Sealing with the Spirit
A Sermon on Romans 8:16
Originally preached Jan. 13, 1961
Scripture
16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Sermon Description
What does it mean to say that the Spirit bears witness? Listen to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones in this sermon on Romans 8:16 titled “Sealing with the Spirit.” Paul began assuring the Christian in their salvation by saying in Romans 8:16 that they are led by the Spirit of God, which makes them children of God. Secondly, he adds that Christians would know something of the spirit of bondage and fear. Paul is now explaining that the Holy Spirit testifies with the Christian’s spirit. There are multitudes of commentaries that discuss varying views on the definition of this verse and Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones spends much of this sermon discussing the views and applications of this verse. He does want to make one thing clear: all Christians are sons of God and all Christians are children of God. Those that say there are distinctions or groupings among Christians have not properly translated what Paul is saying here. When Paul refers to Christians as “sons,” he means this in a legal sense. When Paul refers to Christians as “children of God,” he means this in a familial sense and our present reality. Dr. Lloyd-Jones then explains why this is another point to prove the assurance of one’s salvation. Any scholar or commentary that does not teach on the assurance of salvation does not fall into the proper Protestant Reformation teaching.
Sermon Breakdown
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The verse under consideration is Romans 8:16 - "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." This verse comes in the context of assurance of salvation, which is the theme of the entire chapter.
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The first ground for assurance of salvation is being led by the Spirit (v. 14). There are signs that can indicate if someone is being led by the Spirit.
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The second ground is knowing the "spirit of bondage" and "spirit of fear" (v. 15a). Only Christians experience this.
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The third ground is receiving the "spirit of adoption" where we cry "Abba, Father!" (v. 15b). This is not essential for salvation but should be sought after.
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In v. 16, "Spirit" is capitalized because the Holy Spirit is a person, though the Greek word is neuter. "Beareth witness with" means a joint testimony. "Children" refers to our experience while "sons" refers to our legal standing. The terms are used interchangeably.
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Some teach that only some Christians become "sons" through faith and works, but Scripture says all Christians are children and sons of God.
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The Spirit's witness is not just enabling us to cry "Abba, Father" (v. 15) or leading us (v. 14). It is an additional witness.
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The Spirit does not just enlighten us or assure us because of His work in us. His witness is subsequent to faith and regeneration.
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The Spirit's witness is direct, immediate, and felt, though it varies. It is a sealing of the Spirit.
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This verse is key to assurance of salvation and distinguishes Protestantism from Roman Catholicism. It has been key in revivals.
Sermon Q&A
What is Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Teaching About the Witness of the Holy Spirit in Romans 8:16?
What does Romans 8:16 say and why is it so important according to Lloyd-Jones?
Romans 8:16 states: "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God." Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes this as "one of the most glorious statements that is to be found anywhere in the Bible from beginning to end" and claims "there is no more important verse than this" from the standpoint of Christian experience, happiness, joy, and enjoying salvation. He considers it the "hallmark of the evangelical Christian" that has been dear to believers since the Protestant Reformation.
How does Lloyd-Jones explain the difference between "sons" and "children" in Romans 8?
Lloyd-Jones explains that the apostle Paul uses "sons" in verses 14-15 and "children" in verse 16, but these terms are essentially interchangeable. The term "son" carries a more legal connotation related to adoption and standing, while "children" represents the reality of the filial nature in an inner sense. He refutes the teaching that suggests only some Christians are "sons" while all are "children," pointing out that Paul uses these terms interchangeably throughout his writings, and the apostle John exclusively uses "children" in his writings.
What does Lloyd-Jones believe is the incorrect interpretation of the Spirit's witness?
Lloyd-Jones rejects interpretations that reduce the Spirit's witness to: 1. Merely explaining how we come to cry "Abba, Father" (verse 15) 2. Simply the Spirit's work in conviction of sin and conversion 3. The Spirit enabling us to see evidence of salvation in our lives 4. Just the fruits of the Spirit in our lives leading to a deduction of sonship 5. A repetition of what was already explained in earlier verses
He believes these interpretations "evacuate this verse of its central glory" by not recognizing the distinct and additional witness of the Spirit.
According to Lloyd-Jones, what is the true meaning of the Spirit's witness?
Lloyd-Jones, drawing from Robert Haldane, teaches that this witness of the Spirit is: 1. A distinct, immediate, and additional testimony beyond our own spirit's witness 2. Not the Spirit's first work, but something subsequent to regeneration and faith 3. Comparable to the "sealing of the Spirit" mentioned in Ephesians 1:13 4. A joint witness that comes alongside our own spirit's testimony 5. Something that provides absolute assurance, not merely "solace" or satisfaction
He emphasizes that this is an experience that provides absolute certainty of salvation, greater than anything else in life, and is characteristic of revival experiences throughout church history.
Why does Lloyd-Jones believe this verse distinguishes Protestantism from Roman Catholicism?
Lloyd-Jones states that "there is no verse which shows so clearly the difference between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism." Roman Catholic teaching opposes the doctrine of assurance of salvation, teaching that Christians can never be sure of their salvation and must rely on the church and priests. This verse, by contrast, affirms the certainty and assurance that believers can have of their salvation, which was a hallmark of the Protestant Reformation and evangelical movements like the Great Awakening.
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.