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The Power of Sin

Acts 7:20-29

There is only one way to be reconciled to God and avoid the eternal punishment of hell. Only those who repent of sin and believe in Jesus Christ will be saved. Those who reject the gospel receive condemnation. Who would refuse salvation? In this sermon titled “The Power of Sin,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows in Acts 7:20–29 what compels people to reject the only way of salvation that God has given to this broken world. It is a sinful nature and mind that leads people to reject God in this blind prejudice. Sin has corrupted every aspect of humanity. They are not able to rationally judge the truth of Christianity and the gospel and instead are controlled by blind prejudice and hate. This is why it is only by a divine calling to salvation that anyone believes and is saved. This is what is seen in the story of Moses. Moses was called by God to leave Egypt, but he encountered opposition from his own people. This hostility is not because of any reasonable objection to Moses but it is this blind and prejudiced unbelief being worked out in the life of sinful people who do not know God. This is why it is so vital that the church is always faithful to the message that has been entrusted to them by God.

Has God's Life Come Into You?

John 1:12-13

There is one fact that must be true of the converted Christian: belief in the name of Jesus Christ for salvation. However, there are many circumstances that surround the conversion of Christians. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones uses John 1:12–13 to explain that while some Christians grow up in a home where the gospel is often taught, others are saved out of an unbelieving family or friend group. He elaborates that each of these Christians face unique temptations to question the legitimacy of their salvation and therefore must apply specific tests to their own life to gain surety of their salvation: “Do you remain unaffected by your knowledge of God, or are you changed and gripped by it? Is your faith something that you use when convenient, or does God’s word master and direct your life?” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones uses these tests and others to help the Christian assess and test their standing in faith and produce a defensible assurance of faith. Dr. Lloyd-Jones elaborates that the unbeliever is consumed with what they do, whereas the true believer is primarily concerned with what they are. The unbeliever works toward creating an identity. The believer works from his newfound Christian identity toward Christian behavior.

Knowledge of the Truth

Ephesians 4:20-21

Salvation only happens by repenting of sin and believing in Jesus Christ. In this sermon on Ephesians 4:20–21 titled “Knowledge of the Truth,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones warns against those who reduce salvation to a mere intellectual assent. The gospel is not dependent on the wisdom of people and their ability to comprehend it. All are born in sin and blindness, unable to see the truth or know God. But true Christianity and faith are a result of what the Holy Spirit does in bringing dead people to life and making them new creations in the Savior Christ Jesus. Understanding true doctrine and godliness are a result of salvation, not the means of it. All who are truly saved have a growing knowledge of God, as His word is absorbed by hearts freed from the blinding nature of sin. Those who know much about the Bible and about doctrine but who have never been broken by their sin are deceived and lost. They presume intellectual understanding is an acceptable substitute for confession of sin and faith in Christ. The church must always be wary of confusing these two kinds of knowledge. Many are self-deceived and lost because they have no real relationship with God, but instead are puffed up with knowledge.

The Message of the Bible

Romans 15:4

It is a great error to think that the Bible is just another ancient book. In this sermon on Romans 15:4 titled “The Message of the Bible,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shares about the unique nature of Scripture as the very word and revelation of God. God’s revealed will to His people is found in the pages of the Old and New Testaments. This should cause all to read Scripture as one divinely gifted message that has been given for the edification and building up of all believers. All must believe Scripture because it is the very word of God and carries the fullest authority possible. What does God reveal to His people in Scripture? The one overarching theme in Scripture is the salvation of God’s people by His Son, Jesus Christ. Scripture must be read as one whole work by one author with one message. This message is one of victory and salvation wherein Jesus Christ dies upon the cross for the salvation of all who believe and the redemption of the whole world. Jesus is making all things new by His death, resurrection, and rule. When one comes to Scripture, they should come to learn about God and what He has accomplished through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Faith Only

