December 1962

Is salvation about individuals or the world? Many criticize Christianity for focusing only on the individual and ignoring the rest of the world. In this sermon on Colossians 1:20 titled “The Only Message of Hope,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says Christianity is about both the redemption of the individual and the whole world through Jesus Christ. Jesus died not only to save sinners, but also in order to reverse all the effects of sin and evil in the world. The apostle Paul tells that all of creation groans, awaiting the time of final redemption. This final redemption is when Christ returns physically and bodily to bring the new heavens and the new earth. This means that redemption, while starting in individuals, changes the whole world. Salvation is always a matter of personal redemption, but it is the beginning of universal redemption. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains, those who have put their faith in Christ are the first fruits of this new world.

In this address delivered at the Puritan Conference, Dr. J.I. Packer examines the central place of conscience in Puritan thought and practice. Beginning with the Reformers' conviction that conscience is man's awareness of himself as standing in the presence of God — subject to God's Word, commanded and judged by God's law — Dr. Packer traces how the Puritans understood conscience as a rational faculty of self-knowledge in communion with God. Drawing on the writings of Sibbes, Fenner, Ames, Goodwin, Bunyan, and others, he shows how the Puritans personified conscience as God's deputy in the soul: a register, a witness, an accuser, a judge, and an executioner. This teaching, Dr. Packer argues, reflected the Puritans' view of Holy Scripture as a precise revelation sufficient for detailed holy living, their understanding of personal godliness as the life of a good conscience maintained through sight of the cross, and their conviction that faithful preaching must apply truth directly to the conscience.</br></br> Dr. Packer then brings these principles to bear on the events of 1662, when nearly two thousand ministers were ejected from the Church of England under the Act of Uniformity. Focusing particularly on the case of Richard Baxter and his associates — men who had no objection in principle to episcopacy, liturgy, or a national church — Dr. Packer shows that the principles weighing upon their consciences were the fear of perjury in swearing unfeigned assent to the prayer book, the refusal to declare the Solemn League and Covenant unlawful, concern over the implications of reordination, and above all, the conviction that the ministers of God must not appear to discredit the truths they had publicly upheld. The address concludes with the challenge that such conscientiousness — evangelical, not legalistic; joyful, not morbid; costly, but precious — is a basic need in the Church at all times and a word the present generation needs to hear.

The year 1662 marked a decisive turning point in English church history—the final defeat of Puritan hopes for a truly Reformed Church of England. In this penetrating historical address, Dr. Lloyd-Jones examines why the Commonwealth period's promise collapsed into the Restoration Settlement, when two thousand faithful ministers were ejected from their pulpits for refusing to compromise their convictions. What caused this catastrophic failure? The answer reveals uncomfortable truths: the fatal mixture of religion and politics, devastating divisions among those who agreed on doctrine, and the persistent allure of establishment thinking that preferred state sanction to spiritual purity. <br><br>Yet Dr. Lloyd-Jones does not merely recount history—he applies it with surgical precision to the contemporary church. Standing at a moment when everything seemed "in the melting pot" once more, with denominational barriers weakening and new ecclesiastical arrangements emerging, he warns that the same dangers threaten again. The lesson of 1662 is primarily one of warning: against allowing secondary matters to divide those united on gospel essentials, against seeking worldly methods to advance spiritual ends, against the compromises that flow from desiring state recognition over faithfulness to Scripture. Here is a clarion call to prioritize the purity of the gospel, the freedom of the church, and the authority of conscience above institutional unity or political expedience.

The person and work of Christ stand at the very center of the Christian religion, and few theologians have set forth these truths with greater scriptural depth than the Puritan divine John Owen. In this 1962 Puritan Conference session chaired by Dr. Lloyd-Jones, Mr. Entwistle presents a paper surveying Owen's Christology across four major treatises, demonstrating how Owen's careful exegesis of Scripture led him to a rich, Trinitarian understanding of redemption. The paper traces Owen's teaching on the constitution of Christ's person — his two natures united in one — and shows how this doctrine forms the indispensable foundation of all true religion, all the saving purposes of God, the fullest revelation of God's nature, and the whole mediatorial work of Christ in his obedience, death, and heavenly intercession.<br><br>The extended discussion that follows brings to life the practical and theological significance of these truths, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones and the conference delegates press into vital questions: the nature of Christ's heavenly intercession, the relationship between his session at the right hand of God and the assurance of the believer, and the reverent limits of inquiry into the mystery of the incarnation. Dr. Lloyd-Jones draws attention to the danger of modern theology which attempts to penetrate what Scripture does not explain, reminding listeners that "great is the mystery of godliness — God was manifest in the flesh." The session calls the church back to more scriptural, more worshipful, and more Christ-exalting views of the Son of God.

