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The Heart of the Gospel
"The heart of the gospel is redemption, and the essence of redemption is the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ." With these words, Spurgeon begins this masterful sermon on 2 Corinthians 5:20, 21. The subject of substitution is vital to our Christian faith. Christ was made sin for us, He suffered God's wrath for us, we are made righteous in Him. These truths are expounded here in a warm and powerful manner.
20 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2010
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285 people want to read
About the author
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
5,684 books1,636 followersCharles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) was England's best-known preacher for most of the second half of the nineteenth century. In 1854, just four years after his conversion, Spurgeon, then only 20, became pastor of London's famed New Park Street Church (formerly pastored by the famous Baptist theologian, John Gill). The congregation quickly outgrew their building, moved to Exeter Hall, then to Surrey Music Hall. In these venues, Spurgeon frequently preached to audiences numbering more than 10,000—all in the days before electronic amplification. In 1861, the congregation moved permanently to the newly constructed Metropolitan Tabernacle.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 18, 2016
This is another message by Spurgeon that I read in 2016 in light of my hunger to read things by the Prince of Preacher. This booklet focuses on 2 Corinthians 5:20-21. What I appreciate about Spurgeon is that he is essentially timeless because he preaches the Gospel and definitely 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 is a Gospel text. Although this was originally a sermon by Spurgeon delivered in 1886 it is still relevant for people to read and hear it today. As I read this booklet I wished there would be more contemporary preachers who embodied the spirit of Spurgeon’s preaching.
The way the booklet is organized is stated early on by Spurgeon as the following: "…I am going to handle, first, the great doctrine, and then afterwards, and secondly, as God shall help me, we shall come to the great argument which is contained in the 20th verse." As Spurgeon dived into the great doctrine states in our Scripture he makes three more additional points: (1) "Now consider, first, who was made sin for us," (2) "This leads me on to the second point of the text, which is, what was done with him who knew no sin? He was "made sin," and (3) "So I pass on to notice in the third place, who did it? The text saith, "He hath made him to be sin for us""
Like other works by Spurgeon this work also had memorable quotes and one-liners. It’s not just a collection of pithy sayings, but it’s the truth that Spurgeon conveys that warms our hearts to love Jesus more and value the Gospel more. For instance I was quite moved by this quote from Spurgeon: "I have not known men made to live unto God and holiness except by the doctrine of the death of Christ on man's behalf." How true do I see that in my own life! Spurgeon is right to go on and say "The story of the great Lover of the souls of men who gave himself for their salvation is still in the hand of the Holy Ghost the greatest of all forces in the realm of mind." Spurgeon also preaches the truth and doesn’t waste time beating behind the bush. For example concerning those who deny substitutionary atonement Spurgeon stated the following: "To read the 53rd chapter of Isaiah, and to accept it as relating to the Messiah, and then to deny his substitutionary sacrifice is simply wickedness." He’s frank to his audiences when he told them the following: "You came just to hear a well-known preacher; I pray you forget the preacher, and think only of yourself, your God and your Saviour." It is refreshing to read of celebrity preachers who points people to Christ and not just themselves. I wished more preachers today would follow Spurgeon’s example to preach Christ and the great doctrines that make up the truth of the Gospel.
The way the booklet is organized is stated early on by Spurgeon as the following: "…I am going to handle, first, the great doctrine, and then afterwards, and secondly, as God shall help me, we shall come to the great argument which is contained in the 20th verse." As Spurgeon dived into the great doctrine states in our Scripture he makes three more additional points: (1) "Now consider, first, who was made sin for us," (2) "This leads me on to the second point of the text, which is, what was done with him who knew no sin? He was "made sin," and (3) "So I pass on to notice in the third place, who did it? The text saith, "He hath made him to be sin for us""
Like other works by Spurgeon this work also had memorable quotes and one-liners. It’s not just a collection of pithy sayings, but it’s the truth that Spurgeon conveys that warms our hearts to love Jesus more and value the Gospel more. For instance I was quite moved by this quote from Spurgeon: "I have not known men made to live unto God and holiness except by the doctrine of the death of Christ on man's behalf." How true do I see that in my own life! Spurgeon is right to go on and say "The story of the great Lover of the souls of men who gave himself for their salvation is still in the hand of the Holy Ghost the greatest of all forces in the realm of mind." Spurgeon also preaches the truth and doesn’t waste time beating behind the bush. For example concerning those who deny substitutionary atonement Spurgeon stated the following: "To read the 53rd chapter of Isaiah, and to accept it as relating to the Messiah, and then to deny his substitutionary sacrifice is simply wickedness." He’s frank to his audiences when he told them the following: "You came just to hear a well-known preacher; I pray you forget the preacher, and think only of yourself, your God and your Saviour." It is refreshing to read of celebrity preachers who points people to Christ and not just themselves. I wished more preachers today would follow Spurgeon’s example to preach Christ and the great doctrines that make up the truth of the Gospel.
