Martyn Lloyd-Jones on Christ's Authority and Power in Ephesians 1

What does Martyn Lloyd-Jones identify as the exceeding greatness of God's power toward believers?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the exceeding greatness of God's power toward believers is the same power that God "wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places." This power is demonstrated in both Christ's resurrection and His exaltation to the highest position of authority. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that believers must understand this isn't about receiving more power, but rather "coming to know and to realize the power that is already working in them." This power flows to believers through their organic connection to Christ as members of His body.

How does Lloyd-Jones describe Christ's current position in heaven?

Lloyd-Jones describes Christ's position as being "at his [God's] own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power, and might and dominion, and every name that is named." He explains that this right-hand position signifies both the highest honor and supreme authority. Christ has been elevated "far above" all powers, whether evil spiritual forces or even good angels. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that "God has made his son the controller of the universe" - controlling the material universe, the moral universe, and the spiritual universe. Everything is under Christ's feet and He has been given "to be the head over all things."

What important truth does Lloyd-Jones stress about Christ's current reign?

Lloyd-Jones stresses that Christ's exalted position and reign are already a present reality, not just a future hope. He says, "We have to realize that these things are already true." He expresses concern that some believers are "so anxious to emphasize the glory of the visible kingdom and reign of Christ which are coming, that they are guilty, unconsciously, of detracting from what is already true about him." He reminds his listeners that Christ already possesses "all power in heaven and in earth," is already "controlling history," and "is the Lord of history." Lloyd-Jones states emphatically: "Don't allow your thoughts about the coming kingdom to rob you of the realization of the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ is reigning now."

Why has Christ been given this exalted position according to Lloyd-Jones?

Lloyd-Jones explains that Christ has been given this exalted position for two key reasons. First, it was "because of what he has done" - his humiliation and sacrifice. Lloyd-Jones references Philippians 2, noting that "it was because he counted it not robbery to be equal with God, but emptied himself and came down and humbled himself even to the death of the cross. Wherefore God hath also highly exalted him." Second, and most precious to Lloyd-Jones, is that Christ has been exalted as the mediator, as the God-man. This means that "human nature has been raised to that height of glory" in Christ. God has exalted Jesus, not merely as the eternal Son who always shared glory with the Father, but as the one who took on human nature.

For whose benefit has Christ been given all this authority and power?

Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that Christ has been given this supreme position "for the church, for the sake of the church, that he might exercise it all in the interests of the church." He marvels at this truth, saying, "I sometimes wonder how it is that we as christian people can remain in our seats. Why it is that we are not lost in a sense of wonder, love and praise." Christ has been given this power "not for his own sake," or so that "he may there be a spectator of the glory of his father," but "for our sakes, for the church." This connects with Paul's description of the church as "his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all."

What practical implications does this doctrine have for believers according to Lloyd-Jones?

Lloyd-Jones draws several practical implications from this doctrine:

1. It means that "what is true of him is true of me" because believers are members of Christ's body.
2. It gives believers complete safety and security: "as you feel your weakness and your ineptitude, and as you're conscious of the forces that are set against you, remember that he, the head of the body to which you belong is at the right hand of God."
3. It explains the "mystery of our position" - why believers still face suffering despite being connected to the exalted Christ (for our sanctification and ultimate good).
4. It guarantees the "final security and perseverance of the saints" and our future resurrection: "As certainly as the Lord Jesus Christ rose from the grave. We shall rise from the grave."

Lloyd-Jones concludes by urging believers to "realize your inheritance" and to "dwell upon it, meditate upon it, read about it, pray concerning it" until your heart is "ravished and moved and overwhelmed."