Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on Romans 10:11-13: Faith, Salvation, and Scripture

What does Romans 10:11-13 teach about the nature of salvation according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, Romans 10:11-13 teaches that salvation is entirely by faith, not works. He emphasizes that "the character of saving faith" is central to this passage, where Paul states "whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." Lloyd-Jones explains that these verses establish that "it is believing on him or not believing on him that determines one's salvation. And not going about to establish one's own righteousness, going about to produce works." The passage shows that salvation is God's provision that we simply receive by faith, taking "it right out of us. And any confidence in ourselves or anything that we may chance to have or not have all that is immediately removed and abolished."

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain Paul's method of using Scripture quotations?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that Paul's method of using Scripture quotations is strategic and purposeful. He states: "This is his invariable method of establishing a point, and of course, in particular when he was dealing with the Jews." Paul quotes Scripture because "there is no argument that is to be so convincing to a Jew, and which is indeed unanswerable to a Jew, if he were quite honest, as a quotation from the scriptures." Lloyd-Jones notes that Paul "always has the exact right quotation" that is "dead on" and relevant to his argument. By quoting Isaiah 28:16, Paul proves that what he's preaching isn't a new doctrine but the fulfillment of what was already prophesied in the Jewish Scriptures.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones teach about the unity of Scripture based on this passage?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that this passage demonstrates "the glory of the scriptures" and their fundamental unity. He explains: "The scriptures are one. This gospel is attested to by Moses and the prophets, by the law and the prophets." He emphasizes how Paul can "establish the point that he's making as a New Testament preacher by an Old Testament quotation" which "shows us the grand unity of the scriptures." Lloyd-Jones states that this unity proves "God has a great plan and purpose of salvation, and that nothing that is recorded in the New Testament happened by accident." He calls this unity "very thrilling," noting that despite all the different books, "there is this absolute unity" because Scripture is "nothing but the unfolding of God's great eternal plan and purpose."

Who is the "stone" mentioned in the prophecy that Paul quotes, according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the "stone" in Isaiah's prophecy that Paul quotes refers to Jesus Christ. He explains: "Who is he? Oh, here we've got a very precious stone, here we've got a tried stone, here we've got a stone that is really capable of bearing the weight that shall be put upon it." Lloyd-Jones identifies this as "none other than the son of God" who is "precious in the eyes of God" and "God, the son who is ever eternally in the bosom of the father." This "tried stone" has been tested in every way—through the incarnation, temptations, obedience to the law, and ultimately through his death and resurrection. He is "perfectly adapted to all that he has to do" in saving humanity.

What practical lessons for preachers does Dr. Lloyd-Jones draw from Paul's approach?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones draws several practical lessons for preachers from Paul's approach:

1. Always preach to your congregation: "The apostle Paul, unlike certain preachers, always preach to his congregation." He warns against the danger of young preachers who "forget their congregations" and just "preach the thing that interests them."

2. Know your audience: "We must always learn to pay attention to the exact position of the person to whom we are speaking, and we must handle them and present our message to them according to their state and condition."

3. Know your Scriptures thoroughly: "Let's know our scriptures, therefore, and let's always be sure that we select the one that is most appropriate."

4. Use relevant quotations: "You don't help the friend whom you're trying to help by merely quoting scriptures if they're not relevant to the matter that's being discussed."

5. Be "apostolic and New Testament in our methods as well as with regard to our message."

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain the phrase "shall not be ashamed" in this passage?

While Dr. Lloyd-Jones doesn't provide a comprehensive explanation of "shall not be ashamed" in this particular sermon portion, he does indicate its significance in relation to the certainty of salvation for believers. He mentions that the phrase is sometimes translated as "shall not be confounded" and says that "the principle, the essence of the message is exactly the same." He connects this to the assurance believers have when they put their faith in Christ - the "tried stone" who has been proven capable of bearing the full weight of our salvation. In his conclusion, he states: "If we do [believe on him], we shall never be ashamed. If we don't, we shall be eternally lost," suggesting that not being ashamed means having complete confidence and assurance in our salvation through Christ.