The Christmas message as found in Holy Scripture is full of mystery. As one meditates on the true meaning of Christmas, one wonders why the eternal Son of God came in the particular way He did. Why was He born of a virgin? Why was He not born in a palace? Why did the Son of God live such a humble existence on earth as a carpenter? In this sermon on Luke 2:7 titled “As Little Children,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explores these questions in this thought-provoking Christmas message. He reminds the listener that the manner in which the Son of God came to earth stands in direct opposition to the pride, pomp, and outward show of fallen humanity. Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that the coming of the Son of God condemns the world. It condemns the world in how it evaluates greatness, in its belief in wealth, and belief in itself. But, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the Son of God coming to the world offers hope to the world. Although Christ comes in an entirely different manner than the world might expect, He comes to point to the way of salvation. He shows the world the necessity of becoming humble, so that God will become powerful in His children’s lives.

The Bible clearly shows that grace and truth came strictly through Jesus Christ. Unlike the old law, which did not need Moses, the revelation of grace and truth are fully dependent upon Jesus. A good question to ask, then, is why does grace and truth have to come in this particular way? Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers this question in this sermon on John 1:17 titled “Veiled in Flesh” by showing that truth must be brought through Jesus because humanity is unable to see and understand God on their own. Furthermore, grace must also come through Jesus because He alone is able to represent and fulfill the law. He explains that in order for the law to be satisfied, Jesus had to become human. At the same time in order for Him to bear the weight of sin, He must be God. Therefore, the only way for grace to come was the incarnation of Jesus Christ and the Savior must be a God-man. This truth also brings hope to Christians in realizing that as a God-man, Jesus is able to sympathize with people in their temptations and struggles. Because of what Jesus has done to bring grace and truth, the Christian now can have hope and become new creations in Him.

Who is Jesus? Many think of Jesus as the baby born in Bethlehem sung about in Christmas carols. Others think of Him as a great prophet and teacher. While these are both true to a degree, neither captures the fullness of the biblical teaching in all its glory. In this sermon on Colossians 1:18 titled “The Eternal Son of God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows that Jesus is in fact the very image of God. Jesus is uncreated, eternal, and omnipotent. All things were created in Him, through Him, and for Him. He is the eternal son of God who upholds the whole universe by the power of His word, yet He became a man in order to save sinners and make them fellow heirs with God. He died upon a cross in the place of sinners, and rose from the dead on the third day. While many do not like this Jesus, this is the Jesus of history explained in the Scripture. This is the Jesus that not only saves sinners, but also redeems the whole world. It is only the true Jesus Christ that can save sinners and make them holy before God.

When the Word became flesh, Jesus Christ became incarnate man and this reality has both temporary and permanent ramifications. In this sermon on John 1:10-12, Dr. Lloyd-Jones proclaims the incredible reality that Jesus lived among His creation for a time and, as the apostle John says, He lived with humanity. According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, life on earth is a temporary season that will give way to a permanent home in Heaven. This is a lasting comfort and fills God’s people with vigor for the truth. The permanent result is that Jesus took on human nature and can readily identify with all the experiences and challenges of daily life (short of sin). This made Him that much more able to empathize with the infirmities and temptations of human nature, and solidified his role as the great high priest. This, Lloyd-Jones concludes, also ought to be of great comfort to the believer.

All throughout the New Testament, it is clearly shown that Jesus is the fulfillment of the law of the Old Testament. Therefore, a good question to ask is that if Jesus came to complete the law, then in what ways was the law incomplete? In this sermon on John 1:17 titled “Grace and Truth Through Christ,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers this question by pointing out different ways where the law is incomplete on its own. The law only speaks in terms of types and shadows, while Jesus came to fulfill it and reveal the truth. The law only gave promises, while Jesus was the fulfillment of these promises. The law tells that the truth will come and that Jesus not only revealed the truth, but is the truth. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains how truth in this sense is defined as the knowledge of God and the law was given to Moses as a divine revelation of who God is. However, this revelation only contained parts of this truth and therefore, the truth could not be understood fully until Jesus came and revealed who God is through grace and truth.

In this sermon on Colossians 1:14 titled “God So Loved,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones focuses on clarifying the role of Christ in the gospel. And the question Dr. Lloyd-Jones seeks to answer: Why did Christ come? The answer, as Paul also points out, is that Christ came to redeem people from their sin. However, this great task is different from the other things God has done, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says. God’s redeeming act is not like creation, where He only had to speak. Salvation is much greater, more personal than creation. God sent Christ, with the body and blood of a man, to die so that His blood may cover those who believe. But Dr. Lloyd-Jones reveals that most of the world does not see Christ this way. The world sees Christ as a great pacifist, His death as the ultimate example of pacifism. Others see Jesus as a great moral teacher. However, Dr. Lloyd-Jones dispels these claims, for it is not pacifism or teaching that saves a soul. Salvation is only possible through Christ’s death on the cross. And in response to such a great gift, he encourages those who believe to praise God for such unfathomable love.

