March 1959

There is no lack of content in Scripture about the cross of Christ. In this sermon given on Good Friday on Hebrews 2:9 titled “The Cross of Christ,” Dr, Martyn Lloyd-Jones presents various questions about this subject and answers them from the Scripture. Who is this person dying upon a cross? Jesus Christ, the brightness of God’s glory and the express image of His person, humbling Himself by coming in the likeness of a man, sojourning among humanity, and suffering and dying that He might taste death for everyone. What does it mean that He tasted death? On the cross He experienced – in body and soul – everything that is involved in death as the punishment for sin. Nothing was withheld. Why did He suffer such a death? The answer is given in one word: “for everyone.” He took the place of all, bearing the wrath of God for their sins upon Himself. What’s the result of His coming? The glorious result is two-fold: because Jesus suffered and died, He has been exalted, crowned with all glory and honor and power, and He has taken out the sting of death for all believers. He did it because God’s very nature is one of grace, compassion, and love.

In this sermon on Romans 6:23 titled “The Gift of God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says this verse in Romans concisely explains the gospel of Romans. The verse is a summary of the entire chapter and book, as well as the end of the argument to those who believed that they should continue in sin so that grace could be greater. Ultimately, there are only two possibilities facing each person in the world: the wages of sin is death or the gift of God is eternal life. Each of these two paths lead to an inevitable fate. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says there are a few contrasts to observe. These two paths differ in the master they serve, the conditions in which they serve, and the end to which the path leads. A Christian is in Christ and knows that they will have eternal life and imperishable glory with God forevermore. God’s purpose is to bring His people into this spotless holiness. One should never argue anything other than this and know God’s plan is the complete opposite of sin and death.

In this sermon on Matthew 24:14 titled “A New Humanity,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses history from the Lord’s view and the prophesies already fulfilled. While these are prophesies of doom, He also offers good news of a new kingdom. This leads to questions on how one can enter into God’s kingdom and why Christ came into the world. Listeners learn that it is not merely Christ’s accurate prophecy and teaching, but rather His works that make all the difference. Christ paved the way into God’s kingdom by His own living in obedience, conquering Satan, dying for humanity’s punishment, and rising in victory. He opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. A Christian is not defined as someone who is learned and exceptionally able. No one can do or learn enough to enter into God’s kingdom; Christ had to come and make a new humanity. As the representative and last Adam, Christ has done all the things people should have done. Hear about humanity’s ultimate problem and the guilt of sin. The real work was done upon the cross, freeing those who believe in Him. God’s pronouncement of the judgement of sin is death.

It should be unthinkable to the Christian to return to their old life. In Romans 6:22, Paul emphasizes a depiction of what it is like to be in Christ Jesus and it is a simple argument to those who consider themselves a Christian. In the sermon from Romans 6:22 titled “Changed from Glory into Glory,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones underlines that a Christian is one who has undergone a profound change, because only a Christian can truly discuss a true difference between their past and present. That is because a Christian has been set free from sin. God regenerates and creates the Christian anew. A Christian has the power to resist the devil while a non-Christian does not. Sin becomes just a nuisance in the daily life, not a master. Once a Christian grasps that they are now enslaved to God and righteousness, they realize that they truly have no right to continue on sinning. The result of this great change is a fruitful life in Christ. If there is no fruit, one is not truly a Christian. Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages the listener to analyze their life and actions to determine if they are living in a fruitful life as slaves to righteousness.

In the midst of a prophecy of gloom, there is a good news. In this sermon on Matthew 24:14 titled “The Only Way,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses the Messiah of the Old Testament. The world without God is under the wrath of God – where is the hope? It is a different message and perspective, giving the only light in the midst of all darkness. The history of the world and the kingdoms of humankind are competing with the history and kingdom of the eternal God. No one can earn entrance into this kingdom; Jesus Christ is the only door to the kingdom of God. Christ did not come to reform the world politically or socially; His kingdom is completely different. God’s kingdom remains in the spiritual realm until Christ returns. Learn not only what Christ has done and continues to do, but also discover what He will do. The Bible recounts the wonderful works of God. The eternally pure Christ looked into the face of sin and bore the punishment of death; He is the only door to salvation. No one can cleanse themselves – come to Him as He can wash, clothe, and receive His people into the kingdom of God.

Why should the Christian live a holy and righteous life? Paul gives an argument and Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones encourages the listener to reason through it. Paul reminds the reader of the state and condition of their old life when they used to be slaves to sin and since one cannot serve two masters, they were not yet slaves to righteousness. In this sermon from Romans 6:20–21 titled “Servants of Sin,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out there are some people in this world that act moral but are not true Christians. The unsaved are governed by self and a Christian is governed by righteousness. Those who are slaves of sin and not of righteousness lead a fruitless and shameful life. Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages the listener to ask themselves three questions to test if something is from the old life or the new life in Christ: Does it give satisfaction to the mind and heart? Does it help growth in fruit and knowledge? Does it help one lay in store for the future? If no is answered to any of these questions, that lifestyle may be leading down a path to eternal separation from God.

The chaotic world and the glorious kingdom of Heaven are in juxtaposition. In the world there is constant trouble, discord, rebellion, and estrangement from God. The kingdom of Heaven offers hope, safety and relationship with the Creator. There is no impending destruction in God’s kingdom. There is no fear, or terror, or alarm as in the world. In Matthew 24 the Lord Jesus Christ not only foretold the destruction of Jerusalem, but also the destruction of the world. What should the response be to this terrible judgment? Can it be escaped? How may one enter the kingdom of Heaven? In this sermon on Matthew 24:14 titled “Entering the Kingdom of Heaven,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener of the utter importance of such questions and where the ultimate answer is found. It is found in the gospel. God offers a way to escape the terror. All must repent and be born again. Entering the kingdom of Heaven requires looking at Christ the King. As He is looked to with faith and hope, and a confession of foolishness, sin, and rebellion is made, the Christian finds admission into the kingdom. In an age of crisis and uncertainty, listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones calls the listener to face the future without fear because they have entered God’s kingdom.