Distinctions Abolished
A Sermon on Romans 3:29-31
Originally preached April 12, 1957
Scripture
29Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 30Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. 31Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: …
Sermon Description
There are groups of people from different religions who join to worship together, claiming that they all worship the same God. But Paul states emphatically that there is indeed only one God and that there is only one way to receive salvation. Those who have different religions and different means to God are completely wrong. When the Jews claim that they are God’s chosen people, Paul refutes this by saying that the Lord Jesus is a God for all. The people who will receive salvation are those that believe in Christ, no matter if they are Jew and Gentile. There is now equal opportunity because Christ has broken down all partitions between the Jews and Gentiles. In the sermon “Distinctions Abolished” from Romans 3:29–31, Dr. Lloyd-Jones warns against those who think that they are saved because their parents are saved, or that the gospel is only for a select few, or that all religions worship the same God. All will be held accountable to the one true and living God.
Sermon Breakdown
- The apostle Paul is drawing deductions from the doctrine of redemption through Jesus's blood in Romans 3:29-31.
- The second deduction is that God's way of salvation abolishes all distinctions between people. Jews and Gentiles are in the same position.
- Verse 30 says that God will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. The difference between "by" and "through" faith is minor. Paul uses the terms interchangeably.
- The fact that there is only one God means the distinction between Jews and Gentiles must end. There is only one way of salvation, and it is for all who believe.
- Not seeing Jews and Gentiles in the same position impugns God's character. As there is one God, there must be one way of salvation.
- The gospel is for all people. Some think it is only for "good" or "bad" people, but all need it.
- World congresses of faiths that claim all religions worship the same God deny the gospel. There is only one way to God: through Christ's blood.
- Dispensationalism also denies this by claiming there are separate gospels for Jews and Gentiles and that the distinction will persist in eternity. There is only one gospel.
- We must consider the implications of biblical teachings and not be led astray by subtle errors. We must hold to the gospel.
- We should not desire to be controversial but must speak the truth. Compromising the gospel will not further God's kingdom.
- We must be clear that Christ is the only way and that salvation is only through his blood. Justification by faith alone is essential.
- The Protestant reformers and our forefathers suffered to defend these truths. We must not deny them through a desire for fellowship.
- We must see these truths clearly, rest on them, live by them, contend for them, and enjoy their blessings.
Sermon Q&A
Common Questions About Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on Romans 3:29-31
What is the main point of Romans 3:29-30 according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the main point of Romans 3:29-30 is that "God's way of salvation abolishes all distinctions between people." He emphasizes that the distinction between Jews and Gentiles has been entirely abolished through Christ's work on the cross. Lloyd-Jones states, "Here you see every division and distinction entirely abolished and forever banished because this is the only way of salvation." The apostle Paul is making it clear that there is only one way of salvation for all people, regardless of their background.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain the difference between "by faith" and "through faith" in Romans 3:30?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones acknowledges this apparent distinction where Paul states God "shall justify the circumcision by faith and uncircumcision through faith." He concludes that "ultimately there is no material difference here between the two" and the apostle is simply "varying his expression, as he's very fond of doing." Lloyd-Jones provides evidence from Galatians 2:16 and 3:8 where Paul uses these terms interchangeably. While some suggest "by" might point to source (emphasizing to Jews that the source is never works) and "through" might emphasize the means for Gentiles, Lloyd-Jones maintains that fundamentally, it makes no real difference.
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say about the "World Congress of Faiths" concept?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones strongly condemns the concept of a "World Congress of Faiths" that suggests all religions are just different paths to the same God. He calls it "a denial of the gospel" and "a betrayal of utter ignorance of the love of God." He argues this approach directly contradicts Paul's teaching that there is only one way to God. Lloyd-Jones states, "Far from being an indication of an understanding of the love of God, it is a denial of the most glorious manifestation of the love of God." He emphasizes that no one knows God or is reconciled to Him except through Christ, the only mediator between God and humanity.
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones identify as the "dispensational error"?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones criticizes what he calls the "dispensational error" - teaching that continues to emphasize distinctions between Jews and Gentiles. He specifically objects to teaching that suggests there are several different gospels (like "the gospel of the kingdom" versus "the gospel of the grace of God") or that some people will be saved through means other than faith in Christ. Lloyd-Jones maintains, "There is only one gospel. It is the gospel of the grace of God... There is only one way to be reconciled to God, and that is through this propitiation which he has set forth in the blood of Christ."
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones address the temptation to compromise for the sake of unity?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones warns against compromise that comes through an emphasis on being "positive" and avoiding criticism of wrong views. He says this mindset suggests, "You mustn't be negative. You mustn't criticize wrong views... you mustn't be too particular, otherwise you're setting yourself up and you're saying everybody else is wrong." While acknowledging we shouldn't be needlessly controversial, he argues that when the gospel is at stake, we must take a stand: "These are foundations, fundamental... I say, surely there can be no argument at all." He concludes that the Holy Spirit "will never honor anything except the truth."
The Book of Romans
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.