Living by Revealed Truth: The Life and Pastoral Theology of Charles Haddon Spurgeon Hardcover – September 20, 2013

Living by Revealed Truth: The Life and Pastoral Theology of Charles Haddon Spurgeon by Tom Nettles is a magnum opus if I ever saw one. The subtitle nicely summarizes the path that is set before readers as they study the rich biography of the Prince of Preachers and gain insight into the theological landscape that dominated his ministry for almost 40 years.The introduction leaves no room for ambiguity. Spurgeon was a Bible man, an uncompromising pastor who loved to proclaim the truth of Scripture. One man captures the essence of the British pulpiteer, when someone inquired about the secret of Spurgeon's effectiveness after his death: "Two things; first, he had one single object before him always, 'to win souls for God by preaching Christ, and Him crucified and risen'; second, his own personal faith in Christ was always feeding on Christ as revealed in Holy Scripture."Eighteen marvelous chapters are packed into this book of nearly 700 pages. Over the next several days, I intend to present the high points, noting the strengths of the book and any criticisms that may arise. One thing is sure: Spurgeon was a towering figure in 19th century England and he continues to wield a mighty influence on preachers in the 21st century. His influence on this preacher has been inestimable. His integrity, passion for truth, love of evangelism, and heart for people is a mighty boon for the soul. I'm looking forward to the journey!Chapter 1: Birth to New BirthLiving By Revealed Truth Begins where any biography ought to begin - at the beginning. Spurgeon was born on June 19, 1834 and was influenced at an early age by dead writers: "The old writers, who are, by far, the most sensible - for you will notice that the books that were written about 200 years ago by the old Puritans have more sense in one line than there is in a page of our new books - and more in a page than there is in a whole volume of our modern divinity!" Spurgeon was influenced by the likes of John Owen, Stephen Charnock, and John Bunyan - men who would inform his theological mind for the duration of his ministry.The author unfolds the fascinating story of Spurgeon's conversion and rise to pulpit ministry. Spurgeon reports, "Ah me, how I seemed offended against the justice of God; I was impure and polluted, and I used to say, 'If God does not send me to hell, He ought to do it.' I sat in judgment upon myself, and pronounced the sentence that I felt would be just." He continues, "Then I was brought down to see my corruption, my wickedness, my filthiness, for God always humbled the sinner whom He means to save."Spurgeon's testimony is remarkable, especially given the postmodern aversion to proclaiming the sinfulness of sin and the efficacy of the substitutionary atonement. For example, Tony Crank, Senior pastor of the One Love Church recently opined, "Some churches have become the kind of place where you point the finger, and you condemn and rebuke and you're really quick to do it, and so I think that is definitely lending itself to people not wanting anything to do with church and thinking church sucks!" Evidently the kind of approach that Crank opposes is precisely the kind of ministry that was instrumental in Spurgeon's entry into the kingdom of God.The Puritan writer, Samuel Bolton agrees with Spurgeon's approach and opposes Pastor Crank: "When you see that men have been wounded by the law, then it is time to pour in the balm of Gospel oil. It is the sharp needle of the law that makes way for the scarlet thread of the gospel."Spurgeon's conversion is instructive and his subsequent ministry informs the conscience of anyone who seeks to reach lost people. He remarked, "To preach in this great building the self-same gospel in the same simple tones. Sinners, look to Christ and be saved." Spurgeon taught a simple lesson that every pastor must heed. Sinners must be confronted with their sin. They must understand how they have violated God's holy law. And they must be exhorted to look to Christ, to believe in Christ, to embrace his salvific benefits that he purchased on the cross.Chapter 2: Made for Gospel MinistryDr. Nettles continues to guide readers on a fascinating account of Spurgeon's ministry by beginning with his first sermon and first pastorate. Spurgeon himself admitted, "I felt my own inability to preach." Yet the rookie preacher acknowledged from the beginning that God had his number. Spurgeon affirmed the irresistible sovereign grace that God wielded upon his life, the One who "had plucked me as a brand from the burning, and set me upon a rock, and put a new song in my mouth, and established my goings."Spurgeon affirmed the doctrines of grace at the beginning of his ministry and finished strong as a five point Calvinist. He proclaimed, "I am a Calvinist ... It is Calvinism they want in London, and any Arminian preaching will not be endured." My how times have changed. These days, a tepid Arminianism dominates