Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on Spiritual Warfare: Questions and Answers

What is the current position of the world in relation to Satan according to Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the current position of the world is clearly described in 1 John 5:19: "the whole world lieth in the wicked one" or "in the evil one." He explains that the world is "lying this morning in the embrace of Satan." The devil is "controlling the mind and the outlook of the world," which includes "everybody and everything that is not truly and rightly related to God." Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that despite Christ's completed work, unbelievers remain "entirely controlled by him [Satan], not only politically, but industrially. And all these turmoils and quarrels and disputes, all rivalry and jealousy and envy, it's all a part of the work of the devil."

How does Lloyd-Jones explain the dramatic change in position for Christians?

Lloyd-Jones explains that Christians have experienced a complete transformation or "translation" out of Satan's domain. He cites numerous scriptures showing this change:

• Luke 11:22 - Christ as the "stronger than he" who has overcome the strong man armed (Satan)
• Acts 26:18 - We are "turned from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God"
• Colossians 1:13 - God "hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear son"
• 1 Peter 2:9-10 - We are "called out of darkness into his marvelous light" and are now "the people of God"
• 1 John 5:19 - "We know that we are of God and the whole world lieth in the wicked one"

This transformation is not due to anything we've done, but entirely because of what God has done for us through Christ.

Why does the Christian still experience spiritual struggle if they've been delivered from Satan's power?

Lloyd-Jones addresses this apparent contradiction by explaining the precise meaning of 1 John 5:18, which states "that wicked one toucheth him not." The word "toucheth" doesn't mean Satan can't interact with Christians at all, but rather that he cannot "get hold of us" or "get us into his clutches" again. Lloyd-Jones illustrates this with two examples:

1. Two fields separated by a road - Christians have been moved from Satan's kingdom to God's kingdom, but Satan can still "shout at you across the road" and influence through suggestions and temptations.

2. A child walking with his father - A bully (Satan) cannot harm the child because the father protects him, yet the child may still feel fear when seeing the bully.

The Christian is permanently secure in Christ ("Your life is hid with Christ in God"), but can still be harassed, tempted, and influenced by Satan.

What does Ephesians 6:10-13 teach about the Christian's ability to stand against Satan?

Lloyd-Jones argues that because of our new position in Christ, we have the ability to successfully resist Satan. He points to several scripture passages that confirm this truth:

• James 4:7 - "Resist the devil and he will flee from you"
• 1 Peter 5:8-9 - "Your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour, whom resist steadfast in the faith"
• Ephesians 6:10-11 - "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil"

Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that Christians can stand against Satan not through their own strength but because "greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4). The Christian's security and ability to resist is based entirely on their position in Christ and the presence of the Trinity within them.

Why does Lloyd-Jones reject the idea of "falling from grace"?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones forcefully rejects the teaching that Christians can fall from grace, calling it "one of the most fatuous teachings that have ever been put to the church." He bases this on several biblical truths:

1. The Christian's life is "hid with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3)
2. Jesus promised, "I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish" (John 10:28-29)
3. Paul declared that nothing "shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39)

Lloyd-Jones argues that teaching the possibility of falling from grace "involves the very character of God himself" and would mean "the defeat of God." He emphasizes that Satan "can't cross that road and he can't take you back across that road" - meaning a true Christian's position in Christ is eternally secure.