What Does Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Teach About Assurance and Sanctification?

What is the relationship between assurance and sanctification according to Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, assurance is not identical to sanctification, but rather it is "the greatest stimulus to sanctification." He explains that they should not be confused as the same thing, nor should they be completely divorced from one another. Lloyd-Jones says, "If your assurance doesn't promote your sanctification it is a false assurance and it is probably of the devil." The true relationship is that genuine assurance powerfully motivates and energizes our sanctification.

How does uncertainty affect the Christian life according to Lloyd-Jones?

Lloyd-Jones teaches that "there is nothing that is more discouraging in the Christian life than uncertainty." He explains that uncertainty leads to depression, and depression leads to defeat. When we are uncertain about our salvation, we become miserable and unhappy, which makes us vulnerable to Satan's temptations. The devil produces uncertainty in believers to get them into a state of depression and defeatism, knowing that in this condition, they are more likely to yield to temptation.

How does the Holy Spirit give us assurance according to Lloyd-Jones?

According to Lloyd-Jones, the Holy Spirit gives us assurance in several ways:

1. He glorifies Christ and turns our gaze to Him - "The Holy Spirit has been sent to glorify the Lord, and so he always turns our gaze unto him."
2. He reminds us who we are in Christ - that we are "new creatures, new creations."
3. He gives direct witness to our spirits - "The spirit himself beareth witness with our spirits that we are the children of God."
4. He reminds us of the certainty of our hope in resurrection - "As Christ is risen, we shall also rise."
5. He shows us we are part of God's grand purpose - "We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, even to them who are the called according to his purpose."

How does Lloyd-Jones teach that the New Testament approaches sanctification?

Lloyd-Jones points out that "the New Testament epistles never deal with sanctification directly." Instead, they always start with doctrine, reminding believers who they are and what they are in Christ. Sanctification is presented as a deduction from these truths. He states: "The New Testament way of teaching sanctification" is not to "just walk up to the hurdle and try and jump over it. You start over there and you run and you go over it with extreme ease."

The doctor criticizes approaches that begin with addressing particular sins or focusing on self-surrender. Rather, the biblical approach is to focus on Christ and our position in Him, which then naturally leads to sanctification.

How does joy relate to sanctification in Lloyd-Jones' teaching?

Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that "the joy of the Lord is your strength," quoting from Ezra. He explains that a spirit of joy, confidence, and happiness gives us vigor and strength. When we have the joy that comes from assurance of salvation, we find ourselves empowered for sanctification. He notes that the First Epistle of John was written so that believers "may know that you have eternal life" and that "your joy may be full." This fullness of joy becomes a powerful motivation for holy living.