many pulpits, especially in America. And when the doctrines of grace wane, the church diminishes in power and gospel effectiveness. But most of all, the glory of God is obscured.One notable feature is the power that was manifest in Spurgeon's pulpit from the onset of his ministry. He remarked, "The pulpit is no place for weak, stunted, deformed, wretched-looking men." He maintained his commitment to Calvinism with bold resolve while at the same time fleeing from the erroneous doctrine of hyper-Calvinism. Indeed, this man was made for gospel ministry.Chapter 3: The Metropolitan TabernacleThe construction of the Metropolitan Tabernacle was a watershed moment in Spurgeon's ministry. Nettles remarks, "He believed that the completion of the Tabernacle signaled an advance for the gospel in the whole city." Spurgeon's new pulpit became the sounding board for the doctrines of grace which began in London but echoed around the globe as his sermons were being printed by the thousands.Spurgeon articulated and proclaimed a strong Calvinistic message, never compromising the core planks that were formulated at the Synod of Dort. He preached with a style that was narrative driven but doctrinally rich.Chapter 4: Preaching the Whole CounselThe author highlights Spurgeon's passion to preach Scripture in its entirety. Dr. Nettles beautifully summarizes the essence of Spurgeon's ministry: "This is the main glory of ministry, to preach Christ - his substitution, that he became a curse for us, dying the just for the unjust in the stead of his people. Christ must be preached in a lively, earnest, spiritual manner in order for him to be set forth plainly as crucified, even as Paul did before the Galatians."Spurgeon's bold style is emphasized: "We must preach Christ courageously ... Pray the message in before you preach it out."While Spurgeon did not necessarily preach verse by verse, he was an expository preacher. The author notes, "For Spurgeon, true exposition meant, in Puritan fashion, using the whole Bible and all its doctrines in the unfolding of any one portion of Scripture." And preaching expository message, for Spurgeon meant doctrine must be the backbone of every sermon: "Full submission to the authority of Scripture demanded that one be ready to embrace every doctrine of the Word of God." For Spurgeon, watering down the message was tantamount to compromise.At the end of the day, faithfulness in the pulpit meant proclaiming the power of the cross. This is gospel preaching. Spurgeon declared, "I believe that the best, surest, and most permanent way to fill a place of worship is to preach the gospel, and to preach it in a natural, simple interesting, earnest way." Powerful words for pastors to heed in the 21st century - preachers who all too often capitulate to the demands of culture and marginalize the message to appease carnal listeners.Chapter 5 : Theological Method and ContentThe author places the spot light on the most prominent feature of Spurgeon's ministry, namely, the proclamation of the gospel. While Spurgeon attracted thousands of admirers over the course of his ministry, he was also plagued with critics and naysayers. Nettles notes, "Spurgeon quickly learned that a preacher bent on pleasing all his critics would speedily leave the ranks of the ministry." But Spurgeon would not be distracted. He faithfully forged a gospel path for his hearers - a path that led to eternal life for everyone who believes.Spurgeon's gospel focus was narrow and focussed and serves as a necessary reminder for preachers today. "Preach all you know about Christ ... To conceal the plain truth of salvation beneath a cloud of words, when God's honor and eternal human destiny are at stake, is treason to men's souls and diabolical cruelty." The cross was the centerpiece of Spurgeon's ministry. He never compromised his primary calling - the preaching of Christ crucified.Spurgeon was an accomplished theologian. Nettles weighs in: "The Christian theologian must be clearly Christian and no less clear a theologian." Spurgeon's example is a rebuke to many modern preachers who glory in their aversion to theology. The notion of a pastor who preaches messages void of theology would have repulsed the prince of preachers.Spurgeon was an unashamed admirer of the Puritans and Reformers. Nettles remarks, "Spurgeon advocated a pure Biblicism for theological construction. He loved the historic confessions and the pious and helpful writings of the Reformers and Puritans ..." Spurgeon taught the importance of reading dead readers - theologians with a backbone and the courage to proclaim the unchanging Word of God.Spurgeon unapologetically embraced the doctrines of grace and proudly proclaimed the five points of Calvinism, including the doctrine of particular redemption. He lamented that "most of the mistakes which men make concerning the doctrines of Scripture are based upon fundamental errors with regard to the covenants of law and grace."The author makes it clear that Spurgeon's sermons were chock full of theology: "Spurgeon's sermons were virtually an overflowing stream of systematic theology ..." Again, the contrast between Spurgeon's doctrinally rich sermons and the weak content in many American sermons is alarming.Spurgeon was not bashful about confronting his Arminian brothers. Nettles notes, "He loved Arminians as sincere persons and loved the emphasis on Christ that they shared in common with him, but he truly abominated the distinctive elements of their doctrine ... The Arminian attempt to tame God, in Spurgeon's view, created an idol unworthy of respect and adoration." Spurgeon counted his Arminian friends as brothers and sisters but did not hesitate to remind them of their theological error.Spurgeon did not equivocate when it came to controversial doctrines. He preached about a fiery hell and the almighty wrath of God. He preached about election and predestination. And he preached about a Christ who paid for the sins of everyone who would ever believe. He opined, "I had rather believe a limited atonement that is efficacious for all men for whom it was intended, than a universal atonement that is not efficacious for anybody, except the will of man be joined with it."Biblical authority, theological depth, and doctrinal precision marked the life and ministry of C.H. Spurgeon. Compromise was not a part of his makeup. Fidelity to the truth was at the core of his pastoral identity.Chapter 6: Spurgeon's Message of Christ's Atoning Sacrifice"The Lord Jesus Christ on his cross of redemption was the center, circumference, and summation of the preaching ministry of Charles Haddon Spurgeon," writes Nettles. This is the theme that readers are drawn to again and again in this excellent biography. A few direct citations from Spurgeon will drive this truth home:"Redemption is the heart of the gospel and the essence of redemption is the substitutionary atonement of Christ."" ... The death of Christ was the hinge of the world's history.""Christ's people shall be made willing in the day of his power, and the great attraction by which they will be drawn to him will be his death on the cross.""The cross is the mighty battering ram wherewith to break in pieces the brazen gates of human prejudices and the iron bars of obstinacy."Chapter 7: The Challenge of Church Life and the Governance of WorshipThe burden of shepherding the flock was often times overwhelming for Spurgeon: "Sometimes I become so perplexed that I sink in heart, and dream that it were better for me never to have been born than to have been called to bear all this multitude upon my heart." The Metropolitan Tabernacle made a crucial error in electing deacons for life - a polity policy that will often times prove to be detrimental to the health of the church.Chapter 8: The Gospel is EvangelismAnyone familiar with Spurgeon's ministry understands the importance of evangelism as a normal part of church life. He shared the gospel personally and also preached the gospel passionately. Nettles adds, "Preaching to convert souls, for Spurgeon, meant laying out the full counsel of God to the sinner." Spurgeon's Reformed soteriology demanded a strong message that warned sinners: "Men must be told that they are dead ... and that only the Holy Spirit can quicken them." He resisted the Arminian approach to evangelism with holy fervor.Chapter 9: Use of EvangelistsChapter 9 is an extension of Spurgeon's approach to evangelism. Nettles highlights Spurgeon's Calvinistic zeal: "To keep back any part of the gospel is neither right nor 'the true method for saving men.' All doctrine is saving truth. 'If you hold Calvinistic doctrine, as I hope you do, do not stutter about it, nor stammer over it, but speak it out.' The lack of a full-orbed gospel is behind the evanescence of many so-called revivals."Chapter 10: Theological Foundations for a Benevolent MinistrySpurgeon placed the highest priority on the Word of God and proclaimed the truth of Scripture with blood-earnest faithfulness. But he also had a burden for practical ministry: "We want more Christian ministries of the practical sort." He was the primary visionary behind the Orphanage for Boys. Nettles summarizes Spurgeon's heart who "saw the needs of childhood not only in terms of food, shelter, and clothing, but in terms of family relationships, maternal care, and pure childish delight."Chapter 11: Personal Theory and Preferences in the Production of Godly LiteratureBoth Spurgeon and his wife were lovers of books. Mrs. Spurgeon began a Book Fund which was a deep encouragement to pastors in western Europe. Spurgeon's writing ministry flourished for most of his ministry. Soon his sermons were being sent all around the globeChapter 12: Literature About Right, Wrong, and TruthOne of the most enduring qualities of this chapter was the discussion that focused on Spurgeon's love for Jonathan Edwards. Nettles writes, "Spurgeon's spirituality savored of an Edwardsean aroma ... Spurgeon had a personal appreciation for careful scholarship and its usefulness to the church. He always longed, however, that scholarship