Justification by religious performances, and meritorious deeds, is nothing better than the old Pharisaism with a Christian name stuck upon it. . . That doctrine makes the Lord Jesus Christ to be practically a nobody; for if salvation be of works, then the way of salvation through faith in a Savior is superfluous, and even mischievous
Interpretation
The quote criticizes the belief that good deeds alone can achieve salvation, arguing that this undermines the significance of faith in Jesus Christ.
In this quote, Charles Spurgeon highlights the danger of relying solely on religious works or performances for justification. He likens it to Pharisaism, where outward actions are prioritized over genuine faith. According to Spurgeon, if salvation depends on human efforts rather than faith in Christ, it effectively negates the importance of Christ's role and the need for grace. This outlook not only trivializes Jesus but can lead individuals away from the true essence of salvation through belief.
In practice
In a sermon on the nature of salvation, referencing this quote can clarify the importance of faith over works.
Amusement should be used to do us good “like a medicine”: it must never be used as the food of the man...Many have had all holy thoughts and gracious resolutions stamped out by perpetual trifling. Pleasure so called is the murderer of thought. This is the age of excessive amusement: everybody craves for it, like a babe for its rattle.
When you see no present advantage, walk by faith and not by sight. Do God the honor to trust Him when it comes to matters of loss for the sake of principle.
It is far easier to fight with sin in public than to pray against it in private.
You will never glory in God till first of all God has killed your glorying in yourself.
After faith comes repentance, or, rather, repentance is faith's twin brother and is born at the same time.
["All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant."] The original Hebrew word that has been translated "paths" means "well-worn roads' or "wheel tracks," such ruts as wagons make when they go down our green roads in wet weather and sink in up to the axles. God's ways are at times like heavy wagon tracks that cut deep into our souls, yet all of them are merciful.
There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief.
Black is real sensation, even if it is produced by entire absence of light. The sensation of black is distinctly different from the lack of all sensations.
Gradually, by selective breeding, the congenital differences between rulers_x000D_ and ruled will increase until they become almost different species. A revolt_x000D_ of the plebs would become as unthinkable as an organized insurrection of_x000D_ sheep against the practice of eating mutton.
The entire most beautiful order of things that are very good, when their measures have been accomplished, is to pass away.
There is not a moment in which God does not present Himself under the cover of some pain to be endured, of some consolation to be enjoyed, or of some duty to be performed. All that takes place within us, around us, or through us, contains and conceals His divine action.
I have tried to lift France out of the mud. But she will return to her errors and vomitings. I cannot prevent the French from being French.
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