How Does Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Explain Christian Sanctification in Romans 8:12-13?

What is the significance of the word "therefore" in Romans 8:12?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the word "therefore" is one of the apostle Paul's most characteristic words, indicating that he's making an application of the doctrine he has previously laid down. In Romans 8:12, this marks the transition from doctrinal teaching to practical application, showing how believers should live based on the truths Paul has established. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that this pattern of doctrine followed by application is fundamental to Paul's method, and warns that ignoring these "therefore" transitions can lead to antinomianism—believing correct doctrine without putting it into practice.

How does Lloyd-Jones distinguish between the two common views of sanctification that he criticizes?

Lloyd-Jones identifies two popular but incorrect views of sanctification: 1. The "perfectionist teaching" - Claims sin can be totally eradicated from believers through a second experience (often called "baptism of the Holy Spirit"), making them instantly perfect and sinless. 2. The "counteraction principle" - Acknowledges sin remains in believers but teaches that through a critical moment of surrender and "handing it all over to Christ," believers can experience instant victory where Christ does it all for them.

Both views, according to Lloyd-Jones, misrepresent the actual process of sanctification by promising immediate, crisis-moment victory rather than the ongoing process Paul describes.

What does Lloyd-Jones teach is the correct understanding of sanctification based on Romans 8:12-13?

Lloyd-Jones teaches that true biblical sanctification is: 1. Not an additional experience but a deduction from what is already true of Christians 2. A continuous, repeated action (shown by Paul's use of the present tense for "mortify") 3. Something believers themselves must actively do ("if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body") 4. Based on understanding our position in Christ - that we are already "alive in spirit" and have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us 5. A logical conclusion from realizing we are "debtors not to the flesh" but to God's grace

Unlike the other views, this understanding requires ongoing effort and progress, not a one-time crisis experience.

According to Lloyd-Jones, what's wrong with the idea that sanctification happens in a "critical moment"?

Lloyd-Jones argues that the idea of sanctification occurring in a critical moment directly contradicts Paul's teaching in Romans 8:12-13. He points out that Paul uses the present tense for "mortify," which "denotes what is now going on and indicates a continuous, repeated or habitual action." This means believers must "go on mortifying the deeds of the body," continuously and repeatedly—not experience a one-time crisis where it's all handled instantly. Lloyd-Jones notes that Paul is "not indicating something crucial, critical or immediate" but rather "laying down for the Christian man a program which he has got to follow and to carry out" for the duration of his life.

How does Lloyd-Jones explain our obligation as Christians based on Romans 8:12?

Lloyd-Jones explains that as Christians, we are "debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh." This means we have no obligation to the flesh whatsoever, which has only brought us into sin and misery. Instead, our obligation is to the Lord, as expressed in hymns like Philip Doddridge's "My gracious Lord, I own Thy right to every service I can pay" and Toplady's "A debtor to mercy alone." Because of all Christ has done for us, and because we are now "alive in the spirit" with the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, our obligation is to live accordingly—to mortify the deeds of the body through the Spirit. Our debt is to God's grace, not to our sinful flesh.