All of Grace (Read and Reflect with the Classics)

This review has nothing to do with the writings of Spurgeon. I was very disappointed in the very small font size of the book. It looks like it was just copied from something else. I haven't been motivated to read it yet because of this.

This is an incredibly freeing message about the grace of God, what it is , how it works in our lives. Really helping shut down condemnation in my life as I read and find the scripture behind what Spurgeon is writing.

That God would use this message to convert millions (p. 3) may seem like an insincere hope, except when it is the declared ambition of such a preacher as C. H. Spurgeon. By his superior abilities and loving concern, the gospel is here tendered as simply, briefly, accurately, and affectionately as, it seems, could be within the capacity of a human being to do. Who knows how many have already been converted through this one remarkable effort? Christian publishers are wise to continue forwarding literally anything from Spurgeon’s vast resources.

Spurgeon’s method is to urge sinners to see to religious matters for themselves. “Proxy religion involves too great a risk” (p. 20.) What better advice is there for today, when indifference and passivity so widely prevail?

Many truths, not the least of which those respecting repentance and faith, the vital negative and positive elements of conversion, have been cast off long ago and are almost everywhere forgotten these days. This is why the old evangelistic efforts are just as much, maybe more, for today as yesterday. Repenting is to come to God as you are, no touch-ups required (pp. 15, 16.) Most everyone in Protestant Christendom has at least heard a basic truth like that. But here are some things about repentance that we probably have not heard of. (1) How do we instruct the seeker who can’t seem to dredge up anything like repentant feelings? Tell him to “go to Calvary and see how Jesus died” (p. 102.) This wisdom of looking to the Saviour, not at or in our selves, even for repentance, naturally occurs in Spurgeon’s process of explaining salvation, because of his Calvinist knowledge that ‘all needful graces’ come by divine sovereignty. (2) Do we realize that an anxious effort to repent may be the beginning of an instance of actual repentance? Spurgeon brings this out from his own experience: “Odd as it may sound, I felt that I could not feel. I used to get into a corner and weep, because I could not weep…My heart was broken to think that it would not break. Now I can see that I was exhibiting the very thing which I thought I did not possess” (p. 69.) (3) How rampant is the error of presenting repentance and faith as consecutive and so distinct that two disconnected steps to salvation are taught, as if being saved were a robotic two-step program instead of being a fluid work of God upon the heart? The truth is, “repentance is the inseparable companion of faith…the tear of repentance glitters in the eye of faith” (p. 97.) (4) Are we aware that notwithstanding his initial and entire remission of sin, the truly repentant soul is never satisfied with his own repenting? He always sees something in his life to repent. “Repentance is not a thing of days and weeks…it is the grace of a lifetime, like faith itself” (pp. 96, 97.) Christianity would be far more advanced in holiness if this were known, taught, kept in mind, and practiced.

Further insight even on the grand article of faith may be gleaned even from the tiniest resource when we have to do with the Prince of Preachers. I will mention just one point. We all believe that saving faith is not blind trust. But how does this square with the philosophical proposition that says a person must first believe in order to understand? This dictum seems to imply that since faith goes before understanding, then faith, before it understands, must be blind. It helps to know that faith itself includes knowledge (p. 46.) Faith consists of knowledge, belief, and trust, knowledge being the first in order (p. 44.) This statement closely enough agrees with Beza’s (1519-1605) and Comrie’s (b. 1706) ‘knowledge, assent, and trust,’ which three are most commonly agreed upon among Reformed evangelicals as the components that make up the grace of faith. (See pp. 73, 227, in The Quest for Full Assurance by Joel Beeke.) Knowing that faith involves more than just believing or even trusting, helps us to use the Patristic axiom in an intelligent way.

When we come to aesthetics, of course we find that truth is always by Spurgeon appropriately attired, like when he dresses gratitude in ‘robes of wonder’ (p. 9) to illustrate the grandeur of thanks we owe to God for having set up a system by which we may be justified.

What is astonishing to me is that All of Grace includes no word about God’s eternal election. There is no notice of abridgment in the Preface or Introduction because the Publisher has furnished neither. This is just like Moody Press to withhold dates and introductions when publishing an old book, as if to keep us from finding out what they think should be kept secret. I wonder if Moody Press and their Colportage Library distributor did not overlook the instances of Particular Redemption on pages 6 and 32? Attentive readers who know what that is will spot the despised doctrine in Spurgeon’s careful expressions there.

