“The holier a man is, the more he laments over the unholiness that remains in him.” ~ C. H. Spurgeon

The full context of this quote is from C.H. Spurgeon's sermon “A Lament for the Unevangelized,” delivered on March 31, 1878, where he said:

“The holier a man is, the more he laments over the unholiness that remains in him.”

This statement encapsulates Spurgeon’s deep understanding of Christian sanctification and human nature. Let’s break it down and expound on its meaning:

1. The Pursuit of Holiness

Spurgeon’s quote hinges on the Christian doctrine of sanctification—the process by which a believer grows in holiness and conformity to the image of Christ. As a person matures spiritually, they become increasingly aware of God’s perfect standard of righteousness. This heightened awareness of God’s holiness illuminates the contrast between divine perfection and their own remaining sinfulness. The “holier” a person becomes, the more sensitive they are to their shortcomings, as they measure themselves against God’s unblemished character rather than human standards.

2. Lamenting Unholiness

The act of lamenting in this context is not despair or hopelessness but a godly sorrow—a recognition of the sin that lingers in even the most devout believer. This is not about wallowing in guilt but about a deep yearning to be fully aligned with God’s will. As one grows closer to God, the remnants of pride, selfishness, or other sins become more glaring, prompting a heartfelt desire for greater purity. This lament is evidence of spiritual vitality, as it shows the believer is not complacent but actively seeking to be transformed.

3. The Paradox of Spiritual Growth

Spurgeon’s statement reflects a paradox in the Christian life: the closer one draws to God, the more one feels the weight of their imperfections. A spiritually immature person might be less aware of their sin, either due to ignorance or self-justification. However, as God’s grace refines a believer, they become more attuned to the Holy Spirit’s conviction, making even small deviations from righteousness feel significant. This is not a sign of failure but of progress, as it indicates a heart sensitive to God’s standards.

4. Theological Context

Spurgeon, a Calvinist, believed in the doctrine of total depravity—that all humans are inherently sinful and incapable of achieving righteousness apart from God’s grace. Even after conversion, believers carry the “old nature” that battles against their new, redeemed nature (Romans 7:15-25). The lament over unholiness reflects this ongoing struggle, as well as the believer’s dependence on Christ’s atonement and the Holy Spirit’s work to continue the process of sanctification.

5. Practical Implications

This quote has several implications for the Christian life:

• Humility: Recognizing one’s unholiness fosters humility, preventing spiritual pride. The holier a person becomes, the less they trust in their own righteousness and the more they rely on Christ.

• Perseverance: Lamenting sin is not a call to give up but to press forward in faith, trusting God to complete the work He began (Philippians 1:6).

• Compassion: Understanding one’s own sinfulness cultivates empathy for others’ struggles, encouraging believers to extend grace rather than judgment.

6. Spurgeon’s Broader Perspective

Spurgeon often emphasized the tension between the believer’s standing in Christ (justified and declared righteous) and their ongoing experience of sin. In his sermons, he frequently encouraged Christians to strive for holiness while resting in the assurance of God’s forgiveness. This quote reflects his pastoral heart, urging believers to neither despair over their sin nor grow complacent but to pursue holiness with zeal and dependence on God’s grace.

7. Application Today

In a modern context, this quote challenges believers to avoid superficial spirituality. In an age where self-esteem and positive affirmation are emphasized, Spurgeon’s words remind us that true spiritual growth involves confronting our sinfulness honestly. It also encourages believers to view their struggles with sin as part of the journey toward holiness, trusting that God is at work even in their lament.

Conclusion

Spurgeon’s quote beautifully captures the dynamic of Christian growth: as one becomes holier, their sensitivity to sin increases, leading to a deeper lament over unholiness. This is not a mark of spiritual failure but of a heart alive to God’s transformative grace. It calls believers to humility, perseverance, and reliance on Christ, who alone can complete the work of sanctification.