Charles H. Spurgeon was a famous reformed preacher who lived from 1834-1892 and is often quoted by many modern day Bible teachers and preachers all over the world, lovingly referred to as the “prince of preachers.” Perhaps the most famous work attributed to him is “Morning and Evening,” a series of devotions still read by many all over the world on a daily basis. His Catechism, not unlike that of the London Baptists, Heidelberg or Westminster, is a concise, biblical-based rendering of doctrine which he and much of Christianity (myself included) still ascribe to today. (It is actually compiled from the Westminster and Baptist Catechisms). It is my intention to pick some highlights from his work to mention and hopefully give reason to devote some thought to.

1. What is the chief end of man (or men and women, for that matter)? We live in a culture of self-satisfaction where little thought is given to God. Many in Christianity are guilty of the same sinful behavior. We often go to the church which best fits our tastes, is convenient to our lifestyle and also offers as little interference to our day to day lives as possible. Perhaps we change churches because we don’t care for some personality of perhaps our musical tastes differ from that of the worship leader? If we search our hearts, we know the answer. Spurgeon’s answer to this is as usual straight from Scripture: the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever: Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV). From the book of Psalms in the Old Testament we read this in Psalm 73:25-26 KJV: Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: But God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
2. Spurgeon makes it clear that the Word of God contained in the Old and New Testaments is the only rule to direct us as to how we may glorify God and enjoy Him (Ephesians 2:20; 2 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 1:3).
3. He goes on to explain that the Scriptures teach us what we are to believe concerning God and what duty He requires of us (2 Timothy 1:13; Ecclesiastes 12:13).

In my next post, we delve into more of the precious truths contained within this smaller Catechism.