Charles Spurgeon Quotes to Encourage, Uplift, and Inspire

Charles Haddon Spurgeon, widely revered as the “Prince of Preachers,” remains one of the most influential English-speaking pastors in Christian history.

Over his lifetime, Spurgeon delivered nearly 3,600 sermons, authored dozens of books on theology, prayer, and devotion, and established enduring institutions such as Spurgeon’s College and a charity that continues to bear his name. His work reached global audiences even in his day, with sermons transcribed and translated around the world.

Below, you’ll find some of Charles Spurgeon’s most powerful and thought-provoking quotes—timeless reflections on faith, prayer, humility, and the human experience.

Fun fact: Spurgeon’s sermons were so popular that London newspapers often published them in full the very next day!

Most Famous Charles Spurgeon Quotes

Start with Spurgeon’s best-known and most-loved lines—those that have encouraged generations and appear most often in his books and sermons.

1. “I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.”
Meaning: Spurgeon reminds us that even the hardships of life can drive us closer to Christ, the firm foundation for all believers.

2. “By perseverance, the snail reached the ark.”
Meaning: A vivid illustration of the power of steady, humble persistence—even in the face of overwhelming odds.

3. “God is too good to be unkind, and He is too wise to be mistaken. And when we cannot trace His hand, we must trust His heart.”
Meaning: This famous line calls believers to trust God’s character, even when His ways are mysterious.

Charles Spurgeon Quotes on Faith

Faith is at the heart of Spurgeon’s preaching. Here are his most profound thoughts on trusting God:

4. “Faith obliterates time, annihilates distance, and brings future things at once into its possession.” (From “Morning and Evening” devotional)
Commentary: Spurgeon encourages readers to see faith as a bridge to God’s promises, collapsing the barriers of doubt and delay.

5. “Faith is reason at rest in God.” (Sermon: “Faith: What Is It?”)
Commentary: For Spurgeon, faith is not the enemy of reason, but its highest expression—finding peace in trusting God’s wisdom.

Charles Spurgeon Quotes on Prayer

Spurgeon’s teachings on prayer remain practical and inspirational.

6. “Prayer is the slender nerve that moveth the muscle of omnipotence.” (Sermon: “Prayer, the Forerunner of Mercy”)
Commentary: Even our weakest prayers can connect us to God’s limitless power.

7. “If you believe in prayer at all, expect God to hear you. If you do not expect, you will not have. God will not hear you unless you believe He will hear you.” (Sermon: “The Power of Prayer in a Believer’s Life”)
Commentary: Expectant faith is key to powerful prayer.

Charles Spurgeon Quotes on Suffering & Trials

Spurgeon was no stranger to hardship and wrote honestly about suffering.

8. “The Lord gets his best soldiers out of the highlands of affliction.” (From “The Soul Winner”)
Commentary: Spurgeon frames suffering as a training ground for spiritual strength.

9. “Trials teach us what we are; they dig up the soil, and let us see what we are made of.” (Sermon: “The Test of Taste”)
Commentary: Hard times reveal and refine our character.

Charles Spurgeon Quotes on Grace & Salvation

Spurgeon’s writing is saturated with gratitude for God’s grace.

10. “It is not your hold of Christ that saves you—it is Christ; it is not your joy in Christ that saves you—it is Christ.” (From “All of Grace”)
Commentary: Our hope isn’t in the strength of our faith, but the strength of our Savior.

11. “You stand before God as if you were Christ, because Christ stood before God as if He were you.” (Sermon: “Justification by Faith”)
Commentary: A beautiful summary of the Christian doctrine of substitution.

Charles Spurgeon Quotes on Christian Living

For Spurgeon, faith must impact daily life.

12. “Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.” (From “The Soul Winner”)
Commentary: Spurgeon urges us to seek eternal impact, not fleeting fame.

13. “A little faith will bring your soul to heaven; a great faith will bring heaven to your soul.” (Sermon: “The Warrant of Faith”)
Commentary: Even small faith changes our destiny, but strong faith transforms our daily life.

Charles Spurgeon Quotes on Hope & Encouragement

Spurgeon’s words offer hope for every season.

14. “Hope itself is like a star—not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity.” (From “Morning and Evening”)
Commentary: True hope shines brightest when life feels darkest.

15. “There are no crown-wearers in heaven who were not cross-bearers here below.” (Sermon: “The Christian’s Heirship”)
Commentary: Spurgeon calls us to persevere with hope, knowing suffering is not the end of our story.

Guided by Spurgeon’s Faith

Charles Spurgeon’s quotes continue to encourage, challenge, and comfort readers across generations. His insights on faith, prayer, suffering, and grace are as relevant today as when he first preached them. May these words inspire you to deeper trust, hope, and joyful living.