What Does It Mean to Be a True Christian According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones?

What does Lloyd-Jones say is the most essential characteristic of a true Christian?

According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the most essential characteristic of a true Christian is that they have undergone a profound, radical transformation. He emphasizes that "when a man becomes a Christian, he undergoes the most profound change that an individual can ever undergo. It is the deepest and the most radical, the most thorough going thing that can ever happen to a man." Christianity is not simply adding religion to one's life or adopting a set of beliefs, but becoming "an entirely new person" through the work of God in one's soul.

How does Lloyd-Jones describe the relationship between a Christian and the world?

Lloyd-Jones describes the relationship between a Christian and the world as one of separation. He states that when someone becomes a Christian, they are "taken from the world, put into the realm of the church." This doesn't mean physical isolation, but a spiritual separation from the worldly mindset and values. He says Christians are "in the world but not of it," comparing them to "stars in the blackness of the heavens" or "lights in the world." This separation may even affect close relationships, as Christ said He came "not to send peace, but a sword" that sometimes divides families when one member becomes a Christian.

What does Lloyd-Jones identify as the "world" that Christians must separate from?

Lloyd-Jones defines "the world" not as the physical universe or creation, but as "the mind and the outlook of mankind without God." It refers to "man in his outlook and the hurl of his affairs apart from God, man trying to organize himself and the life of the world without God." He describes it as an "untoward generation" that is "crooked," "untractable," "unmanageable," and "perverted." The world, according to Lloyd-Jones, is controlled by "the devil, the God of this world, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience."

How does someone become a Christian according to this sermon?

According to Lloyd-Jones, becoming a Christian happens through these steps: 1. The Holy Spirit uses the preached Word to convict a person of sin 2. This conviction leads to concern and desperation, causing them to ask "What shall we do?" 3. They must repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ 4. God then gives them new life - they are "born again" 5. This results in a complete transformation of mind, heart, and will 6. The person separates from the world and joins the church

Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that one cannot make oneself a Christian - it is "the action of God the creator, recreating the soul."

What signs does Lloyd-Jones point to as evidence of true conversion?

Lloyd-Jones points to several signs as evidence of true conversion: 1. Separation from the world's mindset and values 2. Joining and continuing steadfastly with the church 3. Continuing "in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship and breaking of bread and prayer" 4. A spirit of "gladness and rejoicing" rather than seeing Christianity as a burden 5. A new hatred for sin and love for Christ 6. A changed perspective that sees through the world's emptiness 7. A new life that makes others notice the difference

He emphasizes that "faith without works is dead," meaning true conversion will always manifest itself in visible ways.

What did the first Christians do after their conversion according to Acts 2?

According to Acts 2, after their conversion, the first Christians: 1. "Gladly received his word" and were baptized 2. Were "added unto them" (joined the church) - about 3,000 souls 3. "Continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship" 4. Participated in "breaking of bread" (communion) 5. Engaged in prayers 6. Later in the chapter (which Lloyd-Jones references), they continued "daily with one accord in the temple" 7. They ate "with gladness and singleness of heart" 8. They were "praising God and having favor with all the people"

This demonstrates the immediate community formation and devotional practices that characterized the early church.

How does Lloyd-Jones contrast true Christianity with mere religion?

Lloyd-Jones makes a sharp distinction between true Christianity and mere religion:

True Christianity | Mere Religion ---------------- | ------------- Involves a radical transformation | Just adds practices to one's existing life Creates a new creature with new desires | Involves following duties against one's desires Brings gladness and joy | Is experienced as a burden or task Separates one from the world | Tries to blend with the world Is produced by God's action | Can be self-manufactured Creates unified desires ("unanimous") | Creates internal conflict Changes the "grain" of a person | Goes "against the grain" Is a "new creation" | Is merely a "trimmed up" or "varnished" creation

What does Lloyd-Jones say about the Christian's relationship to family?

Lloyd-Jones addresses the difficult reality that becoming a Christian can affect family relationships. Quoting Jesus from Matthew 10, he acknowledges that Christ came to bring "not peace, but a sword" that sometimes divides families. When one person becomes a Christian, "there is an inevitable separation and everybody knows it." The person who has been transformed now has different priorities, values, and allegiances.

However, Lloyd-Jones clarifies that this doesn't necessarily mean physically leaving one's family: "Don't misunderstand this. It doesn't mean that a man has to leave his wife of necessity or the wife, the husband or the father, the child." Rather, it means that spiritual transformation creates a distinction that can cause tension when other family members remain non-Christians.

He emphasizes that loyalty to Christ must supersede even family ties, quoting Jesus: "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me. He that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."