Charles Spurgeon preaches that Jesus' crucifixion was actually His greatest moment of glory because it showed His love, fortitude, and completed His mission to save humanity, and when Christ is "lifted up" through preaching, He draws all people to Himself. He argues that the most effective preaching focuses on Christ crucified rather than on threats of hell, dry doctrine, mere morality, or showing off learning—simple, heartfelt preaching about Jesus and His cross will naturally attract crowds and save souls. Spurgeon concludes that preaching Christ is also the only way to unite Christians across different denominations, because when ministers from all churches focus on lifting up Jesus rather than their differences, believers will naturally come together in love around the cross, which is the one thing that can draw everyone to God and ultimately carry them to heaven.

Sermon delivered by Charles Spurgeon on July 5, 1857.