In order to convince the reader of his need of salvation and to enable him to make the right decision about his religious crisis, Spurgeon argues from Scripture, illustrates the Scriptures from stories, creates his own lucid expressions, and makes use of anecdotes, some of them his own. Repentance and faith, the two conditions required from man for conversion, are thoroughly explained and clearly described. Both the pardon and the purification of the converted sinner (p. 34), comprehended in God’s justification and sanctification, are given due emphasis. The gospel is sincerely and simply laid out, with intelligence and balance. There is just no equal in literature today, to Spurgeon’s plain evangelism, which always has a touch of easy to understand eloquence. I am not entirely persuaded that many more sinners would be converted through superior evangelistic material of this nature, though. Our culture is too lazy to involve itself in a complex discussion, and too intellectually disabled to hold on to sequential unfolding of ideas. Spurgeon’s management was, to the people of his day, an uncomplicated presentation, and was handily followed by multitudes. His easy message is now but high literature for a doltish public. But just as Puritan theology was distilled by Spurgeon and effectively given out afresh, I believe that the same might now be done with Spurgeon by us. That his books deserve to be reprinted, whether for distribution or distillation, is beyond dispute. It is certain that no one graduating from Moody Bible Institute is able to equal the presentation of the gospel in this book. It is encouraging that the people responsible for publishing there realize that.

Charles H. Spurgeon wrote this wonderful work in the late 19th century. The secondary title of the book says it all: "An Earnest Word with Those Who Are Seeking Salvation by the Lord Jesus Christ." This is the first book ever published by Moody Press and it sold more copies than any book ever published by Moody.

Spurgeon provides the truths of salvation simply and sincerely, for open seekers and enthusiastic believers alike. He presents a complete teaching on the focus of God's grace. Spurgeon demonstrates how salvation is from grace, and he focuses this notion on heavy references to the Bible. Spurgeon describes the plan of salvation in this book in a desire that many readers will turn to Christ. In fact, the first words in the book are these, "He who spoke and wrote this message will be greatly disappointed if it does not lead many to the Lord Jesus."

Do not be mistaken, this is a book for all. It is not just an evangelical tool for the unsaved. It is a word of inspiration to the floundering, provisions for the starving, support for the feeble, and console for the sorrowful. This is a book is a wonderful tool for the strong in faith. There can be no better support for the soul than the unpolluted gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Spurgeon paints one of the most precise, God honoring pictures of the truth of God's grace for man. This is a book about the gospel written for nonbeliever and believer alike.

Words cannot do justice to this short, but powerful work of Charles Spurgeon. It is, without a doubt, one of the single greatest non-canonical books ever written. Herein Spurgeon sets forth in no indefinite terms the way of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Spurgeon's deep-felt love for his Savior and for his fellow sinners shines forth on every page, in every phrase of this phenomenal volume. He brings the gospel to his readers with pointed illustrations, well-placed anecdotes, irrefutable arguments, heart-felt pleas and (above all else) the plainly-spoken and rightly-applied word of God.

Make no mistake, this is a book for everyone, not only for the unsaved. It is the word of salvation to the lost, food for the hungry, encouragement for the weak, comfort for the grieving, and hope for the hopeless. It is "the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16). This is a book especially for the strong in faith. There is no greater encouragement to the soul of the truly faithful Christian than the pure gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Perhaps you will ask, "How can you say such things about a book written 1800 years after the apostles lived and died?" Read the book for yourself and find out. I make no exaggerated claims. The heart of faith will find treasures within these pages the likes of which are not to be found outside the Holy Scripture itself. To say that this book is worth its weight in gold would not do it justice, for how much gold is worth a man's soul? Or how much gold is worth the calm assurance of salvation and hope of eternal life to the believing heart? No... there is no price that can be placed upon the truth this book contains. Will you not spare a mere $10 to examine it for yourself?

Edition Note: This same volume is reproduced in "The Anointed Life", a compilation of some of Spurgeon's writings and sermons, along with another excellent volume entitled "Faith".

This will give you a biblical understanding of how salvation takes place and why it is necessary for an individual to desire salvation! This is aimed more towards an individual that is very new in the faith, on the edge about Christianity, or just doesn't know anything at all. Short work and definitely is an easy read. This is a prize and I would highly recommend this is any and all.

Some gems:

"The salvation of God is for those who do not deserve it and have no preparation for it."

"The Gospel will receive you into its halls if you come as a sinner, not otherwise. Wait not for reformation, but come at once for salvation...it meets you in your worst estate."

