Explore Sermons By Dr. Lloyd-Jones
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Justified by God
The Reformers were adamant that the Church stands or falls on the doctrine of justification. Martin Luther, says Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, was thrilled when the doctrine of justification dawned upon him. Many Christians today, however, may be apathetic towards justification. Even those who happily affirm the truth of justification may do so with less excitement than previous generations of Protestant believers. Given the fact that there is no charge whatsoever the devil can bring against God’s elect, and the imputation of Christ’s righteousness to the believer, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says it is the key to everything. In this sermon on Romans 8:33-34, he gives an exposition of the meaning of justification along with its legal and covenantal context. For Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the Christian’s joy, security, and safety is at stake as we consider the doctrine of justification by faith. If you rely on anything else, including experience, then you will certainly be shaken as the devil shows your guilt before the Law. Hear this grand exposition of the only ground that a believer can truly stand on as we proclaim that it is God who justifies!
Having Peace with God
Chapter by chapter, Paul’s letter to the Romans has explained that all humanity is under God’s judgement and have hope through justification by faith, and now he is explaining that all can have peace with God. We were previously enemies but now we can have assurance and a resting faith in our salvation through Jesus Christ. In this sermon, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones outlines how Christians know if they have this assurance and peace with God: our mind will be content with the process of justification by faith, we know that Christ loves us despite us being sinners, we can answer the accusations of our conscience and the devil, and we no longer fear death or judgement. If we were to fail or falter at any of these tests, then we may not have a true peace with God. Sometimes sin makes us question or doubt our justification, but regardless, our salvation is still true. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds us that justification is one declarative act forever and our faith always can fight this doubt victoriously! Dr. Lloyd-Jones then goes on to explain what the results of justification by faith produce in our lives as well as discussing what a false sense of peace with God is.
Justified and Glorified
As Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones continues to expound the Apostle Paul’s golden chain of redemption, he comes to the great Reformation doctrine of justification. He notes there are different aspects of the teaching that many professing believers leave out. For example, justification, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, is not merely forgiveness. Forgiveness of sin is included, but justification is much bigger. We, as sinners, are declared by God to be totally guiltless through the imputed righteousness of Christ! Dr. Lloyd-Jones states that understanding justification in this way is not only essential to Paul’s argument, but is vital for understanding our union with Christ. If you are justified, you are “in Christ,” incorporated into Him! Furthermore, Dr. Lloyd-Jones recognizes how the Apostle moves from justification to glorification in this golden chain, noting the implied presence and importance of sanctification for the believer. The Christian has the greatest confidence and assurance of our eternal future because Paul depicts glorification as already completed. We are certain of glorification because it is bound up in God’s plan. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones walks us through one of the Apostle Paul’s famous passages for comfort and assurance in Romans 8:28-30.
Justification Explained
Imagine that you were on trial for a crime that you committed. The odds are all stacked against you and they have pronounced you guilty. The law rightly condemns us as guilty. However, when the judge is set to announce the punishment, he says that you are free! This is exactly what Paul explains justification is like. It is a legal term, a declaration that Christ no longer condemns us and regards us as righteous. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that it is not that we are righteous; it is a removal of sin and a pronouncement from the Lord that he considers us righteous. Paul understands that the Jews had fallen into a trap, thinking that they were able to be justified by the law that they were given. However, God gave the law to show how truly sinful we are and how we are in need of a Savior. Dr. Lloyd-Jones further illustrates how the word justification is used throughout Scripture and how the Roman Catholics defined the word. He makes interesting points of how the modern day Christian generally does not understand the definition of many key words used throughout scripture. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also cross-examines how justification and sanctification are different.