Romans 4:9-16

Was Abraham, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, justified by works? Paul says no; he was justified by faith alone. Just as a teacher lectures and then makes time for possible questions, Paul presents his case on the true gospel and a message on salvation and then answers potential questions that might arise. The Jews may have suggested that since Abraham was not justified by works, it was because he was circumcised. Paul again says no. Abraham was the father to all, both circumcised and uncircumcised, because Scripture shows that he was justified before he was circumcised. In the sermon “Faith Alone” on Romans 4:9–16, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows that Paul warns against those who merely held to their own circumcision as a means of salvation. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains how the Jews had not properly understood why the Lord gave them the sign of circumcision and how Paul refutes their wrong beliefs. When Abraham was credited as righteous, it is the first time in Scripture that salvation by faith alone was defined. The Lord promised that because of Abraham’s faithfulness, his seed would produce the Son of God.

What is Christianity?

Romans 8:3-4

What is Christianity all about? Many have a sentimental view and say that Christianity is about nothing more than love. Others say that Christianity is about morality and good works. In this sermon on Romans 8:3–4 titled “What is Christianity?” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that both these answers are wholly inadequate understandings of biblical Christianity. Christianity begins with an understanding that humanity is fallen and in sin; people are unable to know God and serve Him rightly. All are under the condemnation of God’s law because they have rebelled against their maker. In response to this sinful nature that is in all people, God has sent His Son to die upon the cross of Calvary so that all who believe might be forgiven of sin and inheritors with Christ. This message of atonement and redemption is in contrast to all sentimental and shallow distortions of Christianity. But it is the message of Jesus Christ dying that alone can bring true salvation and peace. There is no other message of salvation from sin and true redemption than what can be found in the Christian gospel of God’s grace. This is the only redemption from the curse of the law and God’s righteous condemnation. This is the only means of salvation that God has made so that sinners can be redeemed.

By Free Grace Alone

Romans 3:24

Just as a prisoner needs to pay a price to obtain freedom, sinners also need to pay a ransom for freedom. However, the Lord in His kindness has paid the price and given freedom to the Christian. In this sermon titled “By Free Grace Alone,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches from Romans 3:24 and breaks the verse into three parts: the reminder of what salvation really is, how salvation becomes the Christian’s, and how it is possible for God to do this for His people. In this verse, Paul explains free justification by the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Because of that work, the Christian has been declared righteous. This does not mean that they are currently righteous, but that the Lord has deemed them so. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that the present tense of the word “justifying” means that Christians are currently being justified. The listener is reminded that this salvation is a free gift to all, both Jew and Gentile. While the law reveals sin, God’s grace gives a free pardon. This is only possible because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. The term used here is the same term as a prisoner being set free and Christ has set His people free from the slavery of sin.

The Sphere of Hope

Romans 8:24-25

Suffering permeates this world. Christian or not, all question the purpose of tragedy and suffering. In order to maintain a proper Christian joy in this hopeless world, says Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones in the sermon “The Sphere of Hope,” the Christian must follow the apostle Paul’s argument in Romans 8:18­–25. One cannot be confused on the Christian’s hope and he explicates the topic in great detail. He explains the difference between objective hope and subjective hope, and argues that the apostle is interested in both. In other words, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, a person who is saved has the grace of hope within them and a hope with respect to something outside themselves. A person is saved in the sphere of hope as well as in the realm of hope. Moreover, one must remember the “tenses” of salvation – past, present, and future. When the Christian does this, they avoid the dangers of having no assurance concerning salvation as well as claiming too much of salvation by saying they have reached full sanctification. The Christian position, Dr. Lloyd-Jones states, is one where the Christian confesses this world is not their home. The reason they can say this with confidence is because they have been brought into the sphere of hope.

