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Eternally Secure, Part 2

Romans 8:28-30

In this sermon on Romans 8:28–30 titled “Eternally Secure (2),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones continues to press the issue of the final perseverance of the saints by examining the flaws exegetically and theologically. He even questions, what if his opponents are correct? What if a regenerated, born-again Christian finally did go to perdition and fell away from their position “in Christ”? Are there any negative implications for this apostasy position? Dr. Lloyd-Jones carefully and consistently works out the meaning of his opponent's position with regards to the ultimate purpose of salvation itself. While Dr. Lloyd-Jones’s opponents would rightly affirm that salvation is about forgiveness of sin and they can now go to heaven, he suggests that is not the ultimate purpose of salvation. The main purpose of salvation is the glory of God, the vindication of His glory, and the sovereignty of the character of God. This ultimate purpose, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, changes everything, namely the assurance of the outcome of God’s glory. Moreover, there are opportunities for pride as those who deny the final perseverance of the saints are forced to deny that it is ultimately God who causes endurance until the end, and instead must affirm that there is some quality inside those who are received into glory that is different from those who fall away. There is great comfort in knowing that the God who began the believer’s salvation will truly see it completed to the end. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages believers in the great truth of eternal security.

The Riches of His Grace

Romans 10:11-13

In this sermon on “The Riches of His Grace” from Romans 10:11–13 Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones continues unfolding the apostle Paul’s argument for the inclusion of Gentiles in salvation. Working from this passage, his second point in the series draws from the glorious fact that the same Lord Jesus Christ, who is Lord over all, is rich in grace to all who call upon Him. Since salvation depends entirely upon God and His power to forgive, there is hope for anyone. It’s the great central theme of the Scripture foretold by the prophets, brought about by Jesus in the gospel, and proclaimed by the apostles and the early church. What does this mean for today? It doesn't matter how much one has sinned or how profound their ignorance is, the riches of God’s grace are endless and He is sufficient to give to all. There is no work or effort one can add to their salvation because His riches in salvation are all-sufficient. All worldly distinctions and prejudices are foolish because God is rich to all, without distinction, and there is nothing one can ever need that cannot be found in this endlessly rich savior.

The Truth Revealed in Scripture

Ephesians 6:14

In Ephesians 6:14, Paul calls believers to have “loins girded by truth.” What is this truth? In this sermon on Ephesians 6:14 titled “The Truth Revealed in Scripture,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains it is not subjective feelings or opinions, but doctrine. Proclamation is a chief means by which Christians are to lay hold of doctrine. A sermon is meant to bring out the doctrine. There cannot be proclamation without exposition, but one can have expositional analysis without proclamation. The doctrine of salvation is the great message of truth about which the whole Bible is concerned. This message of salvation, the truth with which one is to gird themselves, is found most clearly in the Epistles. The main function of the Gospels and the book of Acts is to attest the person of Jesus Christ, not to expound doctrine, though it is implied. All the Reformers have spent most of their time in the Epistles. The truth Paul refers to begins, but doesn’t stop, with belief in God, worship and Christian living. It is the whole plan and scheme of salvation. How are Christians to be strong and withstand the wiles of the devil, as Paul says? By taking hold of the whole doctrine and the whole message of salvation, not just bits and pieces, and applying it to their lives.

Access to the Father

Ephesians 2:18

In this sermon on Ephesians 2:18 titled “Access to the Father,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones speaks of the solution to the struggle to understand the love of God. It could be because people don’t understand that the three persons of the Trinity have acted in time, each to pursue the Christian’s salvation who must feel the weight of that truth. The Father planned salvation, the Son was sent by the Father to give of Himself to accomplish salvation, and the Holy Spirit has been sent by the Father and the Son to apply redemption. Also, this shows the wretchedness of sin. “Sin is as great a problem as this: that it necessitated the three person of the Trinity to deal with it,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones states. However, removing enmity with God was not the ultimate reason, but God’s “objective” was to bring His people to Himself. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones notes, this is the “whole object and purpose of salvation.” He made His people to enjoy Him and that is His end goal. Therefore, the questions must be asked: “Do you enjoy God? Do you enter into His presence? Do you go before Him with confidence because of what Jesus has done on your behalf? Do you come before Him by His Spirit?”

