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Do unsaved people know God's law? Is it fair to judge Gentiles based on a law the Jews received but they did not? Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains how Paul anticipates that question and shows the universal guilt of all men for disobeying God's commandments. He explains that God has “written the law in their hearts” ¬– the conscience – and even so, all people can be judged according to their moral consciousness. The conscience is an individual’s sense of right and wrong, mostly telling us when something is wrong and condemning us for doing wrong things. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that even though Paul is answering potential questions on salvation, he is not explicitly talking about salvation in this passage. He is, however, talking about those who are under wrath and condemnation. Paul is also very explicit that no one can be justified by living up to the law or by living up to the conscience of their heart because no one can live up to either standard.
According to the apostle Paul, there is a sharp distinction between a Christian and non-Christian. As Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones elaborates in this message on Romans 8:5–8 titled “Carnal or Christian?”, the non-Christian is “under the flesh.” Some popular interpretations of this passage miss this distinction and instead posit a distinction between Christians. They will say there are two kinds of Christians: the “spiritual” Christian and the “carnal” Christian. In this sermon, Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues against the “carnal” Christian view. What emerges from the biblical text is a devastating picture of the “natural man.” The natural man, according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, is a person of the “flesh.” Their mind is opposed to the things of God. They are an enemy of God and refuse to submit to the law of God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener that ‘good’, cultured, and well-spoken people are just as much under God’s wrath as regular sinners. Listen to this sobering message on the spiritually dead and be encouraged that God has put life into His people through Christ.
When the day of judgement comes, will the Jews have preferred treatment since they are God’s chosen people? In this sermon titled “The Judgment Throne of Christ” from Romans 2:11–16, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones proclaims that no one will have any possible argument or excuse concerning the day of wrath. God is always just and His judgement is always according to truth. Dr. Lloyd-Jones unfolds this passage, pointing out that Paul has divided humankind into two groups: those who are under the law and those who are without the law. These two groups are the Jews and the Gentiles, respectively. Paul points out that Jews, who were given the law, will be judged by the law. This will be a higher and more severe standard of judgement since having the law means they had more opportunity. This shows how God is impartial and His judgement is fair. In the same manner, those who have heard the gospel and have been able to grow in grace and maturity in the Lord have greater responsibility today.
Pain, suffering, and ultimately death are inescapable parts of life. But why? How do we account for the troubles that are common throughout history? Why do the nations rage? The story of humanity shows a restless world always searching for answers that never provide relief. Listen as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches through the text of Psalm 2 and Acts 4 to explain the vain and empty pursuits of those who purposefully rebel against God. While they dream and plan for a world of their own happiness, their attempts are futile because of their ignorance of God. God will judge their rebellion against Him and His wrath will be fierce. But there is hope. The psalmist speaks of deliverance that is echoed throughout the entire Bible. It culminates in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the answer the world cannot provide — that God’s gracious purpose to extend mercy through his son Jesus, the Anointed One, to a restless and rebellious world brings the joy and deliverance the world desperately wants.
In this sermon on John 8:12 titled “The Need of Man Revealed,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses the greatest need of humankind, namely, how anyone can be forgiven. How can humankind be reconciled to God? God is a righteous and just God who will not allow sin to reign forever. He will punish sin. Dr. Lloyd-Jones illustrates that the sole hope for anyone is entirely in Christ alone. Jesus is the Lamb of God. He is a spotless sacrifice, and He offered Himself up to satisfy God’s divine justice. Dr. Lloyd-Jones makes a sharp distinction here: Jesus did not come, primarily, to give an example. Rather He came to sacrifice Himself, to make atonement free to all who would believe. Just as a sacrificial lamb’s purpose is to cover sin, the Lamb of God purposed to save sinners from wrath. Dr. Lloyd-Jones jubilantly portrays the beauty of the gospel and the refrain of Scripture is that without blood there is no remission of sin.
