Spurgeon's use of the Old Testament

Spurgeon's rationale for directly applying Old Testament passages to New Covenant believers was deeply rooted in:
his view of the unity of Scripture,
the continuity of God's redemptive plan,
and the typological nature of the Old Testament.
His approach was thoroughly Christ-centered and gospel-driven.
Here are the key reasons why he applied Old Testament texts to New Covenant believers without extensive explanation:
 

1. The Unity of Scripture

Spurgeon believed that all of Scripture—both Old and New Testaments—was one unified revelation of God's redemptive purposes. He saw no sharp division between the two but rather a progressive unfolding of God’s plan in Christ. He often cited Romans 15:4—"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope."

For Spurgeon, the Old Testament was not merely for Israel but for the instruction and encouragement of all believers. The same God who worked in the lives of Old Testament saints is at work in the lives of Christians today.
 

2. Christ as the Center of All Scripture

Spurgeon was unwavering in his belief that Christ is the focus of the entire Bible, including the Old Testament. He famously said: "I have never yet found a text that had not got a road to Christ in it; and if ever I do find one, I will go over hedge and ditch but I would get at my Master, for the sermon cannot do any good unless there is a savor of Christ in it."

Because Christ is the fulfillment of the Old Testament, Spurgeon felt no hesitation in applying Old Testament texts to New Testament believers. He saw the Old Testament as filled with types, shadows, and promises that pointed directly to Christ and His Church.
 

3. The Typological and Spiritual Meaning of the Old Testament

Spurgeon frequently used typology, recognizing that the people, events, and institutions of the Old Testament foreshadowed greater New Testament realities. He did not view Old Testament texts merely as historical accounts but as living testimonies of God's ongoing work.

For example:

  • Canaan is not just a land promise to Israel but represents the believer’s spiritual rest in Christ.
     

  • David’s victories over Goliath are not merely ancient battles but represent Christ’s victory over sin and Satan.
     

  • The Exodus is not just a historical deliverance but a picture of our redemption from sin through Christ.

By applying Old Testament passages to believers, Spurgeon was following the pattern of the New Testament writers, who frequently interpreted the Old Testament typologically (e.g., 1 Corinthians 10:1-11, where Paul applies Israel’s wilderness experiences to the Church).
 

4. The Promises of God Are for His People in Every Age

Spurgeon saw God’s covenantal promises as extending beyond Israel to all who are in Christ. He often quoted 2 Corinthians 1:20—"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ."

Thus, when he read a promise in the Psalms, Isaiah, or another Old Testament book, he saw it as a promise given ultimately to God’s elect in every age. He did not feel the need to qualify or explain how the passage applies to believers because he was convinced that all of Scripture speaks to believers today.
 

5. The Example of the New Testament Writers

The apostles themselves applied the Old Testament directly to New Covenant believers without lengthy explanation. For instance:

  • Hebrews 13:5-6 applies Joshua 1:5 ("I will never leave you nor forsake you") directly to Christians.
     

  • Romans 4 applies Abraham’s faith directly to believers in Christ.
     

  • 1 Peter 2:9-10 applies Old Testament descriptions of Israel to the Church.

Spurgeon followed this apostolic pattern. Since the apostles freely applied Old Testament texts to the Church, Spurgeon saw no reason to do otherwise.
 

6. Experiential Application to the Believer’s Life

Spurgeon was not merely a theologian—he was a pastor deeply concerned with the spiritual nourishment of God’s people. He believed the Old Testament was meant for practical use in the believer’s life. He preached in a way that would stir the hearts of his listeners, encourage their faith, and call them to greater holiness.

For example, when Spurgeon read Isaiah 43:2—"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you."
—he applied it directly to believers as God’s assurance in trials.

Rather than treating Old Testament passages as mere historical records, he saw them as living words from God to His people today.


Conclusion

Spurgeon applied Old Testament passages directly to believers because he was convinced that:

  1. Scripture is unified—there is no division between Old and New Testament revelation.
     

  2. Christ is the center of all Scripture, and the Old Testament is filled with types pointing to Him.
     

  3. The promises of God are for His people in every age, not just Old Testament Israel.
     

  4. The New Testament writers themselves applied the Old Testament to New Covenant believers.
     

  5. The Old Testament is deeply practical for the believer’s daily walk.

For Spurgeon, the Old Testament was not a closed book or merely a historical record—it was God’s living Word for His people, rich with Christ-exalting truths that apply directly to the Church today.

(The above was AI generated.)