His Workmanship

Ephesians 2:10

It is through salvation that Christians instantly join the eternal family of Christ. In this sermon on Ephesians 2:10 titled “His Workmanship,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows how redeemed men and women now live new lives that are marked by the work of Christ in their hearts. This continual work in the life of believers is what is commonly called sanctification. Dr. Lloyd-Jones proclaims that part of salvation is that all who are truly regenerated are continually formed and fashioned in holiness so that they imitate Christ. God uses many means to conform Christians to the image of Christ, but one of the main ones is the chastisements of God. When believers fall into sin, God brings rebuke and correction into their life as a good father would. This is both a great comfort and reassurance of salvation, for all whom are truly saved are sons and daughters of God and treated as such. Those who claim that one can be saved yet not be sanctified grossly misunderstand the Scriptures’ teaching. From start to finish, all of salvation is under the control of God. For this reason, God works so that those whom He saved will be brought to fulfillment through sanctification and glorification.

When First You Believe

Acts 9:6

The world wants salvation in addition to the current way of life. It wants to remain in sin while enjoying the hope of heaven. In this sermon on Acts 9:6 titled “When First You Believe,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones dispels this myth by confronting the cold heart that hears of Christ’s work on the cross yet remains emotionally unmoved and entrenched in sin. Salvation involves a grief over sin that demands immediate, eternal separation from God in hell. True conversion requires the conviction of the heart and mind over the grief of sin and the guilt that one cannot escape, and results in a triumphant faith that fears sin because of the price paid by the Savior. The saving truth of the gospel changes everything and leaves joyful praise from a new heart overflowing with the love of God. The proof of salvation flows in obedience to His Word and affection from the King.

Paul; a Servant of Jesus Christ

Romans 1:1

Salvation cannot be divided; it is an all or nothing equation. No one can receive the gift of salvation without submitting their life to Christ any more than they can both skydive from an airplane and resist the laws of gravity. In the sermon “Paul: A Servant of Jesus Christ” on Romans 1:1, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones powerfully shows how the apostle Paul submitted to the Lordship of Christ and was redeemed by our Master's love. Anyone claiming to be saved yet rejects Jesus’s authority over their life has no basis for assurance of salvation. The Christian’s assurance is built on God keeping His promise to fully and forever forgive their sin. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains how Paul’s confidence in ministry flowed from this transforming truth.

Grace; So Rich and Free

Romans 5:6-11

God’s love for His children is a main theme throughout the Bible. But, how can we be sure of His love? In this sermon on Romans 5:6-11, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones points out several truths which clearly prove God’s love for us. He begins by pointing out that God is the One who gave us our salvation. Not only that, but He sent His one and only Son to come and die on a cross so that we might have salvation. Dr. Lloyd-Jones goes on to point out the truth that we were not given salvation because we had earned it or worked for it. In fact, when Jesus died for us, we were ungodly and enemies of God. We were sinners who had broken the Law and were deserving of eternal death. However, God, in His abundant grace and mercy, saved us while we were still sinners. He sought us even when we were His enemies and called us His own. Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages us to find joy in this proof of God’s love in saving us, despite our sinful nature. He encourages us to never forget the amazing gift of salvation that the Lord has so graciously given us, and to find assurance in this proof of His love.

The Acceptable Year of the Lord

Luke 4:19

What is the acceptable year of the Lord? In this sermon on Luke 4:19 Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones looks at the year of jubilee in the Old Testament where every seven years slaves were set free and land was returned to its original owners. He shows that this looks forward to the day when God’s chosen would be redeemed in Christ and set free from sin. People in sin are like those in bondage and awaiting the year of jubilee to set them free. It is Christ Jesus who is the ultimate fulfillment of this promise and it is by His death, burial, and resurrection that salvation comes to all who believe. This shows clearly that salvation is not brought about by one’s good works or even initiative, but salvation is wholly something God has done for His people. As Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains, this is what it means for salvation to be a work of God’s grace apart from human merit. This is why it is a grave error to reduce Jesus Christ to nothing more than a moral example, because Jesus came to die for the sins of many, not simply to provide an example to follow. Christianity is fundamentally about what God has done, is doing, and will do by His grace.

He Condemns and Convicts

John 1:17

Why do Christians often live as if they do not have the benefits of salvation? In this sermon on John 1:17 titled “He Condemns and Convicts,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers this question by pointing toward a true understanding of what Christians are saved from. He says that essential to understanding salvation is a correct understanding of how Christians were condemned under the law of God. All were in bondage to sin and death and because they lived a life of unrighteousness, the law of God condemned them. The law itself is not sinful, but entirely righteous and holy. However, because humanity is sinful, they are condemned by breaking of the law. Christians must understand that salvation in Christ is freedom from the curse of the law. It is freedom from the just condemnation that befalls all who break God’s commandments. This means that now that believers are in Christ, they have the benefit of His righteousness covering them. The listener should ask themselves: “Do I have this benefit of salvation? Am I freed from the law of sin and death by the gospel of Christ?” It is only by trusting and believing in the gospel that anyone is saved for there is no other way to God than through His Son who has taken the place of those who believe in Him.