They are only two kinds of people in this world: those that live according to Christ and those that live according to the principle of sin. In this sermon on 1 Peter 4:1–5, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expounds the teachings of the Apostle Peter on the divide between the way of the world and the way of Christ. Because all are born in sin and depravity, they are, by nature, slaves to darkness and sin. They live a life that is for the passing pleasures of this world, not for what is eternal and godly. Those who have been saved by Jesus have been saved out of this world and are no longer slaves to immorality and sin. They live for Christ and not for themselves. These two ways of living correspond to two eternal destinies and for those who do not believe in the Gospel, there is only wrath and judgment. But for those that repent and believe upon Jesus, there is salvation and true peace. In this sermon, Dr. Lloyd-Jones speaks not only of humanity’s wretched condition, but also of God who gives grace freely to all who believe in Jesus Christ.
The condition of the church today suggests that her need is as urgent as it has ever been. In this sermon on Genesis 26:17–18 titled “Revival Sermon: The Modern Philistine,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expands on the great and urgent need for revival and reawakening. To influence this, he says, the church must follow Isaac, who dug again the wells of his father Abraham: “The essence of wisdom for the church at a time like this is to look back into her own history.” When she does this, what will she find? She will find that no revival has ever been known in history that denied the fundamentals of the Christian faith or neglected such vital truths. These truths are constantly buried by “the rubbish of the Philistines.” Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains the vital truths and doctrines denied by the Philistines: the sovereignty of God, the authority of the Bible, the doctrine of sin, and the wrath of God. Revival cannot happen without the proclamation of these truths. It is with arrogance, pride, and the tendency to glorify oneself rather than God that stands between us and His mighty blessings of revival.
Perhaps no other theme is preached more often in evangelical churches than the cross of Christ. Evangelical Christians regularly sing songs and hymns of God’s love and specifically of the forgiveness found only at Calvary. What could be wrong with this? In this sermon from Romans 3:25–26 titled “The Vindication of God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expounds on the cross of Christ in great detail. Dr. Lloyd-Jones addresses that it is not so much what is said about the cross of Christ, but what is often neglected. Evangelical Christians must never neglect the full doctrine of the atonement. They must not forget that the cross of Christ not only displays the love of God but also the justice of God. The atonement of Christ is where God indicates His holy name. At Calvary, the wrath of God is poured out against sin and the righteousness of God is vindicated. Listen to this sermon on vindication by Dr. Lloyd-Jones on an often neglected attribute of God and see how God’s character is much more than love; He is also just and righteous.
What is salvation? Christians may use this word out of context and Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones discusses what the Bible means by the terms “being saved” and “salvation.” Romans 1:16–17 is filled with meaning regarding what happened as a result of the fall of humanity. In the sermon “God’s Great Plan for Salvation,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones conveys that the Christian has a three-fold deliverance from sin through the power of salvation: deliverance from the guilt of sin, the power of sin, and the pollution of sin. Dr. Lloyd-Jones goes on to explain that salvation also has an implication of time: the Christian has been saved, is being saved, and will be saved. Paul glories in this because it emphasizes his point that he is not ashamed to preach this message of reconciliation and deliverance. This gospel applies to both the Jews and the Gentiles, those who followed the law and those who did not, and it shows that all have hope in Christ by grace through faith. Christians were previously under the wrath and destruction of God, but salvation restores them again in the hope of glory.
What will be revealed on the day of judgement? After a thorough study of the wrath and judgment of God, in this sermon on Romans 2:6-10, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines the impending day of condemnation. Paul is preaching to both Jews and Gentiles and explains that the judgment will be both universal and individual. In the same way, no one will be judged according to their nation or their family; it is solely based on the heart and personal righteousness. The entire human race will be characterized into two people groups: the righteous and the unrighteous. In the sermon titled “The Day of Judgement,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones further discusses how Paul differentiates these two groups. If one is seeking the glory of God, the honor that He gives, immortality in His presence, and righteousness by faith, then they will be granted eternal life. However, if a person is malicious toward God, self-centered, and defiant of truth, they will be subject to tribulation and anguish. May all closely examine their hearts and always seek the righteousness of the Lord. This message also brings a great reminder to share the gospel with unbelievers, for they also will see the day of judgement.