"Jesus did not die for our righteousness, but He died for our sins. He did not come to save us because we were worth saving, but because we were utterly worthless, ruined and undone. He did not come to earth out of any reason that was in us, but solely because of reasons which He took from the depths of His divine love.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon was a man who loved the Lord dearly. I recommend not only this book, but all of his works, knowing that they will bless you, as they have blessed countless before us. This book outlines the Gospel of Jesus Christ--the true Gospel. Men like Spurgeon would rather die than alter (even if slightly) this precious treasure of heavenly gold that has been graciously given to us from the Lord. For the Gospel must not be tampered with. It our job to understand it, and then to explain it in such a way that the nonbeliever can grasp. Spurgeon does just that. With numerous analogies and stories, he articulates aspects of the Gospel--the depravity of man, the sheer grace of God, salvation by faith alone in Christ alone, repentance and sanctification, and the eternal security of the believer--with enthralling description. I cannot recommend this book enough! All believers ought to own a copy, and read it many times throughout his or her life. It truly is pure gold. May all people be in awe of our God, the Sovereign Lord of the universe who became a man, lived the life which we could not live, died the death we should have died, in our place, for our sins, and was crushed by the Father's wrath; being buried for three days, He was resurrected from the dead, and now sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven! Christ is our only hope, and only assurance. Surely this is wisdom of God, for no man could have conjured up something so magnificent. And let no man forget that, from beginning to end, salvation is a work of God--the Author and Perfecter of our faith. More to the point, salvation is all of grace. God bless my dearest readers.

While I have often been disappointed with some of the Whitaker books of Charles Spurgeon for the editing, I greatly enjoyed this edition published by Moody Press. The book is indeed the actual sermons that Charles Spurgeon preached on the grace of God for our eternal salvation.

Spurgeon was a genius. There is simply no one to match him as a preacher in the English world. While his voice can never be heard, Spurgeon's sermons live on and this is a classic on grace. Too often we fail to understand the grace of God. Many claim God's grace for their sins but never truly repent from their sins (Jude 4). Many more claim grace but never pursue holiness (Titus 2:11-12). God's grace enables us to live for Christ from the start to the finish. In fact, apart from the grace of God no one could be saved (Romans 3:23-24; Eph. 2:8-9). Spurgeon clearly shows this from Acts 16:30-31.

For those longing to know more about the grace of God, this book will build up your knowledge and faith (2 Peter 3:18). While short, it carries a powerful and timeless message.

Upon reading the first two chapters of this book I began to think that it was merely an introduction to Christianity with a simple gospel message, but as I read further it became apparent that this book is a wonderful wellspring of encouragement and truth for any believer, regardless of their walk with the Lord. Ch. 5 is especially powerful with the Grace of Jesus Christ giving us the power over all sin through faith that God can actually give us a new heart and a new spirit. Though this is impossible of our own devices, it is entirely possible through God, and through Him alone. It brings to light that though the Gospel message is not so complicated no person can understand its importance or meaning (else Christ's work on the cross would be for naught), the Gospel goes beyond the simple lay-person preaching that is so common today which is done in the name of supposedly "reaching everyone". Such preaching does not bring the lost to God, but rather gives them a false impression of what salvation is, and can lead to a desire for Christ for selfish gain rather than a desire to repent an pursue true Holiness. I highly recommend this book on the basis of the life-changing message which it promotes, and the resulting power of God from which such a change is instigated.

Spurgeon was the greatest preacher in the Victorian age if not even today. Although he proclaimed to be Calvinist he was not a "High" or "Hyper" Calvinist. He believed that "whosoever will may come to the Lord. That God did not chose only the elect to be saved.

This is an all time classic, Spurgeon hits it right on the nail when he speaks of the grace of God. I believe all Christians should read the works of Spurgeon within their life time so they can place themselves into the time when Men and Women of God truly gave reverence to HIm as creator of all things.

There are three great strengths of this book; 1)the ability to make the gospel so clear that even a child can understand, 2)it is written in modern english, and 3)the chapters are very short and to the point. Asking someone to read this is one of the easiest ways to introduce the subject of Christ. The book provides a basis of discussion for those you have reached out to with the gospel.

Good book about the grace of God and salvation to everyone that believes in Christ Jesus.

We need to believe in the forgiveness of our sins. God gives us a new heart and a right Spirit through salvation.

Recommend to those that want to understand what salvation is all about.

Rich and refreshing insight into the whole message of God's grace. Charles Spurgeon has the simplest, yet most profound everyday revelations of the heart of God. I heard the audio on LibriVox Recordings and the reader could not have been more perfectly chosen to read that book. I now have it on my Kindle and can read anytime (great Christmas present . . . thanks Honey!:-) Anyone with an open heart will LOVE it.

This book on short sermonettes gives the Christian assurance and guidance when one hasn't a lot of time.
Spurgeons insight, deep conviction and masterful use of the English language allows the reader to self examine and adjust according to real faith. Often, and rightly so, Spurgeon gently chides us as to our direction and reminds us that our conscience is God's way of keeping us on tract.