Practice Rooted in Doctrine

Ephesians 4:17

Can an unbeliever apply the Scripture? Certainly there are general moral principles that someone could attempt, but in this sermon on Ephesians 4:17 titled “Practice Rooted in Doctrine,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that Christians must follow the example of Paul and never present the application of Scripture as mere morality disconnected from the salvation required to implement it. When morality that is not grounded in the doctrine and narrative of Scripture is preached, only abstract laws and regulations have been offered. This leads to legalism and self-righteousness because people reduce Christianity to a mere list of actions. This, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, is a broad road that leads to destruction. The proper way to teach the Bible is to ground all application in the doctrine of transformation taught in the Scripture. This is to place morality in the context of who God is and what he has done in Christ Jesus on the cross for salvation. It is to see the Christian life not in terms of what is done first and foremost, but in terms of what God has done. Sanctification flows from this right understanding of the doctrine of salvation by showing the place of works in light of God’s gracious gift of salvation. For all that trust in God and in His Son Christ Jesus have been made a new people that are to seek holiness and a true knowledge of God.

God's Glory Revealed (1)

Romans 9:19-24

God has every right to immediately and eternally punish sin. Humanity has been warned for centuries to turn from sin and submit to Christ. While God restrains His wrath, He will not allow His voice to be ignored forever. In this sermon on Roman 9:19–24 titled “God’s Glory Revealed (1),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones lays out a four-fold case to explain God’s patience with sinful people. That case includes (1) the compassion of God that does not take pleasure in punishment; (2) the fact that humanity is utterly inexcusable because of the opportunities God has given; (3) the reality that when God’s wrath is revealed, it will be all the more striking; and (4) the patience and wrath of God reveal His character in ways nothing else can. The wrath of God protects His holiness, but it was His wrath that was poured out on Jesus Christ when He took humanity’s punishment for sin. That gift of salvation makes known the riches of His glory and is the most magnificent thing God does. Even the miracle of creation pales in comparison to the miracle of salvation. The fact that God would even choose to associate with humanity is staggering to Dr. Lloyd-Jones as he explains how the entire Trinity is involved in the salvation plan: it is the Father’s will to save, the Son who was executed and rose from the grave, and the Spirit who seals salvation and continues to apply the work of sanctification to the Christian’s life. This is the work God delights to do, yet it is also the work from which humanity runs. Today is the day of salvation, to stop running from God and turn to Him in humble confession of sin, believing in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

The True Israel

Romans 9:6-7

Is salvation applied to everyone born of Christian parents? Does church membership automatically provide salvation? In this sermon on Romans 9:6-7 titled “The True Israel,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones draws attention to the danger of a person relying on parenting, church membership, or country of origin as their means of salvation. In the time of the Lord Jesus the Jews made a fatal assumption that because they were descendants of Abraham, they had no need of the new covenant. They based their salvation on their physical lineage. Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that the apostle Paul is clarifying God’s purposes and promises to the true Israel, that is those who belong to God through Jesus Christ. While all Israelites belonged to the physical and general Israel, not all those of Israel are true Israel. A distinction was made by God. In much the same way, we who are in the new covenant age must take heed that we are not making the same error, specifically as it applies to church membership. We must not presume that our membership or participation in church activities make us Christian. Not all who belong to the visible church belong to the spiritual, invisible Church and so we must examine ourselves and draw close to the living Lord Jesus Christ in faith and belief.

The Warning Passages in Hebrews

Romans 8:28-30

Can Christians lose their salvation? This is a much-debated question in Christianity that has immense significance for all believers. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that while some passages seem to teach that Christians can lose their salvation, this is a misunderstanding. In this sermon on Romans 8:28–30 titled “The Threefold Purpose,” he looks at the warning passages in Hebrews 6 and 10. He argues that these passages do not speak of true Christians falling away but it speaks of those unbelievers who hear the gospel and are in the church, yet reject it. Just as many people in the Bible, such as Judas, are part of the visible church (and even in places of authority), they are shown to not be truly saved. So it is true in all the church. The Bible never speaks of true believers falling away. These are lost men and women who show temporary signs of profession yet fall away. These passages ought to encourage true believers to seek to live a life that testifies to Christ’s power of salvation. Can true Christians fall away from Christ? The Bible’s answer is no since Christ is the perfect Savior who is able to redeem sinners and bring their salvation to completion. As the Savior promised, no one can snatch a child of His from His hand.