What does the apostle Paul mean when he speaks of God electing people? There are few questions more controversial than this one. In this sermon on Romans 9:10–13 titled “God’s New Humanity,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones seeks to answer this particularly important question. He notes that throughout Scripture God chooses men and women to serve and follow Him. The great apostle Paul argues in this passage that salvation comes because God chooses to save sinners and to make them part of the body of Christ. This divine decision is not based on anything that they do nor is it based on any merit in them, but it is wholly a result of God’s great love. The decision does not mean that God simply renovates fallen sinners in Adam, but He elects them into the body of Christ as children and heirs. While there is no doubt that this is a controversial and debated passage, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones exhorts the listener to not flee from difficult passages in Scripture, but to use their God-gifted mind to seek to understand His Word. This doctrine ought to lead the Christian to look not to themselves, but to look to God who saves them because He is just and righteous and not because of anything in themselves.

Does the Christian rejoice in God’s grace? Does what they learn about the Creator really fill them with joy? In this encouraging sermon titled “The Gift of Grace,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains the contrast between the law of God and the grace of God. The law of God is designed to condemn. It brings conviction, correction, and ultimately serves as judge. Grace is God giving what is not deserved. It is His grace that forgives, supports, restrains, protects, and preserves. At salvation, the law of God becomes the guide by which to glorify God. The listener is encouraged to discover the riches of His glorious kindness, which puts the law inside hearts and minds, enabling the Christian to live the holy life God intends for His people. Enter into the joy of grace, to experience it as His children were meant to.

In this sermon on Colossians 1:14–20 titled “God and Sinners Reconciled,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones speak of how Paul writes about a believer’s redemption through the blood of Christ and the reconciliation he or she has with God. However, Dr. Lloyd-Jones is interested in God’s side of this reconciliation: how is it possible that He would redeem humanity? By its very nature, humanity exists as separate from God, ever since the original sin in the garden. Dr. Lloyd-Jones defines holiness as it pertains to God in that God is without blemish, totally perfect and utterly true. So then, how can the perfect God interact with imperfect people? Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds that God sent His Son in order to reconcile people in their sin, and that Christ’s death on the cross would cover those who put their faith in Him. Humanity is then restored to their original image of God. When God looks upon believers, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says, He does not see the sin. God sees the likeness of His Son. And as a result, God’s righteous wrath, His holy judgement, is withheld, and humankind’s relationship with Him is restored.

Although everyone is under God's sovereign control, His special purpose and promises are only for His children, those who are born of the Spirit. As Paul argues this case in Romans 9:10–13, he gives examples in the Old Testament including that of Isaac and Ishmael. Because Paul understands that there may be some arguments or disputes against this example, he then goes on to give the example of Esau and Jacob. In this sermon on Romans 9:10–13 titled “God’s Purpose Made Sure,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones points out that Paul always refutes any arguments with facts first, and later provides doctrine to prove his point. The example of Esau and Jacob proves that God intervened in their situation because Rebecca was barren. Before the twins were even born, God said that he would choose Jacob to fulfill his promise and not Esau. This shows that the Lord draws distinctions among people, proving the doctrine of election. God did this because it was part of his holy plan. God’s purpose is always worked out by means of election. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds that God’s plan is never based on works and it is all through those whom he calls. Therefore, only those who are born of the Spirit are truly part of God’s plan.

When one reads through the Old Testament, they find that a great portion of it speaks of the law. Since the old law is seemingly of great importance, what is its relationship to Christians today? For most Christians, the understanding of the law and the Christian either goes too far to the extreme or not far enough. In this sermon on John 1:17 titled “Not Under Law, but Grace,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains the true answer to this question that reveals that Christ is the end of the law for Christians. Before Christ came to die on the cross, all were under the law. However, since humans are not perfect, they were unable to fulfill it. Because of this, Christ came to fulfill the law for humanity, allowing those who put their trust in Him to be delivered from the condemnation of the law. He goes on to explain that while it is important to think of salvation in terms of the law and realize that no one receives salvation from their own works, it is also important to realize that when anyone believes in Christ, they receive His righteousness and He enables them to keep the law through the Spirit. Because of this, Christians can have peace knowing that they are no longer under the rule of the law, but under the rule of Christ.

The sinful state of the world can be explained by understanding the truth that humanity is alienated from God. Because of the sin of Adam, the whole human race is subject to corruption and immorality. This is why humanistic approaches to fixing the world are all misguided and will ultimately fail. What then is the cure for human sin and alienation? In this sermon on Colossians 1:21–22 titled “Separated From God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones provides the answer in what God has done for the world in His Son, Jesus Christ. The Bible tells that God has sent Jesus into the world to die for sinners and to reconcile them with God. Only this divine love can overcome humanity’s natural hatred of God and His law. Only Jesus can overcome sin and misery by His death and resurrection. Those who believe in Jesus and trust Him for their forgiveness of sins can have full assurance and confidence that God loves them. Believers are to seek to love God and their neighbor; they are to pursue a life of holiness that reflects the God they serve. This gospel is not only the true way of salvation, but it alone can give peace with God in this life and in the next.