December 27, 2020
It is amazing to see such divine power written so long ago! I am convinced, in our modern society we must consume more of an understanding of Jesus and walk in his power through faith and believing! This read was packed with power. There are no words to fully express the biblical soundness unveiled in the literature. Wow!
December 4, 2022
Pretty self explanatory from the title - it's a sermon so it's a little strange reading it. I think it would be impactful as a sermon
February 15, 2020
This is, without a doubt, my favorite sermon I’ve read so far from Spurgeon. Possibly from anyone. It is clear, concise, effective, and evangelistic. It does not stray from the text or wax upon details we cannot know (as I’ve so often regretted finding in some of his other sermons). And this edition is free on Kindle. It takes less than half an hour to read, and contains endnotes explaining some of the word that are less common in modern speech. I would recommend this to literally anyone and everyone.
January 11, 2020
Spurgeon brings focus to the Bible message of Salvation
The author with wisdom and eloquence declares the intent and message of the Bible. There is little doubt as to why thousands came to the Metropolitan Tabernacle to hear Spurgeon expound on the Word of God. Good read for any Christian or anyone wanting to know about becoming a Christian.
The author with wisdom and eloquence declares the intent and message of the Bible. There is little doubt as to why thousands came to the Metropolitan Tabernacle to hear Spurgeon expound on the Word of God. Good read for any Christian or anyone wanting to know about becoming a Christian.
June 18, 2023
His pierced heart
We are told of the nails in His hands and feet, but not His pierced heart, we are told Jesus died for us but God is removed from
the equation, although it is the Triune God of Israel that saved us. This is eye opening and I recommend everybody read this believing or unbelieving I know you'll be believing at the end, so I challenge you to read this book.
We are told of the nails in His hands and feet, but not His pierced heart, we are told Jesus died for us but God is removed from
the equation, although it is the Triune God of Israel that saved us. This is eye opening and I recommend everybody read this believing or unbelieving I know you'll be believing at the end, so I challenge you to read this book.
February 6, 2020
One of Spurgeon's many moving sermons, "The Heart of the Gospel" is one of his more law/gospel oriented sermons. Its short, simple, and a good reminder of what Protestant understanding of atonement is all about.
April 20, 2020
Highly recommended! Spurgeon continues to impact countless lives even today through his messages of the Gospel. His unique and simple way of presenting his messages makes you want to hear more and eager to apply the Word into your life.
June 20, 2025
The Simple Beauty of God’s Gospel
CH Spurgeon’s warmth and loving way to beseech the hearer, now reader, calls to mind the urgent plea for men’s souls to be reconciled to God. You hold a treasure in your hand from the prince of preachers.
CH Spurgeon’s warmth and loving way to beseech the hearer, now reader, calls to mind the urgent plea for men’s souls to be reconciled to God. You hold a treasure in your hand from the prince of preachers.
January 7, 2026
The gift of salvation
If your are curious about the gospel of Christ and want a clear explanation of what His death means, I recommend this short book. If you are a Christ-follower, this is an excellent reminder of what Christ has done for us.
If your are curious about the gospel of Christ and want a clear explanation of what His death means, I recommend this short book. If you are a Christ-follower, this is an excellent reminder of what Christ has done for us.
September 2, 2020
Excellent book - well worth reading again.
March 10, 2021
This was a very enjoyable book where the "Prince of Preachers" tries to whittle down the essence of the gospel, and expresses how if we're not communicating this, we're not communicating the gospel.
July 21, 2021
This is a sermon, and it was written down in pamphlet form, but a very good one and well worth reading.
April 2, 2023
Great book
I like to read sermons form preachers like Spurgeon. It’s always good for the christian soul to hear the gospel as much as it can, because we need it all the time.
I like to read sermons form preachers like Spurgeon. It’s always good for the christian soul to hear the gospel as much as it can, because we need it all the time.
May 1, 2025
I love Charles Spurgeon. I enjoy all of his sermons, but this may be my favorite. His messages are straightforward and easily understood. His message is on salvation.
February 19, 2019
Excellent
It's Spurgeon, so it's excellent. He has a way of phrasing things that is poetic and beautiful. He also has a way of cutting to the heart of an issue. I always learn something new or delve deeper into a subject when reading him.
It's Spurgeon, so it's excellent. He has a way of phrasing things that is poetic and beautiful. He also has a way of cutting to the heart of an issue. I always learn something new or delve deeper into a subject when reading him.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews