I am all for communicating sin and the need for Christ. This is biblical. It forms our understanding of the gospel. But sometimes preachers and Christians linger a bit long in the boiler room, inhaling the smoke of the Law without opening the windows of grace. You cannot smile in such a cellar.
Spurgeon saw and spoke of such a trend in his day. His observations and cautions may be surprising but I think right on.
I have one more class of objectors to answer and I am finished. There is a certain breed of Calvinist, whom I do not envy, who are always jeering and sneering as much as ever they can at the full assurance of faith.
I have seen their long faces; I have heard their whining periods, and read their dismal sentences, in which they say something to the effect – “Groan in the Lord always, and again I say, groan! He that mourneth and weepeth, he that doubted and feareth, he that distrusteth and dishonoureth his God, shall be saved.”
That seems to be the sum and substance of their very ungospel-like gospel. But why is it they do this?
I speak now honestly and fearlessly. It is because there is a pride within them – a conceit which is fed on rottenness, and sucks marrow and fatness out of putrid carcasses.
And what, say you, is the object of their pride? Why, the pride of being able to boast of a deep experience – the pride of being a blacker, grosser, and more detestable sinner than other people. “Whose glory is in their shame,” may well apply to them. A more dangerous, because a more deceitful pride than this is not to be found. It has all the elements of self-righteousness in it.” –C. H. Spurgeon ”Full Assurance“
What do you think? Is he onto something?
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Yes, and remember, there is a ditch on the other side of the road too.
Absolutely.
Thank you for this reminder from such an insightful expositor!
The whole sermon from Spurgeon is worth reading.
yes, on to something. something uncomfortable. it seems like a “Screwtape-ian” turn doesn’t it? how our hearts can take a virtue (humble awareness of our sin) then inflate, distort, and twist it back into a pride that chokes and a self righteousness that kills. depravity indeed. warning of a singular truth in isolation from other truths? i think so. we need the whole counsel, the work of the Spirit, and the ministry/accountability of the body to keep us balanced. yes?
I think the Screwtape reference is good. It is a subtle false humility like Colossians 2 which is so agreeable to our fallenness.
I’ve been guilty of this, especially as a younger Christian. Even to the point of trying to outdo other peoples testimonies. A very subtle evil indeed.”the pride of being a blacker, grosser, and more detestable sinner than other people.” What a thought. I don’t think there is a topic that Spurgeon didn’t touch on. Brother Eric, i’m highly blessed by this and your blog in general.
Thanks Caleb. You are right re Spurgeon. And I’m glad the blo is a blessing.
A much needed antidote in many a Reformed church. Thank-you.
In the great providence of God, what a timely article! God bless you brother; thanks for posting this today.
Aaron