Justification and Sanctification
The Christian life is fraught with hardship and even sin. How can the Christian reconcile being made right before God, yet still fighting sin? Through this sermon on John 1:16, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones helps the Christian to see the distinction between justification and sanctification; He describes justification as an imputed righteousness. This is your new status before God. This happens all at once, like the removal of old dirty clothes and the dawning of bright new clothes; whereas sanctification is imparted righteousness. What this means, Dr. Lloyd-Jones elaborates, is that it is not instantaneous like justification, but is much more like a blood transfusion that takes time – eventually becoming your very lifeblood. Furthermore, he describes that every Christian is justified to the same extent and has the same legal standing before God. hHwever, not every Christian is equally sanctified. The Christian of thirty years may see more victory over sin than the Christian of thirty days. If you are struggling with sin, know that your standing before God is secured not by your holiness, but by the holiness of Jesus! Moreover, know that in your struggle with sin, the Holy Spirit is working righteousness in you until you are called home to Glory.
An Introduction
In this sermon Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones introduces Romans 6:1-2 and explains why its message is so important for your life. Here, we find the great truth of justification by faith alone through the work of Christ alone. He explains why justification by faith alone, rightly understood, does not lead to a life of sin and immorality. This is because the Gospel not only makes us righteous before God, but also gives us the Holy Spirit and the desire to live a life of purity. It is only by abusing the doctrine of justification by faith alone that men are encouraged to sin and to break the Law of God. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows how this is a deeply practical doctrine that has profound and lasting impact for how we live our lives as followers of Jesus Christ. All who come to Jesus as repentant sinners and believe upon His name will be saved, being justified by faith in Christ alone!
Man; a Slave to Sin
God, Grace, Jesus, Christ, Birth, Slave, Ransom, Trusting, Example, Salvation, Hope, Men, Redemption, Dead, Justification,
Justified by God
Paul states that the greatest proof of the love of God is His plan of salvation for us. The one assurance beyond that is the direct witness of the Holy Spirit Himself. The Holy Spirit bears witness that we are indeed children of God. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones notes that after Paul discusses being justified by God, Paul uses the phrase “how much more then.” Christ has already died for us, which meant that we no longer have to face God’s wrath. Also much more, Christ gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit as well. Dr. Lloyd- Jones then discusses justification, how the cross procures this justification on our behalf. It is not our works, our faith, or our sanctification that justifies us; it is purely the work of Christ on the cross. This act guarantees our final salvation, when Christ comes to receive his church and we are with Christ in glory for eternity.
One Faith
From Ephesians 4:5, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones argues that the unifying faith of Christianity is not unity of doctrine, first and foremost, but it is a unity of faith in Christ. This is the faith that justifies all who are truly Christians. In this we see the saving work of Christ and the application of that work to the hearts and minds of believers by the Holy Spirit. For this reason, the great doctrine of justification by faith alone is at the very heart of the Gospel and Christianity. It is this doctrine that the Reformers fought for, and it is this doctrine that is essential to any true understanding of the Gospel. This is why it is so vital that the Church of our day guards against all heresies that would add anything to the Gospel. For anyone who tries to add anything to faith detracts from God’s glory as the only Savior and hope for fallen mankind. It detracts from the work of Christ on the cross to say that fallen men must do something in addition to the Gospel. To reject justification by faith is to reject the saving Gospel and to reject true Christianity as found in God’s Word.
The Wrath of God
The apostle Paul tells us that all men are in sin and ruled by sin. Apart from the gospel we are dead in our sins and trespasses. Listen as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches from Ephesians 2 on the judgement of God is the only answer for the children of wrath. It is vital that we come to understand the wrath of God in order to understand both the grace and love of God. We can only understand, Christ, His life, and His death if we see the great problem of our sin and God’s wrath. This wrath is the manifestation of God’s just indignation, and this just judgment of sin can be seen from Genesis to Revelation as the plan and story of redemption unfolds. But, in God’s love he provided hope for sinful and fallen man. By sending His Son to die for us sinners who deserved nothing but condemnation and judgement, He provides a way of salvation and justification for his enemies. This is the glory of the gospel God, it is adoption and justification for those who deserve nothing but judgment. It is the adoption of God’s enemies as children and inheritors through the work of Christ.