God's Way of Redemption

2 Timothy 1:12

In this sermon on 2 Timothy 1:12 titled “God’s Way of Redemption,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones focuses his sermon on Paul’s letter to Timothy, where the apostle writes from prison and explains his confidence in whom he has believed. Jumping from Paul’s example, Dr. Lloyd-Jones dives into the importance of the gospel. Salvation is more than living morally and making good decisions. It is more than being a “good Christian.” Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds that salvation is trusting in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross for the payment of sins. This is God’s plan for the redemption of all since the natural person is corrupt. They are under the power of sin and its total pollution. Humanity’s very nature can’t help responding to sin, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says. On their own, they are unable to overcome their disposition. Good works offer no assurance. Even the great Christian figures like Paul, Martin Luther, and Charles Wesley did not rely on their works for salvation. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that there is a work that saves, but it is not of humanity. The only work that saves is God’s work of sending His Son for humanity’s redemption so they may live eternally.

The Glory of God

Ephesians 1:6

Forgiveness of sin is the heart of redemption in Christ. But that is different than saying God’s primary motivation for redemption is forgiveness of sin. In this sermon on “The Glory of God” from Ephesians 1:6, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones remarks that errant thinking places the human being at the center of salvation rather than God. Instead, the glory of God is the great motive that led God to plan and purpose redemption in Christ. Christians are often lethargic about their salvation but Paul says Christians are redeemed to praise Him. Why should Advent illicit praise to God? Chiefly because in the coming of Christ the revelation of God’s glory is seen. Although the glory of God is difficult to define, the term implies God’s beauty, majesty, splendor, greatness, might and eternity. Dr. Lloyd-Jones walks through various passages in order to demonstrate how this theme runs throughout Scripture (Genesis 3:24; Exodus 40:34–37; Isaiah 6; Luke 2:14; 2 Corinthians 4:6). Placing the glory of God at the front of one’s mind can have great effects in evangelism. By emphasizing the glory of God in their proclamation of the gospel, Christians shall be much more apostolic in their method. While God is about His glory, the highest manifestation of that glory is found in the salvation of sinners.

Tragedy of the Jews

Romans 10:18-21

As it pertains to human knowledge, human understanding, or human works, the Jews of Paul’s day would be in a position of entire advantage. Yet the majority of Jews, as Paul laments in Romans, did not obey the gospel. Why? Moreover, what does it mean that Paul cites Scripture against the Jews calling them “disobedient” and “gainsaying”? In this sermon on Romans 10:18–21 titled “Tragedy of the Jews,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones grounds the tragedy of the Jews in God’s sovereign election and their prejudice against the Lord Jesus Christ. Salvation belongs to the Lord, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener. The way of salvation from old covenant to the new covenant is determined by the sovereign grace of God. The “whosoever” of salvation is tied to “whosoever” as God determines, whether that is predominantly Jews or predominantly Gentiles. But Dr. Lloyd-Jones leaves room for human responsibility as well. Many of the Jews in the first century were simply set against the gospel. Jesus experienced this in His earthly ministry with the Pharisees as did Paul in his ministry. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones tackles the topic of divine sovereignty and human responsibility and as Paul explained the tragedy of the Jews, Dr. Lloyd-Jones calls the church to self-examination and praise in the sovereign election of God.

Jesus: Human and Divine

Hebrews 2:14

Listen to this Christmas message on Hebrews 2:14 as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones remembers He who is our Savior and salvation. Do not think of the Christian life in any general way apart from Christ. Through death, Christ destroyed him who had the power of death. Death lost its sting! Man's greatest temptation is to leave out the “wonderful works of God.” Salvation is the result of God’s activity. There is great trouble when we become doubtful of the person of Christ. Look at the two heresies of Christ. The mystery of godliness is Jesus' being truly man and truly God. We are all sharers of human nature, but Christ's manhood was entirely different. God voluntarily added to what He already was – adding flesh and blood to the Divine. Two natures in the One. He who made all things now knew what it was like to be weak, misunderstood, and even to die. Christ became the captain, author, and composer of our salvation. God had to become man. Christ had to die to save us from the condemnation of the Law. He robbed the devil of the power of death and is our representative at the right hand of God. He can sympathize with you, blessed be His name.