A Man Called Paul

Romans 1:1

Can natural abilities and good deeds save? Throughout history, humanity has searched for salvation in any way other than Jesus. No matter what talent or treasure a person may have, sin continues to contaminate all their good efforts. As Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains in this introduction to the book of Romans titled “A Man Called Paul,” the only way of salvation is through Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul knew this great salvation and gave his life to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. Church history shows how God prepared his mind and logic to use his natural gifts in a powerful way to tell Gentiles about Jesus. Those who are curious how God will use their life to advance His kingdom are encouraged to listen in as Dr. Lloyd-Jones walks through this message from Paul.

Glorying in God

Romans 5:10-11

Is the Christian finding glory in God? Is He their delight? In this sermon on Romans 5:10–11, Paul has already confirmed that salvation is assured in Christ Jesus and so this means the Christian should have joy in Christ Jesus and what He has done. Christians should glory both in their salvation and in God as the giver of salvation. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones goes as far as to say that true Christian faith always leads to glorying in God. He states that things such as trusting in oneself rather than God, failure to mediate on the things of God, and not reasoning with Scripture could all be causes for a failure to properly glory in God. Not glorying in God is a sign of unbelief and a sin and unbelief is the chief of all sins. A Christian should be in constant examination of themselves to ensure that they are always glorying in Christ. All self-examination should lead to rejoicing.

Marks of the Spiritual Life

John 3:8

The most obvious thing about a regenerate person is that their whole life is marked by an eager desire to learn more of their salvation. In this sermon on John 3:8 titled “Marks of a Spiritual Life,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows what this will look like in the life of the believer. To begin, a great test of salvation is that the believer will be very aware of their ignorance. They continue to make a greater and greater effort to satisfy a desire to learn more about their faith. Of course, Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener that this desire will ebb and flow throughout life. The result of learning is then being moved by knowledge to a deep care and compassion for those who are not Christians. The true believer will observe darkness in the lives of others and be so moved that they must share the gospel with them. The Christian is encouraged in their desire to grow in gospel-knowledge and share it with others and be reminded that this is an evidence of God’s grace and salvation.

A Right Confession

Romans 10:9-10

What are the evidences of salvation? Some say that confessing belief in Jesus is what saves but in this sermon on Romans 10:9–10 titled “A Right Confession,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows that confession only comes after a heart has been changed. This sermon shows that confessing Jesus as Lord is the confirmation of salvation but it is not what saves the person from their sin. The church in Acts gives an example that true salvation has evidence: one confesses that Jesus is Lord, turns away from their sin, follows the teaching of the Bible, and continues in fellowship with other believers. If one does not have these as marks in their life, confession is pointless because the heart has not been changed. By applying Paul’s letter, one sees that the work of a Christian is to proclaim Jesus as Lord by words and lives, not by parading Him around as a bumper sticker or Christian T-shirt. The work of God is much deeper than just outward signs and He works on the person in their entirety.

The Olive Tree

Romans 11:16-17

In this sermon on Romans 11:16–17 titled “The Olive Tree,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones discusses what or who is the olive tree and the relationship of the Jews to the Gentiles within God’s economy of salvation. Learn of the importance to understand what Paul means in Romans 11 and the tendency to lean towards the two extremes—to make too much or too little of this relationship. What is meant by this “olive tree”? Who are the children of the promise? Listen as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones dives into explaining who are the true spiritual people of God. There is a spiritual nation that surpasses the natural. Understand from where the roots of this olive tree are derived. There is a continuity that binds the Old and New Testaments: “There is only one way of salvation and it has always been the same one.” See that salvation is not a matter of nationality but of being grafted into God’s people. What does it mean that the Jews have a “special” yet not “separate” position? Rejoice that both Jews and Gentiles will be joint heirs and partake in the promised blessings of God.

Knowledge of the Truth

Romans 10:3

What was the main trouble with the Jews that Paul is speaking about in Romans 10:3? It is that they did not have a complete and full knowledge of the truth of God. In this sermon on Romans 10:3 titled “Knowledge of the Truth,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that a precise knowledge of the truth is essential to salvation and Paul is praying and longing for the salvation of the Jews because they lack this knowledge. The Jews may have been nice people and very zealous, but this cannot be mistaken for true Christian faith. Truth cannot be based in subjective terms because the gospel is truly objective. The Pharisees had misinterpreted the Old Testament teaching about the righteousness of God and the righteousness that He demands. This was ignorance on their part. Ignorance means that there is not full knowledge and the Jews were ignorant of the full knowledge of God. This stood in between them and their salvation. Dr. Lloyd-Jones urges the listener to have a precise knowledge because ignorant knowledge is the enemy. Without true knowledge, one will be lost, damned, and outside the kingdom of God.