It is easy to identify sin in other people but rationalize one’s own sin. That is the very problem of the Jews that Paul explains in this sermon on Romans 2:1. Titled “Judged According to Truth”, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones warns the listener to be careful passing judgement on others because the same measure will be used on them. Dr. Lloyd-Jones walks through the condemnation of sin and how this gospel applies to everyone. Both the Jews and the Gentiles are without excuse and in danger of God’s wrath. Severe sins may be explained in the law and yet one may feel that condemnation does not apply to them since they are not “that bad.” Instead Paul warns that God’s judgement is always based on truth and His standard never changes. No one can measure up to that standard on their own and it is only by the gospel that Paul is preaching that can save and Christ brought that salvation. Instead of putting the condemnation on others and their sin, each should turn their own eyes to the truth of the Lord and make sure they are always aligning their truth with God’s truth.
In this sermon on Psalm 2:1 titled “Why Do the Nations Rage…?” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones tells how nothing else holds out hope in this modern world other than the message of Scripture. Look at the state and condition of the human race. Humankind is always restless, with a constant desire for peace and rest. They look at a raging storm in this age of people who are proud of their sin. Christians alone face the facts; nonbelievers are continually devising empty and futile schemes. Even attempts for peace do not succeed—look at history with the League of Nations and United Nations. People try to put their trust and confidence in politics, education, science, and philosophy. The state of the world today is simply “organized insanity.” Discover the deliberate rebellion that causes all of this. The law was not given to hold down. It is madness to believe in worldly theory and not believe in God. All are under the judgment of God and His wrath is upon sin. Rejoice that none are not left without a solution but should look at God’s free forgiveness.
The Christian is meant to know that they are the child of God. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones elaborates that there are two types of assurance: the test of faith and the test of the Christian walk. In this sermon on John 1:12–13 and Hebrews 11 called “A More Excellent Sacrifice,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones examines both tests in regard to the example of Cain and Abel. He describes how Cain and Abel relied on two separate sources for authority. While Cain relied on his own merit and reasoning, Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice and relied on faith. This is still true of humanity today. There are two sources of authority in the world: reliance on deeds, rationale, or penitence to appease the wrath of the almighty God or relying by faith on the sacrifice of Christ to appease God and present the Christian as righteous. The Christian can ask themselves if they, by faith, submit themselves to the holy Scriptures, and are perceived by the world to rely on Scripture and are accused of taking religion too seriously. These are very likely signs that the Christian relies on Christ as their Savior and Lord.
Why should one listen to the message of the prophets and of holy Scripture? In an age of doubt and the rationalistic criticism of Scripture, this remains a vital question for the church and all believers. In this sermon on Isaiah 1:1–2 titled “As Revealed by the Prophets,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on the nature of Scripture as the word of God given through the apostles and prophets. God gives His word to His people in times of need and guidance. This word from God is the only reason that the church has any authority to speak to the world and call it to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The message of the church is that Jesus Christ has died for sinners so that they might be righteous and children of God. All who repent and believe in Jesus are saved from sin and the wrath of God. This message of salvation confronts the world in its fallenness and brokenness and tells of the God who has died for the world. God’s revelation is the only reason that the church can stand and proclaim this great truth that Jesus has come and died for sinners. This sermon confronts all that they need to repent and believe in Jesus Christ.
What is the Christian’s hope in life? Is it that the world will get better through social change or that humanity will get better and better until all evil is eradicated? In this sermon titled “Christ the Only Hope,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on the apostle Paul’s great doctrine of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians. For Paul, the Christian hope is not found in any worldly change, but in the future and final salvation of the people of God. This final salvation includes the physical and bodily resurrection of all believers when they will be made just as Christ is. While this earthly body is passing away and slowly dying, God in His power is able to make all things new and whole once again. Even though many in modern times scorn the idea of heaven, the resurrection, and salvation, the holy Scriptures are clear that there will be a day when Jesus comes again to judge the living and the dead. All will rise from the dead. Those that believe in Jesus will go to live in the new heaven and the new earth, for it is only through faith in Jesus that anyone can be saved from sin and the wrath of God.
