Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Sermon Questions and Answers on Romans 8:28-30

What is the central concept in Romans 8:28-30 according to Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the central and cardinal statement of Romans 8:28-30 is the phrase "according to his purpose" at the end of verse 28. He emphasizes, "Much more important than all these great terms with which we are so familiar, such as foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, glorification - greater than them all is the phrase 'according to his purpose.'" He explains that the business of verses 29 and 30 is simply to expound this phrase, which is the key to understanding everything else in the passage.

When was God's purpose of salvation established according to the sermon?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones firmly states that God's purpose of salvation was established "before the foundation of the world" - not after the fall of man or as a reaction to human events. He cites several scriptures including Ephesians 1:4, 2 Timothy 1:9, and 1 Peter 1:20 to demonstrate that God's plan of salvation was foreordained before creation. He emphasizes that "The plan of salvation did not come into the mind of God after the fall of man. It was before that. It was before even the creation of the world."

How does Lloyd-Jones refute dispensationalism in this sermon?

Lloyd-Jones refutes dispensationalism by rejecting the idea that God makes "readjustments" to His plan as time goes on. He specifically criticizes the teaching that Christ's death was an "improvisation" that happened only because the Jews rejected the kingdom message. He calls this view a "denial of the plain teaching of scripture" and says it approaches "blasphemy" because it contradicts the eternal, unchanging purpose of God established before creation. He states that dispensationalism "runs mad and becomes a denial of the plain teaching of the scripture."

Who carries out God's purpose according to Lloyd-Jones?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that it is ultimately God Himself who carries out His purpose. He points out that five times in these three verses we are told that it is God who acts: God foreknew, God predestined, God called, God justified, and God glorified. While he acknowledges the work of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), he warns against giving all glory to the Son alone and forgetting the Father. He stresses that "it is the Father who sent him to do all that he did" and that the purpose originates with God the Father.

Why does Lloyd-Jones believe the fulfillment of God's purpose is absolutely certain?

Lloyd-Jones presents several reasons why God's purpose is absolutely certain: 1. The past tense verbs in Romans 8:30 (including "glorified") indicate the certainty as if already completed 2. The character of God demands it - His glory, grace, and wisdom are at stake 3. Biblical prophecies demonstrate God's ability to announce events centuries before they happen 4. The Old Testament history shows God carrying out His purpose despite obstacles 5. If anything could frustrate God's purpose, it would mean something is stronger than God, which is "inconceivable" 6. Salvation is ultimately for God's glory, not primarily for human benefit

What does Lloyd-Jones say is the ultimate purpose of salvation?

According to Lloyd-Jones, "Salvation is not ultimately for your sake and mine. Salvation is ultimately for the glory of God." He explains that in salvation, God is "vindicating himself," "manifesting himself to the whole universe," and "displaying his everlasting and eternal glory." He cites Ephesians 3:10, stating that through the church God is showing "the principalities and powers in heavenly places... his manifold wisdom." The ultimate goal, as referenced in 1 Corinthians 15:28, is "that God might be all in all."

How does Lloyd-Jones view the relationship between the Old and New Testaments?

Lloyd-Jones describes the Old Testament as "the outworking of this purpose of God, preparing for the coming of his son." He says the Old Testament shows how "the way is being prepared" through "ideas," "previews," and "suggestions." He views the Bible as having "one great theme" from beginning to end - God's purpose of salvation. He explains that the New Testament shows the Son doing "that essential work, which he alone could do" and then the Holy Spirit continuing the work. Both testaments together reveal the unfolding of God's eternal purpose.

What warning does Lloyd-Jones give about focusing too much on Romans 9-11?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones warns that many people are "anxious to get on to" Romans 9-11, but he cautions that these chapters are "very similar to chapters six and seven" in that they "were only written to deal with difficulties and with objections." He states, "They don't state the doctrine so much, they simply apply proofs. They're answering queries and questions." He advises that Romans 9-11 are "not the place to go to, to rush to and to concentrate on" because the great doctrine is already presented in Romans 8:28-30.