The Evil and Its Remedy

Charles Spurgeon’s sermon teaches that people can only understand the gospel when they feel its truth—especially the weight of their own sin. He argues that sin is far more serious than most people admit, using examples like Adam’s single sin bringing ruin to all humanity and the “impertinence” of a tiny creature daring to rebel against an infinite God. Spurgeon describes how terrifying it is when a person finally sees their sin clearly, recalling seasons of his own life when guilt felt heavier than physical pain. Yet he turns from this darkness to the hope of 1 John 1:7, insisting that “the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin,” not by minimizing sin but by completely washing it away. He emphasizes that Christ’s forgiveness is available now, even for the worst sinner, and urges listeners to trust in Christ alone—not in prayers, feelings, or good works—saying, “Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling.”Sermon delivered on November 14th, 1858.