What Does Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Teach About the Characteristics of Those Who Are Born Again?

What are the essential marks of a person who is born again according to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the essential marks of a person who is born again include:

1. It becomes the most obvious thing about them - they "cannot be hid"
2. They are conscious of being dealt with by God - they've been humbled and have truly repented
3. They possess a fundamental seriousness about spiritual matters
4. They are conscious of a new life and nature within them
5. They are surprised at themselves and the changes God has wrought
6. Other people can see the difference in them
7. They have spiritual understanding that natural people lack
8. They desire more and more spiritual knowledge and growth
9. They are no longer content with spiritual "preliminaries" or basic teachings
10. They have a genuine concern for the unregenerate

Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that these characteristics naturally flow from genuine spiritual life rather than being manufactured or forced.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe the desire for spiritual growth in a born-again believer?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes the desire for spiritual growth as an inevitable characteristic of true spiritual life. He states:

"Once one has this life which leads to this spiritual apprehension and understanding, one always desires more and more of this knowledge and understanding. This is a characteristic of life. There is this principle of growth in life."

He compares it to: - A seed that continuously expands and grows - The natural progression from babes in Christ to children to young men to mature believers - A hunger for the "sincere milk of the word" (1 Peter 2:2) - The Apostle Paul's attitude in Philippians 3:10-14 of "pressing toward the mark"

Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that a genuine believer is never satisfied with their current spiritual state but eagerly desires deeper understanding and knowledge of Christ.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones distinguish between true spiritual concern for others and mere religious proselytizing?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones makes several key distinctions between genuine spiritual concern for others and mere religious proselytizing:

True spiritual concern: - Arises spontaneously from within as a result of one's own spiritual life - Is characterized by deep compassion and even "grief of soul" for the lost - Involves a profound seriousness about eternal matters - Is accompanied by earnest prayer for others - Shows great patience with those who don't immediately respond - Demonstrates respect for others' personalities and doesn't manipulate - May even involve initial hesitancy or fear in speaking to others

Mere religious proselytizing: - Is imposed by authorities or organizational requirements - Has a mechanical, glib, and light-hearted approach - Is characterized by excitement and techniques rather than compassion - Uses clichés and pet phrases - Is primarily concerned with numbers and successful conversions - Shows impatience with those who don't quickly respond - Follows the "method of big business" rather than the way of Christ

Lloyd-Jones warns that this false zeal can be "nothing but a carnal zeal" that may burn brightly at first but eventually fades away.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones teach about the danger of spiritual complacency?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones strongly warns against spiritual complacency, describing it as a dangerous sign that may indicate a lack of genuine spiritual life. He addresses those who say, "I took my decision, been a Christian ever since, and you don't want very much more," noting that such attitudes reveal a serious spiritual problem.

He points out several dangers of spiritual complacency:

1. It indicates a failure to understand the vast treasure house of spiritual riches available in Christ
2. It leaves believers vulnerable to the devil's subtle attacks and heresies
3. It keeps Christians in spiritual infancy - "They started as babes, and they end as babes"
4. It prevents growth in spiritual understanding and experience
5. It fails to equip believers to help others with their spiritual questions

Lloyd-Jones laments the modern preference for "tabloid" Christianity where everything must be "short, snappy and simple" rather than the deep engagement with Scripture and doctrine that characterized previous generations. He challenges believers to "launch out into the deep" rather than remaining content with elementary principles.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain the role of spiritual understanding in the Christian life?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that spiritual understanding is a crucial element of the Christian life. He explains that:

1. It is a direct result of being born again - "once a man receives this life, it leads to understanding"
2. It enables believers to grasp the "mind of Christ" and "the deep things of God"
3. It makes one aware of one's past ignorance and the "terrible dangers of ignorance"
4. It helps believers recognize the subtleties and strategies of the devil
5. It creates a fear of being led astray into error or heresy
6. It gives believers the ability to help others by explaining spiritual truths
7. It should continuously deepen as one grows spiritually

Lloyd-Jones contrasts this spiritual understanding with the mere intellectual knowledge that characterizes religious but unregenerate people. He cites the example of Nicodemus who, despite his religious learning, could not comprehend spiritual birth.

The doctor emphasizes that true spiritual understanding requires effort and application, moving beyond "first principles" to more profound spiritual truths, which he compares to progressing from milk to "strong meat" (Hebrews 5-6).