What Does Lloyd-Jones Teach About the Nature of Sin and Need for Supernatural Salvation?

What does Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones identify as the true nature of sin according to his sermon?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, sin is not merely something superficial or negative, but a profound and positive condition that manifests itself actively. He describes sin using Peter's words to Simon the Sorcerer as "the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity." Sin is vicious, bitter, and offensive - not just the absence of good qualities as psychology might suggest. Lloyd-Jones explains that sin is essentially "enmity against God" that makes people bitter toward Him, and this bitterness manifests in different ways, even beneath a veneer of kindness or respectability. He quotes Paul's description from Romans 3 that characterizes humans with phrases like "their throat is an open sepulchre" and "the poison of asps is under their lips."

How does Lloyd-Jones explain the concept of "the bond of iniquity" in his sermon?

Lloyd-Jones explains that "the bond of iniquity" describes sin as a form of slavery or serfdom. This bondage means that humans cannot deliver themselves from sin through self-improvement, education, or moral teaching. He points out that despite knowing right from wrong, people deliberately do wrong because they cannot help themselves - they are enslaved by sin. This is why, he argues, all human efforts at self-improvement and civilization fail: "Every one of us is a self by nature. Every one of us knows what it is to fall to sins that we hate." This bondage is why mere teaching or moral instruction is insufficient; humans need supernatural deliverance because they cannot break free from this bondage by themselves.

Why does Lloyd-Jones argue that a supernatural salvation is necessary for humanity?

Lloyd-Jones argues that supernatural salvation is necessary because:

1. The true nature of sin is too profound for human solutions - it's not just ignorance needing instruction but a deep bondage
2. Sin makes people guilty before God and subject to His wrath and judgment
3. What's needed is not improvement but complete transformation - "a new heart," "a new nature"
4. No human effort (money, good deeds, intelligence) can purchase God's gift of salvation
5. The consequences of dying in sin are eternal separation from God in hell
6. Only through Christ's supernatural work (incarnation, death, resurrection) can humans receive new natures and be transformed at the core of their personality

Lloyd-Jones states: "To become a Christian is to become entirely new. The difference between Christianity and the world is an absolute difference."

How does Simon the Sorcerer illustrate the difference between worldly thinking and true Christianity in the sermon?

Simon the Sorcerer perfectly illustrates worldly thinking versus true Christianity:

1. He thought he could purchase God's gift with money, showing he fundamentally misunderstood grace
2. He wanted spiritual power for selfish reasons, not understanding the humility of true Christianity
3. His heart remained unchanged despite outward profession (baptism and church membership)
4. He was filled with self-confidence and conceit, wanting to elevate himself above Philip
5. His only concern was avoiding punishment ("pray for me that none of these things come upon me"), not true repentance
6. He exemplified reliance on worldly resources (money, influence) rather than God's grace

Lloyd-Jones contrasts this with true Christianity which comes with complete humility ("nothing in my hand I bring"), a new heart, a desire for holiness (not just escaping hell), and reliance solely on God's grace rather than personal resources or abilities.

What hope does Lloyd-Jones offer to those who have rejected the supernatural nature of Christianity?

Despite his strong rebuke of those who reject the supernatural elements of Christianity, Lloyd-Jones offers hope by pointing to the possibility of repentance. He emphasizes that even Simon, who was "in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity," was told to "repent and pray." Lloyd-Jones encourages his listeners:

1. To acknowledge their folly and sinfulness
2. To humble themselves and stop defending themselves
3. To pray to God in the name of Jesus Christ
4. To remember that Christ died for the ungodly
5. To look to examples like Paul who received mercy despite being "a persecutor, a blasphemer, an injurious person"

Lloyd-Jones concludes with the assurance that this gospel is "for vile, gall-like sinners in the bond of iniquity" and quotes Christ's promise that "whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." He offers the hope that even those who have previously rejected Christ's supernatural salvation can repent, believe, and be saved.