and orthodoxy be suffused with the pulsation of spiritual life."Chapter 13: Theology and Controversy"We do not wish to fight; but if we do, we hope that the pity will be needed by those with whom we contend." Spurgeon was not one to pick a fight but when truth was on the line, he didn't back down either. He bravely battled Arminians and Hyper-Calvinists. Unlike many modern pastors, refused to pretend a cordial relationship when truth was sacrificed at the altar of relevance: "He would not pretend fellowship with those with whom he disagreed upon vital points of truth."The author presents several notable theological controversies that Spurgeon confronted including the Rivulet controversy, his battle with atheistic evolution, and his skirmishes with Plymouth Brethrenism.Chapter 14: Destroy or Be DestroyedThe author continues the discussion and reveals Spurgeon's passionate defense of the truth as he stepped into the fray against the Roman Catholic Church. Spurgeon once remarked, "Showing charity to priests is like showing charity to tigers and rattlesnakes."Nettles recounts Spurgeon's run-in's with the Church of England. For instance, he called baptismal regeneration, "a wretched and rotten foundation" and a "deceitful invention of antichrist." His repudiation of infant baptism was clear. He referred to the font as a "mockery."Chapter 15: The Downgrade ConflictThe author carefully describes the downgrade conflict, the theological slide which Spurgeon confronted directly and ultimately led him out of the Baptist Union. Spurgeon painfully notes, "I have cut myself clear of those who err from the faith, and even from those who associate with them."Little room was left for the imagination to wander when one considered Spurgeon's position on controversial matters. He was a man who would not be swayed by theological error. He was a bastion of truth in an age of compromise.Chapter 16: Spurgeon and Baptists in AmericaOf course, Spurgeon's influence was felt around the world but his influence in America was especially profound. George Truett pays the Prince of Preachers a wonderful compliment: "[He] had no sort of fellowship with the nerveless, hazy, intellectual libertinism that plays fast and loose with the eternal verities of Christ's gospel ... [He taught] the great themes of divine revelation: the sovereignty of God; the holiness of God; the love of God; the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; the solemn wonders of the cross; the divine forgiveness of sins; the fellowship of Christ's sufferings; the fellowships of Christ's sufferings; the power of his resurrection."Chapter 17: Sickness, Suffering, DepressionIt is common knowledge that Spurgeon suffered greatly throughout his life. He was tormented from all sides, had numerous physical ailments and battled depression for most of his adult life (as is chronicled especially in Iain Murray's terrific book, The Forgotten Spurgeon. His godly example is also known well: "Our happiness does not depend upon our understanding the providence of God." Nettles remarks, "Spurgeon never doubted that his exquisite pain, frequent sickness, and even despondency were given to him by God for his sanctification in a wise and holy purpose."So Spurgeon developed a theology of suffering that grew out of his own painful crucible. His response was nothing less than God-centered and serves as an inspiration for anyone who endures a dark night of the soul.Chapter 18: Conduct in the Face of DeathSpurgeon was not a perfect man. He struggled with indwelling sin and battled the flesh all the way to the Celestial City. But Nettles makes the point abundantly clear. Spurgeon finished well. The British pastor said, "Should you even lie in all the despair and desolation which I described, I would persuade you to believe in Jesus. Trust him, and you shall find him all that you want."SummaryLiving By Revealed Truth: The Life and Pastoral Theology of Charles Haddon Spurgeon is a sweeping epic that beautifully illustrates the life and legacy of one of the most prolific pastors ever. Tom Nettles has done a great service for the church by researching and writing with the depth of a seasoned theologian and the heart of a caring pastor.Highly recommended

Tom Nettles recent work on Charles Spurgeon is a much needed addition to the scholarship focused on the 19th century London pastor, known as “The Prince of Preachers.” In "Living By Revealed Truth: The Life and Pastoral Theology of Charles Haddon Spurgeon", he focuses primarily on the theological beliefs of Spurgeon which drove so many of his ministerial actions. The well written tome, makes for excellent reading and provides level headed insight into understanding what made Spurgeon tick.While the book is obviously somewhat biographical, the main thrust is theological. Spurgeon came of age as the son and grandson of Congregational ministers. Being sickly as a boy, he devoted much time to reading and early on immersed himself in the English Puritans. From this he developed a theological understanding