Why is God’s love amazing? It is not only because it is redemptive and transforming, but according to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, God’s love is amazing because of what it cost Him. God only forgives through His Son, Jesus Christ. It was by Jesus dying upon the cross of Calvary that God brought about redemption and forgiveness for His people. Salvation comes to all freely, but it cost God His Son upon the cross. Now all who believe in Jesus are freed from sin’s power, wrath, and the condemnation of God. It is only the gospel of a crucified King that can overcome a sinful person’s natural hatred of God. It is only Jesus’s death on the cross that brings true peace and reconciliation with God. In this sermon on Colossians 1:21-22 titled “Love So Amazing,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that by sending Jesus to the cross, God not only saves individuals but brings about the redemption of the whole world. Jesus’s death reverses all the effects of the fall and transforms this current evil world to the new heavens and the new earth.
Is it possible that the gospel can be summarized in just two words? In this sermon "But God", Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers in the affirmative. Given the context of Paul’s transition from sin to salvation in Ephesians 2:1-10, great hope shines forth with just two words: “But God.” These two words suggest hope for the sinner and is the only message that holds out hope for the individual and a world that is dead in trespasses and sins. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones contends in this sermon, these two great words tell that salvation is entirely a divine action and in contrast to the sin of humanity. “But God” shows He is unlike men, slow to anger and abounding with grace towards those who deserve wrath. In a world full of anxiety, stress, and difficulty, humanity’s great hope and joy is summarized in this brief statement. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener that God has entered into this state of death by offering hope through Christ. The human condition is not hopeless but can be changed through the intervention of a merciful God.
Why should a Christian feel sorry for their sin? Why should Christians turn from sin and follow Jesus? In the sermon titled “Saviour of the World,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones begins with an examination of the “nations” in Romans 1:3–5. He shows that the gospel has gone forth to those previously under the wrath of God. Hope has gone to those who previously had no hope. The Messiah is not only the Savior of Israel, but the Savior of the whole world. This truth leads to the apostle Paul’s climax: God does what He does for His name’s sake. God is saving a people for His own fame and glory so that His people live to the praise of His glory and grace. Therefore, Christians no longer continue in sin. Their desires have changed and they want to love Him. Listen to this sermon as Dr. Lloyd-Jones exhorts Christians to live for His name’s sake, to desire that all would bow their knee to Him, and to look forward to His coming as King of kings and Lord of lords. Christians are a people looking for the blessed hope of His appearing.
In addition to taking the punishment for sin on the cross, what else did Jesus’s death accomplish? In this sermon on Christ's victory on the cross, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that Jesus’s death was not only a passive act of receiving God’s wrath, but also an active sign of victory. Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that this victorious nature of the atonement is not a denial of penal substitution. Jesus first and foremost came to bear the punishment for sin. This doctrine doesn't remove it; it adds to it. Jesus went beyond passive sin-bearing, and actively defeated all enemies on the cross. Dr. Lloyd-Jones highlights three enemies Jesus destroyed. First, Jesus defeated Satan. He put him to shame on the cross. Second, Jesus defeated death. No longer does death reign over the children of God. And third, Jesus defeated sin. While Christians still sin, they are no longer under the power of sin. As a result, the whole universe is affected by Jesus’s death. Jesus dealt with and removed all enemies against His people.
It is instinctive to try to spare loved ones from pain and suffering if at all possible. Yet one reads in Romans 8:32 that God the Father did not spare His Son from suffering; rather the Son was delivered up for unworthy sinners. Can such a statement by the apostle Paul be the apex of the glory of God? Can the truth of Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross and the appeasement of the Father’s wrath truly be God’s most glorious display of His love? This is the argument of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones in this sermon on Romans 8:32 titled “The Sufferings of Christ.” He meticulously examines each word in this theologically-rich verse by the great apostle. Every word, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, is of upmost importance in expounding the wondrous truth of God’s grace in this text. Dr. Lloyd-Jones not only makes a case for the Father graciously giving up His Son for the salvation of sinners, but he sheds light on the true agony and grief Christ felt in His sufferings. While some want to minimize Christ’s cry of dereliction, Dr. Lloyd-Jones proclaims the glory of God in the suffering of the Son.
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