He That Has Ears

Acts 8:5-12

Who really needs the gospel? Is it just for the weak, the lonely, the worst of society? In the sermon “He That Hath Ears,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones turns to Acts 8:5–12 and shows that the gospel calls all to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Salvation only comes to those who surrender their entire life to Christ. There are no halfway Christians. While many men and women hear the preaching of the gospel and see the lives of other Christians, they often think Christianity is merely an external code of conduct, an ethical system, or another lifestyle. Sadly, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes, they never actually come to a true understanding of what it is they are rejecting. However, even though humanity is in sin and rebels against the one true God, no one is beyond salvation. Salvation is ultimately the result of God’s Holy Spirit. He regenerates fallen men and women, giving them new hearts and minds that believe and trust in the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is the hope that Christians have when sharing the gospel; it is ultimately God who saves and redeems. Once one is saved by the power of God, they begin to live the new life of a believer. They repent of their sin and live a life of faith and hope in the great Savior, Jesus Christ.

The God of Covenants

Acts 7:1-8

God will always keep His promises. His great plan of redemption of the whole world through the work of Christ Jesus is enacted through covenants. Listen in this sermon from Acts 7:1–8 titled “The God of Covenants” as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows how these great redemptive events form the background of the work of Christ. This redemptive work is for the salvation of individuals and was planned before the foundations of the earth to glorify His name. This great and sovereign plan is important because it exalts God and humbles humanity. It was this sovereign call that brought the pagan Abram to come and worship the true God and declared him righteous. God has planned both the beginning and the end of all things, and He works in history to bring about His plan. Christians should rest in this great truth; God’s plan will be brought to pass. In this outworking of God’s great plan of salvation, He chooses to make covenants with humanity. He made a covenant with Noah after the flood and promised He would not flood the world again. He made a covenant with Abraham and gave Him the sign of circumcision. It is Jesus who came and brought a new covenant, the fulfillment of all God’s promises. It is this great truth that the early church proclaimed. It is salvation in Christ as the fulfillment of God’s great plan.

Sealing with the Spirit

Romans 8:16

What does it mean to say that the Spirit bears witness? Listen to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones in this sermon on Romans 8:16 titled “Sealing with the Spirit.” Paul began assuring the Christian in their salvation by saying in Romans 8:16 that they are led by the Spirit of God, which makes them children of God. Secondly, he adds that Christians would know something of the spirit of bondage and fear. Paul is now explaining that the Holy Spirit testifies with the Christian’s spirit. There are multitudes of commentaries that discuss varying views on the definition of this verse and Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones spends much of this sermon discussing the views and applications of this verse. He does want to make one thing clear: all Christians are sons of God and all Christians are children of God. Those that say there are distinctions or groupings among Christians have not properly translated what Paul is saying here. When Paul refers to Christians as “sons,” he means this in a legal sense. When Paul refers to Christians as “children of God,” he means this in a familial sense and our present reality. Dr. Lloyd-Jones then explains why this is another point to prove the assurance of one’s salvation. Any scholar or commentary that does not teach on the assurance of salvation does not fall into the proper Protestant Reformation teaching.

Helping the Perplexed

Romans 8:28-30

What does it mean that God works all things for the good of Christians? In this sermon on Romans 8:28–30 titled “Helping the Perplexed,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expounds on one implication of this truth: the great doctrine of perseverance. This is the teaching that all who believe in Christ will persevere to the end. Christ will not lose one of God’s children for He is able to bring their salvation to completion. Many reject this doctrine for one reason or another. Some argue that many passages in the Bible teach that Christians who are truly saved can in fact finally fall away from salvation. Others who reject that the Bible is God’s word reject it on philosophical grounds. Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that while some passages do seem to teach that Christians can lose their salvation, he argues that this is wrong as the Bible does not contradict itself. He examines many of these passages that supposedly teach that the doctrine of perseverance is false and shows that this is a misreading of these texts. Listen closely to Dr. Lloyd-Jones on how to handle this challenge to eternal security in Christ. He concludes by saying that God’s Word teaches that God is able to save all those whom He has elected to save. There is no doubt that this is a great mystery, but it is one that God has revealed in His Word.

