Spurgeon vs. Hyper-Calvinism By Iain Murray

"Spurgeon vs. Hyper-Calvinism" by Iain Murray discusses a significant 19th-century theological controversy involving Charles Haddon Spurgeon and other Baptist ministers in London regarding the doctrine of Calvinism versus hyper-Calvinism. The controversy centered on whether gospel invitations should be universally extended to all sinners or only to the elect, with hyper-Calvinists denying the general offer of salvation. Spurgeon argued strongly against hyper-Calvinism, affirming that gospel invitations are to be preached to all, and that faith is a duty commanded by God, not dependent on a sinner’s feelings or regeneration evidence. The document explores Spurgeon's defense of God's love and universal gospel invitation within the framework of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. It emphasizes the pastoral and evangelistic implications of this theological debate and highlights Spurgeon's passionate opposition to teachings that, in his view, undermined true gospel preaching and evangelism.