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Sermon Excerpt, Charles H. Spurgeon, March 11. 1860:
I have a religion that allows me to swear and be drunk as often as ever I please. And that is never. For I hate all such things with perfect hatred. Christian men keep back from sin because their nature abhors sin. Do not imagine we are kept back from sin because we are terrified with threats of damnation. We have no fear, except the fear of offending our loving Father. But we do not want to sin. Our thirst is for holiness and not for vice. But if you have a kind of religion that always keeps you in restraint, so that you say "I should like to go to the theatre tonight if I dare." If that is what you say, depend upon it: your religion is not of much value.
You must have a religion that makes you hate the thing you once loved and love that which you once hated. A religion that draws you out of your old life and puts you into a new life. Now, if a man has a new nature, what doctrine of election could make that new nature act contrary to its instincts? Teach the man what you will. That man will not turn to vanity. The election of God gives a new nature. So, even if the doctrine were dangerous, the new nature would keep it in check.
But once more, bring me hither the man...man shall I call him? Bring me the beast or the devil that would say "God has set his love upon me from before all worlds. My name is on Jesus' heart. He bought me with his blood. My sins are all forgiven. I shall see God's face with joy and acceptance. Therefore, I hate God. Therefore, I live in sin."
Bring me up the monster I say. And when you have brought up such a one, Even then, I will not admit that there is reason in that vile lie, that damnable calumny, which you have cast upon this doctrine -- that it makes men live in licentiousness. There is no truth that can so nerve a man to piety as the fact that he was chosen of God ere time began. Loved by Thee with an unlimited love that never moves and that endures to the end. Oh my God, I desire to spend myself in thy service. Love so amazing, so divine, demands my life, my soul, my all, and gratitude to God. For this rich mercy constrains us, compels us to walk in the fear of God. And to love and serve Him all our lives.
Age
55
Country
United States
