The Drama of Redemption
A Sermon on Ephesians 4:9-10
Originally preached Oct. 20, 1957
Scripture
9(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
Sermon Description
In this sermon on Ephesians 4:9–10 titled “The Drama of Redemption,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses this difficult passage with the reference to Christ descending below. After mentioning various interpretations of this passage (Christ descending to hell after His death or going to Sheol), Dr. Lloyd-Jones comes to the conclusion that this speaks of Christ’s descent as His coming down to Earth as a man. He did this in order to die on the cross so that all who believed might be saved and come to a true and saving knowledge of God. But to die as a man He had to come down from heaven, be born as a baby, and live as a true human being. Christ did not simply appear to be a man, but the Son of God hid His glory by taking on a true human nature and dying a cruel death upon a cross. It is this sacrificial death that stands at the very heart of true Christianity. If Christ did not die as a man, then there is no salvation for anyone, and all are still in sin. But God’s word tells that Christ truly died so that all may have everlasting life with Him.
Sermon Breakdown
- The sermon examines Ephesians 4:9-10 which discusses Christ's ascension and descent.
- The phrase "lower parts of the earth" has been interpreted in various ways, including Christ's birth, death, and descent into hell.
- The sermon argues that "lower parts of the earth" refers to Christ coming down to earth, not descending into hell. This is supported by other biblical references contrasting heaven and earth.
- The sermon outlines the "drama of redemption" - how Christ descended to earth to conquer enemies holding humanity in bondage: sin, Satan, the law, and death.
- Christ lived a life of obedience and sacrifice, culminating in his death on the cross. Through his death and resurrection, Christ defeated these enemies.
- Having completed his work, Christ ascended into heaven. His ascension was a result of his victory over his enemies. He now has all power and authority.
- Though Christ is exalted in heaven, he retains his human nature. So in a sense, we are exalted and seated with him.
- Christ, as head of the church, gives gifts and graces to his people according to his will.
Sermon Q&A
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on Christ's Descent and Ascension in Ephesians 4:9-10
What does the phrase "he descended first into the lower parts of the earth" in Ephesians 4:9 mean?
According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, this phrase simply refers to Christ coming to earth, not descending into hell or the grave. He explains: "The meaning of the phrase, 'the lower parts of the earth' is just the earth itself." Lloyd-Jones rejects various speculative interpretations about Christ descending into hell, noting there's "not a word in the scriptures to substantiate it." Rather, it's a pictorial way of describing Christ's incarnation - His coming from heaven to earth.
Why does Paul discuss Christ's ascension and descent in Ephesians 4?
Paul is establishing Christ's authority as the head of the church who gives spiritual gifts. Lloyd-Jones explains: "The great question confronting us is how do these two things manage to exist at the same time? How can you have diversity and yet unity?" Paul answers this by showing that Christ's authority comes from His completed work - descending to earth, conquering sin and death, and ascending victoriously. This qualifies Him to "fill all things" and dispense gifts to His church.
How does Lloyd-Jones interpret 1 Peter 3:19 about Christ preaching to "spirits in prison"?
Lloyd-Jones rejects the interpretation that Christ preached to souls in hell after His death. He explains: "What he is saying is this... the position now in the world is similar to what it was just before the flood. Christ is speaking in the spirit now through me and the other apostles, warning God's people." He finds no scriptural evidence that Christ went to hell to preach or to liberate captive Old Testament saints, asking: "Why were they the only people preached to? Why was it that this gospel was again put before that particular group only?"
What is the "drama of salvation" that Lloyd-Jones describes in this sermon?
Lloyd-Jones calls the progression from Christ's descent to ascension "the great drama of salvation." He traces Christ's journey: leaving heaven's glory, taking human form, living in obedience, fighting against temptation, conquering sin and death on the cross, rising from the grave, and ascending to heaven. This drama shows how Christ "conquered the last enemy, every one of them, every enemy that's ever enslaved men and kept him in bondage has been routed and defeated."
How does Christ's descent and ascension relate to church unity?
Lloyd-Jones explains that Christ's completed redemptive work makes Him the rightful head of the church with authority to distribute gifts. "What puts our Lord into the position in which he is the giver of all these gifts to the church and is the head of the church and is lord of all over the church... is the work which he did when he was here on earth." This lordship creates unity within diversity because all gifts come from the same source - the victorious Christ who now fills all things.
The Book of Ephesians
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.