What is the significance of the contrast between Stephen and the Sanhedrin in Acts 7?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones highlights the stark contrast between Stephen and the members of the Sanhedrin as a profound illustration of the difference between a Christian and a non-Christian. This contrast is not merely a matter of different opinions but represents the deepest division possible between human beings.

The contrast is evident in:

1. Their relationship to the Holy Spirit - The Sanhedrin "resist the Holy Ghost" while Stephen is "full of the Holy Ghost."

2. Their understanding - Stephen had spiritual insight into Scripture, history, and God's purposes that the religious leaders lacked despite their knowledge.

3. Their spirit - The Sanhedrin members were violent, hateful, and gnashed their teeth, while Stephen displayed compassion, forgiveness, and prayed for his persecutors.

4. Their approach to death - The Sanhedrin members acted with fear and fury, while Stephen faced death with calmness, seeing the heavens opened and Jesus standing at God's right hand.

This contrast demonstrates that Christianity is not about external improvements but about becoming "a new creation" through the work of the Holy Spirit.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe the proper understanding of the law according to Stephen's sermon?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, a key difference between Christians and non-Christians is their understanding of the law's purpose. He explains that:

1. The non-Christian misunderstands the law, believing "that God gave the law in order that men might save themselves by it" through good behavior and morality.

2. The Christian, like Stephen, understands that "the purpose of the giving of the law was to bring us all under condemnation." The law was never meant to save but to show "the exceeding sinfulness of sin."

3. The law serves as "our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ" by revealing our helpless condition.

4. The ceremonial aspects of the law with its sacrifices were not means for self-salvation but pictures pointing to how God would save us through Christ, "the lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world."

5. "Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth" - the law's purpose is fulfilled in Christ.

This understanding of the law is critical to grasping the gospel and represents the spiritual insight given by the Holy Spirit.

How does the Holy Spirit transform a Christian's view of death according to the sermon?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that one of the most profound differences the Holy Spirit makes in a believer's life is transforming their view of death. In Stephen's case:

1. Instead of fear and terror, there is calmness and peace: "He fell asleep" even while being stoned to death.

2. Christians understand the distinction between body and spirit: "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" shows that the most valuable part of us is imperishable.

3. Christians have an eternal perspective: They see this world as "transient, evanescent, preparatory" and look forward to "a city which had foundations, whose builder and maker is God."

4. The Holy Spirit enables believers to see spiritual realities: Stephen "looked up steadfastly into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God."

5. Christians find comfort in Christ's presence in death: Jesus was standing (not sitting) at God's right hand, which Lloyd-Jones interprets as Christ "getting up, as it were, to look at his suffering servant and waiting to receive him."

This transformation means Christians can face death with the confidence that it is merely "a little rivulet standing between this world of sin and shame and evil and sorrow, and that glorious them that awaits the people of God."