Charles Spurgeon's New Year's Benediction

Charles Spurgeon’s New Year’s Benediction: If ever we needed a benediction for a New Year it’s now. And Spurgeon is the trusted pastor to point us truly.

If you’re like me, it might take a lot to draw your attention away from Twitter or Facebook, or whatever. Now there’s a New Year’s Resolution for you! The modern attention span is likely to be a deterrent to reading Spurgeon. So I selected portions of his benediction. But you can read it all HERE

One portion addresses the believer. How many of us for various reasons have had a bleak time this season? Let us run into Christ’s arms every day. He is our only true comfort.

The other message is for the unbeliever. Our days are like grass and we are like smoke. We are here one day and gone tomorrow. The time to run to Christ is now – while you still can! What are you waiting for?

Spurgeon:

I would in concluding make this remark. I wish, my brothers and sisters, that during this year you may live nearer to Christ than you have ever done before. Depend upon it; it is when we think much of Christ that we think little of ourselves, little of our troubles, and little of the doubts and fears that surround us. Begin from this day, and may God help you. Never let a single day pass over your head without a visit to the garden of Gethsemane, and the cross on Calvary.

And as for some of you who are not saved, and know not the Redeemer, I would to God that this very day you would come to Christ. I dare say you think coming to Christ is some terrible thing: that you need to be prepared before you come; that he is hard and harsh with you. When men have to go to a lawyer they need to tremble; when they have to go to the doctor they may fear; though both those persons, however unwelcome, may be often necessary. But when you come to Christ, you may come boldly. There is no fee required; there is no preparation necessary. You may come just as you are. It was a brave saying of Martin Luther’s, when he said, “I would run into Christ’s arms even if he had a drawn sword in his hand.” Now, he has not a drawn sword, but he has his wounds in his hands. Run into his arms, poor sinner. “Oh,” you say, “May I come?” How can you ask the question? You are commanded to come. The great command of the gospel is, “Believe on the Lord Jesus.”

So let us keep looking to our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ as much as we possibly can. I know it’s very hard even at the best of times – such is our weak nature.

A couple of years ago Dr Steve Lawson tweeted the following hopeful sentiment:

“As we start a new year, may this be the year we hear the shout, the trumpet of God, and the voice of the archangel. Come, Lord Jesus! Come!”

To which we respond with a hearty Amen! – And Maranatha!