Judgment and Mercy: Spurgeon’s Preaching of Hell

Abstract

Charles Spurgeon contended and demonstrated that clear warnings concerning the coming wrath of God are an essential element of biblical preaching. A survey of published sermons provides a taste of such preaching, from his earliest days in Waterbeach to his later sermons in London. This lays the groundwork for assessing some of the particular features of Spurgeon’s preaching of judgment and mercy, including its clarity, vividness, frequency, and consistency, arising out of a sense of duty, with real compassion and grace. While the examples themselves are illuminating, Spurgeon’s instruction and exhortation also prompt today’s preachers and hearers to consider whether we have achieved anything of a Christlike emphasis and tone on this too-often-overlooked element of faithful gospel ministry. KEYWORDS: Charles Spurgeon, hell, judgment, wrath, mercy, Christ, preaching, damnation, grace, ministry