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Sermon #2059

God's Way of Salvation

A Sermon on Acts 6:2-7

Originally preached June 19, 1966

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Scripture

Acts 6:2-7 ESV KJV
And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we …

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Sermon Description

How does one respond to the gospel? What should the attitude be toward Jesus Christ? In this sermon on Acts 5:41-42 titled “God’s Way of Salvation,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones directs attention to hearts and attitudes toward Christ. Is the view of Jesus like that of the Sanhedrin or the apostles? While the Sanhedrin believed in the existence of God, they rejected Jesus the Son and His atoning work on the cross. The apostles, on the other hand, had a different response — they believed in Jesus the Messiah. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones describes how Christians should live in light of the gospel. Christians should rejoice and glorify Christ, ready to suffer in His name. His name is worthy of suffering and sacrifice because, as Christians, Christ is all.

Sermon Breakdown

  1. The passage under consideration is Acts 5:41-42 which describes the apostles rejoicing after being persecuted and beaten for preaching about Jesus.
  2. Christianity is an exclusive and intolerant teaching because Jesus said he is the only way to God. Many people think all religions lead to God but that is unbiblical.
  3. What makes someone a Christian is their relationship to and belief in Jesus Christ, not just a belief in God or being religious and moral. The Sanhedrin believed in God but rejected Jesus.
  4. Christians rejoice in and glory in Jesus Christ. They are proud to suffer for his name and spread his message.
  5. The difference between Christians and non-Christians is essential and absolute. Christians have a new nature and outlook.
  6. Jesus is the Son of God, creator of the universe, and savior. That is why Christians rejoice in him.
  7. Jesus died to save us from our sins and reconcile us to God. Christians rejoice in what Jesus has done for them.
  8. Jesus has made Christians children of God and heirs of eternal life. This is an incredible gift.
  9. Jesus gives Christians a new view of life in this world. He delivers them from worldliness and helps them resist temptation.
  10. Jesus makes a difference in death. Christians can face death with hope because Jesus overcame death.
  11. Jesus will make a difference for eternity. Christians will reign with him forever.
  12. The sermon calls listeners to examine if they have a relationship with Jesus like the apostles did. If not, they are called to believe in him.

Sermon Q&A

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

What is the essential difference between a Christian and a non-Christian according to Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the difference between a Christian and a non-Christian is not slight or minor, but absolute and essential. He states: "The difference between a Christian and a man who's not a Christian is not a slight one, is not a little one. A Christian is not remarkably like everybody else, except that there is this kind of addition." Rather, the Christian is "absolutely different," comparable to the stark contrast between the apostles who rejoiced in suffering for Christ's name and the Sanhedrin who wanted to kill them. This difference is described in Scripture as being "born again" or becoming "a new creature" (2 Corinthians 5:17), which means a complete transformation, not just an improvement or addition to one's life.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say is NOT what makes someone a Christian?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones clearly outlines several things that do not make someone a Christian: 1. It is not merely believing in God: "What makes a man a Christian is not to believe in God. The man who is a Christian does believe in God, but that isn't what makes him a Christian." 2. It is not being religious: "Those members of the Sanhedrin were quite as religious as the apostles, perhaps even more so." 3. It is not being moral or doing good works: "The fact that we are moral and good and decent citizens doesn't mean that we are Christian." 4. It is not trying to make yourself better: "Many try to make themselves Christians by being a bit better... It's a vain endeavor."

What, according to the sermon, is the central factor that makes someone a Christian?

The central factor that makes someone a Christian is their relationship to Jesus Christ. Dr. Lloyd-Jones states: "What is it then that makes a man a Christian? What is it that differentiates the Christian from the non-Christian? Well, I say it is one thing only and it is one thing specifically. It is, as we are shown here, the attitude to this one person, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ." This relationship is not merely intellectual assent but involves rejoicing in Christ, glorying in Him, and being willing to suffer for His name. As Lloyd-Jones puts it: "The Christian is one who not only believes in the Lord Jesus Christ, he rejoices in him and he glories in him."

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe the Christian's attitude toward the name of Jesus?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes the Christian's attitude toward the name of Jesus as one of rejoicing, pride, and glory. Christians are "proud that they're a believer in him," "proud to belong to him," and "proud that they're associated with him." They are "not afraid" or "ashamed" of the name, but rather they "rejoice," "exalt in it," and "make their boast in it." This goes beyond mere acceptance to the point where they are "even proud to suffer shame for the sake of this name" and are "ready to die for this name." As he quotes from the passage, "they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name."

Why do Christians rejoice in the name of Jesus, according to the sermon?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones outlines several reasons why Christians rejoice in the name of Jesus:

  1. Because of who He is: "He is the Lord of glory, he is the king of kings, he is the Lord of lords, he is the creator of the universe."

  2. Because of what He's done for us: "He came into this world to save us... He did it in order to save us. And he even went to the cross... He was bearing your punishment and mine."

  3. Because of what He's made of us: "He's made us kings and priests unto God... He's made us the sons of God... We are heirs of God and joint heirs of Christ."

  4. Because of the difference He makes to life in this world: "He gives us an entirely new view of it... There's nothing more wonderful than to be delivered from the power of this world."

  5. Because of how He helps us resist temptations: "He helps us to live in it. He helps us to resist temptations... He breaks the power of canceled sin, he sets the prisoner free."

  6. Because of the difference He makes to death: "He makes an entire difference to death. He transforms it. He transfigures it. Death has no terrors."

  7. Because of the eternal glory that awaits believers: "Think of the difference this name makes... not only in life, not only in death but to all eternity."

The Book of Acts

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.