Spurgeon v. Hyper-Calvinism by Iain Murray

Spurgeon v. Hyper-Calvinism

The Battle for Gospel Preaching

Spurgeon v. Hyper-Calvinism

The Battle for Gospel Preaching

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C.H. Spurgeon (1834–1892) is best–remembered today for the remarkable ministry he exercised in London during the Victorian era. His influence was incalculable. Thousands listened to his preaching every week. While hundreds of thousands throughout the world later read his sermons in published form. A man of great natural gifts, charm and wit, Spurgeon’s master passion was evident in everything he did – to preach Jesus Christ to all as the only Saviour.

But as early as 1855 this brought him into a serious and prolonged doctrinal controversy with Hyper–Calvinism. By tracing this conflict, exploring the issues involved in it and showing what was at stake in them, Iain Murray underlines the contemporary relevance and importance of sharing Spurgeon’s convictions.

Title

Spurgeon v. Hyper-Calvinism
Author(s)

Iain Murray
ISBN

9781848710979
Publisher

Banner of Truth
Audience

Church Leaders
Pages

129
Published

01/05/2011

Iain Murray

See other titles by this author

Overall rating

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Spurgeon v. Hyper–Calvinism

Iain Murray reviews the controversy over hyper-Calvinism that affected Spurgeon in the 1850s and 1860s. He shows that Spurgeon was a Calvinist but still called on all to repent and believe because that is what the Bible says. Yes God is sovereign, but man is also responsible. It also reminds us of Spurgeon's commitment to the Bible. Calvinism is more popular now than it was, and so a warning against one of its perversions may be timely.

Stephen Ayre

Spurgeon v. Hyper–Calvinism

Evangelical Calvinism has been on the rise for the last few decades as more and more Christians have discovered the rich biblical heritage of the Reformed tradition. Alas, as with any revival of biblical truth, there also appears the risk of distorted, heretical offshoots of such doctrine. By drawing on the life and ministry of C.H. Spurgeon, Murray highlights the clear distinctions between true, evangelical calvinism and it's false counter-heresy: Hyper-Calvinism. The book vividly describes Spurgeon's battles with the Hyper-Calvinists of his day, namely his fellow Baptist minister James Wells. Whilst it may sound strange to our modern ears, the debates took place largely within the Earthen Vessel, a Baptist magazine (the 19th century equivalent of blogging perhaps?). Murray's perceptive analysis and insight into the issues clarify the difference not only in degree but also in kind between Calvinism and Hyper-Calvinism, with the latter so emphasising (and distorting!) the sovereignty of God that they deny the free offer of the gospel (that is, Christ) to all people, amongst other lamentable beliefs. The story is engaging, and with Murray's clear writing style, flows off the page. There's plenty of quotations from both sides which help us to see the state of play. My favourite chapter is chapter 4, 'Spurgeon's Fourfold Appeal to Scripture', where Murray shares the biblical convictions that drove Spurgeon in his evangelism and counter the claims of the Hyper-Calvinists. Murray draws lessons for today from the controversy, and includes interesting appendices for illustrative purposes. This is an excellent book (for Calvinists and non-Calvinists alike) for understanding the difference between biblical, evangelical Calvinism and the erroneous Hyper-Calvinism, but it also helps us to see and be energized for the ever-contemporary need to take the gospel out to all people, offering Christ to every sinner.