that was much deeper than most his age. Not surprisingly he was preaching the gospel as a teenager; and pastoring one of the largest flocks in London shortly thereafter. But Spurgeon was no mere carbon copy of his forefathers. He had his own convictions and didn't mind differing with his father and grandfather on notable issues. Albeit with utmost respect toward his elders.On the issue of baptism, Spurgeon shunned the infant baptism of his youth and sought to be baptized as a believer after his conversion at age 15. He considered this to be the Biblical mode and desired his parents to allow for it, even though they disagreed with it. His mother told him: “Son I had always prayed that God would make you a Christian, but I certainly never expected him to make you a Baptist.” Spurgeon responded that as God so frequently does: “He gave you what you asked for, then even gave you exceedingly, abundantly beyond what you had asked for.” After writing his father seeking permission to be baptized, Spurgeon waited anxiously for the reply that was slow in coming. Apparently wanting to ignore the issue, John Spurgeon finally acquiesced and left the matter up to Charles.Spurgeon's stellar wit is on full display in Nettles' work as he gives numerous examples of barbs which the preacher often zipped at his opponents. Once when a Presbyterian book store owner approached Spurgeon with a book on infant baptism, saying: “Look at this book Reverend! It's a thorn in your flesh isn't it?” Spurgeon immediately responded, “Finish the verse sir! It is a thorn in my flesh....and a MINISTER OF SATAN.”The London press despised Spurgeon from the outset and Nettles does an excellent job of showing this. One such quote from a London paper castigated Spurgeon saying:“Some men there are who, taking their precepts from Holy Writ, would beckon erring souls to a rightful path with fair words and gentle admonition; Mr. Spurgeon would take them by the nose and bully them into religion.... While many see him as a pious Christian; we see him as a ranting charlatan.”Liberals despised him for being too focused on the Bible and on conversion. Hyper-Calvinists on the other hand, ridiculed him for being too evangelistic. Spurgeon, for his part, seemed content to preach Christ, call sinners to repent, and let the naysayers go on barking as they wished.From a theological perspective, Spurgeon was clearly an Evangelistic Calvinist, and made no apologies for it. (For a more focused, and concise look at Spurgeon's controversies see Iain Murray's excellent work “The Forgotten Spurgeon”) He thundered the “Doctrines of Grace” and didn't believe God could truly be understood apart from Divine election. Yet, he clearly numbered many Arminians of a freewill stripe as friends and fellow brothers in Christ. With Spurgeon we see a fine example of holding fiercely to convictions, while not necessarily letting it divide true fellowship among genuine believers. He never saw eye-to-eye with his parents on baptism, yet held a warm affection for them and had his father preach in his pulpit numerous times.Spurgeon's life is a fascinating one to study, perhaps the most fascinating preacher outside of Scripture. And Nettles does a masterful job of adding commentary to the narrative with his own excellent insights and observations. For example, Spurgeon was not a lover of the city; in fact he loathed living in London. The fog and smoke seemed to choke him out and add to his already weak physical constitution. Sometimes this disdain for city life clouded Spurgeon's judgment from a Spiritual perspective as well. Nettles contends that he “idealized the country” and made it better in his mind than it actually was. In truth, sin is everywhere. But it seems to be more concentrated in cities where more sinners naturally are in close proximity. But Spurgeon was duty bound to do something about the sins of London. He saw the city and ultimately the world as his mission field and set out on a “gospel siege” of it with his only weapon being the gospel. He fed the hungry and ministered to the sick. He opened an orphanage and a Pastor's college, training young men in true theology and sending them out to preach and minister. In all truth, it is overwhelming to consider the problems London faced in the late 19th century. And it is equally overwhelming to consider all that Spurgeon did to face the problems.Any study of Spurgeon's life would be incomplete if it didn't address the sometimes mammoth depressions that he faced; and Nettles does an excellent job of pointing these out. When seven people were trampled to death at the Surrey Gardens Music Hall, Spurgeon almost had a mental breakdown. Only 22 years old at the time; and the father of one month old twins; Spurgeon had to have some time out of the pulpit to recuperate from the tragedy. In some ways, this incident haunted him to his death.Spurgeon was regularly cast down mentally, as well as physically. Nettles points out that even in his early twenties he frequently spoke of death and how much he longed for it because of his physical pains. It appeared evident, early in Spurgeon's life, that he was not destined to a long life on earth. So it's not too surprising that he died, exhausted and emotionally spent, at the age of 57.In conclusion I would heartily commend this work by Tom Nettles as one of the best I've read on the life of Spurgeon. In getting past the factual details, the author presents the theological fuel that so often fired Spurgeon's life. As a Pastor, I found myself inspired by this titan of the faith; and as a Christian I marveled at how greatly God used him for His glory. Spurgeon was a rare gift to the church and there will likely not be another one like him. His combination of theological precision and practical application was unrivaled in his day and will possibly never be seen again. But all pastors (indeed all Christians should strive for it). Spurgeon was an amazing man. But His God is also our God; and who knows what God might do through other faithful servants in the future.I am thankful to Tom Nettles for his meticulous research and clarity of thought in penning this excellent work. I recommend it's reading if one seeks to better understand Charles Haddon Spurgeon and what made him the man he was. Spurgeon's life was inspiring and his theology drove his ministry. If this were true of more ministers today, then the church of Jesus Christ would be much stronger and much more faithful than the watered-down caricatures of church we often see. Look to Nettles, and to Spurgeon, and most of all Jesus to find the route to faithfulness. Read this book and be edified, inspired, and encouraged to press on. Spurgeon spent himself in gospel ministry and died young. Let us all take up that mantel and be willing to do likewise if the Lord should so ordain.

This book is a must for anyone interested in the life and ministry of Charles Spurgeon, and explains the theology that fueled both. Having read over 125 of Spurgeon's sermons in the last 2 years, I can confidently say that this book captures the essence of Spurgeon's theology as it appears in his sermons. The author does not put words in Spurgeon's mouth, but explains with clarity and simplicity using many references and direct quotes. Each chapter ends with about 3 pages of references. Tom Nettles has done his research.Thankfully, not only is this book theologically educational, but it drives the Gospel home over and over and has been used by God to convict and encourage me.Honestly, I went into this book knowing quite a bit but not all about what Spurgeon believed as far as Calvinism, but this book cuts right to the heart and presents what Spurgeon himself actually believed in definite terms. I really liked that.It might sound presumptuous to say this, but I think this book will change your life, because it oozes with the Gospel. The Gospel is what changes our life, and it is so encouraging to see a book about one of the greatest lovers of Jesus doing just that: presenting Jesus once again as the only way to God, by faith in His atoning blood.

This is an excellent book. It is part biography, but more a study of Spurgeon's beliefs. Tom Nettles gives many quotations from Spurgeon, thus the great preacher's beliefs are presented in his own words, but adds plenty of his own commentary. Nettles makes it clear that Spurgeon was an evangelistic Calvinist. In fact, he was not just a great doctrinal preacher, but a great evangelist. It also has a chapter on Spurgeon's illnesses and how he understood them, which is both sad and illuminating.

This is an excellent account of the life and labours of Spurgeon. Tom Nettles is to be warmly thanked for all his research. This book reveals the heart of spurgeon's ministry, his overwhelming desire to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ in all aspects of his ministry but especially in preaching the Word. Also one is able to appreciate a little of the great responsibility Spurgeon felt in his pastorate of caring for over 5000 souls. Oh that God would grant such a man to the Church again.

I think that Tom Nettles might have made life more simple for himself (as the author) and for his readers. The interest in CHS is as fresh as ever, but few of us have the time and perhaps the concentration necessary to read this great tome. It holds many little gems of information about CHS that would otherwise be overlooked or lost completely. So, with courtesy to Tom, thank you for an enormous piece of writing

I have read a great deal of Spurgeon and a great deal of what has been written about him. But this book is a wonderful record of his life and theology. If you like Spurgeon at all then read this and then plead with God that He might raise up more Spurgeon's in our day and age. We need them!

Tom Nettles has produced a book filled with thorough research and is a helpful new overview of the life and work of a truly great Christian man who influenced a whole generation and more.

My husband ahs enjoyed reading the book are found it full of good understanding