correctly understood, it is indeed an encouragement to sinners.

How to Meet the Doctrine of Election

Matthew 15:24-25

Condensed from C. H. Spurgeon, Miracles and Parables of Our Lord, Vol. 1 (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2003).

All too often the evangelical message is, "God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life!" Where does, "Take up your cross and follow me" fit in? Are we afraid to declare the hardships that will be involved in becoming a Christian? Jesus never kept back this truth from those who would follow him.

Counting the Cost

Luke 14:28-30

Condensed from C. H. Spurgeon, Miracles and Parables of Our Lord, Vol. 3 (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2003)

Jesus explained that no king goes to war without first considering whether he is able to win. If he is not, he seeks terms of peace. Then Jesus added: "In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple." How does this follow? Where is the connection?

Consider Before You Fight

Luke 14:31-33

Condensed from C. H. Spurgeon, Miracles and Parables of Our Lord, Vol. 3 (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2003)

"Come, for all things are now ready." This is a verse that should be an anchor for everyone's soul. Spurgeon explains why there is no reason for anyone not to come to Christ for salvation, nor for any Christian not to pray and rejoice in his salvation. The question is not, "Am I ready?" but "Am I willing?"

"Come, For All Things Are Now Ready"

Luke 14:17

Condensed from C. H. Spurgeon, Miracles and Parables of Our Lord, Vol. 3 (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2003)

"And ye will not come to me, that ye may have life" (John 5:40). Spurgeon opens his comments on this text as follows: "This is one of the great guns of the Arminians, mounted upon the top of their walls, and often discharged with terrible noise against the poor Christians called Calvinists." Does man have a free will? Which position, Arminianism or Calvinism, represents the teaching of Scripture on this question?

"Free Will -- A Slave"

John 5:40

Condensed from a booklet published by Word of Truth Publications, Canton, Georgia 30114