Chapter 5 : Around the Wicket Gate – Fearing to Believe

~ Around the Wicket Gate ~
Almost Saved, But Altogether Lost


Here in Chapter 5, Spurgeon confronts the fear of believing in Christ, exposing it as pride disguised as humility. He argues that doubting God’s promises dishonors His faithfulness and implores readers to abandon self-reliance. Using vivid illustrations, Spurgeon shows that faith is as simple as letting go and falling into Christ’s arms. He warns against replacing faith with religious practices and urges readers to grip the “Rock of Ages” with even the smallest trust, finding safety and peace in Jesus alone.


The following are select quotes from this chapter.
Please use the comment section below to share your own thoughts regarding this book!

But someone might worry, “What if I come to Christ, and he refuses me?” My answer is, “Try him.” Cast yourself on the Lord Jesus, and see if he refuses you. You will be the first against whom he has shut the door of hope. Friend, do not worry about crossing that bridge until you come to it! If Jesus ever casts you out, you will have time enough to despair—but that time will never come. “This man receives sinners”; he has not so much as begun to cast them out (Luke 15:2).

Give up your hold on everything except Christ, and fall. Fall from all trust in your works, your prayers, or your feelings. Fall at once! Fall now! Soft and safe will be the ground that receives you. Jesus Christ, in his love, in the efficacy of his precious blood, and in his perfect righteousness, will give you immediate rest and peace. Cease from self-confidence. Fall into the arms of Jesus. This is the primary element of faith—giving up every other hold and simply falling upon Christ.

Alas! There are many, many souls who say, “I am told to trust in Jesus, but I will regularly attend to the means of grace instead.” Attend public worship by all means, but not as a substitute for faith, or it will become a vain confidence. The command is, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment but has passed from death to life” (John 5:24). Attend to that, whatever else you do. “Well, I will start reading good books; perhaps that will do me some good.” Read the good books by all means, but that is not the gospel: the gospel is, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:31).

Charles Haddon Spurgeon


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