What is the relationship between human sin and creation's condition according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, there is an indissoluble link between human sin and the current condition of creation. He explains that the entire creation (excluding angels and humans) was subjected to "vanity" and "bondage of corruption" not because of anything creation itself did, but solely because of man's sin.

Lloyd-Jones states: "The earth, the creation, was cursed because of the sin of man." He references Genesis 3:17-19 where God cursed the ground because of Adam's disobedience. This resulted in:

1. Creation being subjected to "vanity" - meaning it no longer fulfills its original function
2. Creation being placed in "bondage of corruption" - meaning it experiences decay, putrefaction, and death
3. The appearance of thorns, thistles, weeds, and the struggle within nature

Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that creation itself bore this penalty "not willingly" - it didn't choose this condition but suffers the consequences of human rebellion. He notes that we are not seeing creation as God originally made it, saying: "You and I are not seeing this world as God made it. We're not seeing creation as God made it."

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones mean by "reckoning" in his sermon?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that "reckoning" is the mental process by which Christians are able to endure and triumph over suffering. Based on Romans 8:18 ("For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us"), Lloyd-Jones describes this reckoning as:

1. A deliberate, active mental exercise - "You only get the Christian comfort as you put into practice this process of reckoning"
2. Not automatic or mechanical - "Christianity never provides a ready-made comfort... It's nothing mechanical"
3. A comparison between present sufferings and future glory - like putting them on opposite sides of a scale
4. A rational evaluation that recognizes suffering's reality while placing it in proper perspective

Lloyd-Jones contrasts this "reckoning" with worldly methods of comfort: "What does the world do to you when you are suffering?... They say, cheer up, it's all right, it'll soon be better. Now, that's no use at all."

Unlike drugs or false comforts that minimize suffering, the Christian reckoning acknowledges suffering's full weight but recognizes it as "not worthy to be compared" to the coming glory. It's seeing suffering in light of the promised future glory, not denying its existence.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe creation's current state and its future hope?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones provides a vivid description of creation's current state and its anticipation of future redemption:

Current state: 1. "Subject to vanity" - not fulfilling its original purpose 2. In "bondage of corruption" - experiencing decay, putrefaction, and death 3. Under a curse - producing thorns, thistles, and requiring constant effort to maintain 4. Bearing the consequences of human sin involuntarily - "not willingly" 5. Characterized by "change and decay in all around"

Future hope: 1. Creation is personified as eagerly anticipating liberation - with "earnest expectation" 2. It is "craning its neck, stretching its head, eagerly expecting and waiting" 3. It awaits "the manifestation of the sons of God" - when believers will be glorified 4. It will be "delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God" 5. Its restoration is directly tied to the glorification of believers

Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that creation's fate is "indissolubly linked with that of man." Just as creation fell with man, it will be restored when believers are glorified. This future restoration will be so glorious that it makes present sufferings pale in comparison, which is why creation itself is eagerly awaiting this transformation.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones teach about the Christian method of dealing with suffering?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones outlines a distinctly Christian approach to dealing with suffering that differs radically from worldly methods:

1. It acknowledges the full reality of suffering - "It doesn't try to make light of the weight of the problem... It will grant you to the full that the suffering is very intense"

2. It places suffering in the context of future glory - "Terrible though it is, he says, it is nothing when you put it in the light of this glory which is coming to you"

3. It requires active participation - "You only get the comfort of the Christian message as you do what it tells you to do"

4. It uses a comparative method - like putting suffering on one side of a scale and future glory on the other, making suffering appear light by comparison

5. It looks beyond the present age to the age to come - "Christian faith takes hold of its present troubles and sufferings and problems and puts them into the light of this glorious thing which is going to take place"

Lloyd-Jones contrasts this with worldly approaches: - Empty reassurances: "Cheer up, it's all right, it'll soon be better" - Drugs and alcohol that merely dull perception without changing reality - Attempts to minimize suffering rather than placing it in proper perspective

The Christian method doesn't change the reality of suffering but changes how we evaluate it by viewing it in light of "the glory which shall be revealed in us."

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain what the "glory which shall be revealed" actually entails?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, "the glory which shall be revealed" refers to a comprehensive transformation that will occur at Christ's second coming. He explains several aspects of this coming glory:

1. It involves the glorification of believers - "the manifestation of the sons of God" where Christians will be "put on exhibition" as God's showpieces

2. It includes the renovation of the entire cosmos - "the great regeneration takes place, the renovation of the whole cosmos"

3. It will free creation from its current bondage - "the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption"

4. It represents the reversal of the curse that came through Adam's sin - as creation fell with man, it will be restored with glorified believers

5. It is of such magnitude that it makes present sufferings incomparable - "not worthy to be compared with"

Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that believers won't be mere spectators of this glory but participants in it - "the glory which is to be revealed in us." He notes that this future glory is so magnificent that the entire creation is "craning its neck, longing for it, waiting for it."

This glory represents the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, where not only believers but the entire creation will be transformed and liberated from the effects of sin, corruption, and decay.