Scriptural Foundations of Spurgeon’s Beliefs
Spurgeon’s understanding of the Great Commission came from his conviction of one’s purpose in entering the ministry. Spurgeon was convinced that the only reason for entering the ministry was to bring glory to God. He believed that through training, one could grasp the meaning of ministry.
Spurgeon was convinced that the ability to teach and make followers could be the source of wisdom that enables the fulfillment of the Commission. The most significant influence of the laity on the work of the Commission can be described in John 17:18, “As you have sent me into the world, so I am sending them into the world.” Consequently, for Spurgeon, faith in the influence of the laity in expanding the number of followers of Christ was based on the fact that everyone could come to the Savior only if he opened his heart.
Spurgeon’s Conceptions
Understanding Grace
Spurgeon’s understanding of grace proceeded from the premise that grace is the only way to receive Salvation. Only faith can provide grace and lead Christians to God. This understanding is valuable because it explains that grace is not due to one’s desire. I recognize that grace is a gift from God, and I need to open my heart and congregation to receive it.
Doctrine of Election
Election has a special meaning because it comes from a view of faith. Spurgeon believed that only a man who believes God chooses him would be bold and fearless on the road to Salvation. According to Spurgeon, God can only choose for Salvation, not divide into heaven and hell. This led me to a discovery and a lack of fear that God would not choose me.
Christ and the Cross
For Spurgeon, ministry can only be faithful if it is centered on Christ and His Cross. The Gospel is a natural extension of Christ’s mission, and following it must be completed. Faith is central to religion, and it is impossible to comprehend Salvation without complete immersion. Spurgeon’s notions taught me that living the Cross and teaching it to others is necessary.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
Spurgeon’s conceptions of the Holy Spirit arose in response to the realization that not everyone was open to Christ. Holy Spirit would not visit him unless a person spread the gospel, missing the thought of glorifying God. I realized that a fundamental truth teaches that a person who is closed and not hungry for Christ may never let the Spirit in.
Love as Central to Faith
Spurgeon’s understanding of love came from his attitude toward Theology, which held his heart. He spoke of how the ministry became effective only after one would look to God and read into his eternal love. Love must come from the heart of pastors and will cause people to reach out to God and commit to his service. I want my ministry to practice based on kindness, love, and gentleness.
Living Out Faith
Faith becomes the source of acceptance of Christ, without which it is impossible to imagine the way of receiving grace. According to Spurgeon, the work of a pastor requires faith, without which the meaning of ministry is lost. I will draw precisely on Spurgeon’s insights on the preservation of faith and the certainty of the vocation of the ministry.
Bibliography
Earls, Rod. Spurgeon’s Theology for Multiplying Disciples and Churches: The Story of How Spurgeon and the Metropolitan Tabernacle Followed Christ. Eugene: Wipf & Stock, 2022.
The Holy Bible: NIV. Bible. 2011. Web.
Spurgeon, Charles. The Soul-Winner. Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, vol. 22, 1876.
Spurgeon, Charles. Autobiography: Diary, Letters, and Records. London: Forgotten Books, 2018.
Spurgeon, Charles. Spurgeon’s Sermons – Vol. IX: The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit. Newington: The Metropolitan Tabernacle, 1863.
Spurgeon, Charles. An All-Around Ministry. Prisbrary Publishing, 2012.