Power to us-ward Who Believe

Ephesians 1:19-23

Hardly anyone claiming the title “Christian” would deny the need for God’s power in salvation. There is, however, a fundamental difference between the person who says salvation is the power of God in addition to something they do, and those who say salvation is God’s power working in them and through them. The latter has roots in the apostolic testimony but the former does not. Neither is this a mere linguistic quibble, says Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, but one’s very assurance is at stake. In this sermon on Ephesians 1:19–23 titled “Power to Us-ward Who Believe,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones says Paul is not simply concerned with God’s power towards His people, but His power in them. This is ultimately the final grounds of the Christian’s assurance. When they consider all that glory entails, especially standing before a holy God and seeing Him face-to-face, how can they ever have confidence that they will be fit to stand? Given that the world, sin, and the devil are constantly at war against the Christian, how will they ever overcome? Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows how the apostle Paul’s prayer calls minds to the resurrection power of God in order to assure that glory will be attained by God’s saints. It is God and by His power alone Christians are made and not even death will keep them from glory.

Father; Glorify Your Name

John 12:23

There are many who want to observe Jesus, but few who will believe in Him. In this sermon on John 12:23 titled “Father, Glorify Your Name,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains the difference and shows how the glory of salvation is revealed in the cross of Jesus Christ. The Greeks, just like so many today, only approached Jesus in wanting to observe Him. They came with wrong motives and wrong reasons, and like contemporary culture, but they do not desire to understand His teaching or follow His example. Like a curious child, they look upon His death with inquisitive eyes and investigative hearts. But Jesus can only be known, loved, and experienced by direct interaction with His death. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that at the heart of Christianity is the sacrifice of Christ in the sinner’s place. The central mission, purpose, and message of Jesus is found in His dying since there is no hope of salvation unless the seed falls into the ground and the Son of Man is lifted up before all. It is His death on the cross that demonstrates the glory of salvation. One must see the absolute necessity of the cross and His death. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reveals that the death of Christ on the cross reveals the glory of the Father and is the basis for Jesus’s prayer: “Father, glorify your name.”

Called to True Discipleship

Luke 14:25-35

What does it mean to be a Christian? The Bible tells that being a Christian is far more than going to church, being moral, and working to make society a better place. In this sermon on Luke 4:25–35 titled “Called to True Discipleship,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shares that while all these things have a place in the Christians life, they are still not what Christianity is ultimately about. Many people pursue all these things, yet they do not know Christ Jesus as the perfect Son of God who has come to fulfill all that is spoken in the Old Testament. This is because they are not truly His disciples. They do the works of salvation without the repentance that brings salvation. There were many people like this in Jesus’s day who followed Jesus because they were going along with the crowd. Those who are truly disciples of Jesus Christ are willing to lose health, wealth, reputation, and family for the sake of the kingdom of God. They count the cost and are prepared to surrender even their own lives for the sake of the gospel. They follow Christ’s example and instruction to take up their cross daily. This is the heart of salvation. Only those who truly believe in the gospel are able to do this, for they have been given strength through Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Final Perseverance

Romans 11:16-22

Can Christians lose their salvation? There are few more contested and more important theological questions in Christianity. Many believers are plagued by doubts because they fear that they may fail to work out their own salvation and be eternally lost in hell. In this sermon on Romans 11:16–22 titled “Final Perseverance,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones offers solace to any fearful Christians. He says that the Bible never teaches that true believers can lose salvation. This is for the simple reason that it is God through His Son Jesus Christ who saves. Christians are not even saved by faith, first and foremost, but ultimately by Christ who grants them their faith. Jesus loves His people and He is both able and willing to guard them from ever falling away. What about those passages that speak of the need to persevere? The Holy Spirit uses many means to build up Christians in faith and joy and these passages that warn Christians not to fall away are one of these means that God uses to preserve those He loves. What about people who say they are Christians and stop believing? There are many who are self-deceived and think that they are saved, but their life shows that this is not a true work of God. The glorious truth of the gospel is that Jesus saves all those that He loves and He will lose no one.