Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon Questions and Answers: Conversion of Saul

What were the essential elements present in Saul's conversion on the Damascus Road?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, certain elements are always present in genuine Christian conversion, regardless of the circumstances. In Saul's case, these included: being arrested by God (confronted directly), being brought face to face with himself as a sinner, being brought face to face with Jesus Christ, experiencing astonishment at the encounter, trembling in response, and submitting to the Lord's will. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that while the dramatic circumstances may differ from person to person (like Lydia versus the Philippian jailer), these core elements are "invariable" and "essential to the true Christian experience."

Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say that astonishment is an essential part of Christian conversion?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that astonishment is inevitable in true conversion because when a person becomes a Christian, God is doing something profound and supernatural in the depths of their soul. He states: "When a man becomes a Christian, it's not simply that he decides to do something. It's God doing something to him." This divine work is so radical—like passing "from death to life"—that the person cannot help but be amazed. Lloyd-Jones insists: "Can you pass from death to life without being amazed?" and suggests that if someone can fully explain their spiritual experience without any sense of wonder, they may not have experienced genuine conversion.

What specifically was Saul astonished at during his conversion experience?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies several things that astonished Saul: (1) He was astonished at himself—his past ignorance, arrogance, and blasphemy; (2) He was astonished at how he could have possibly missed the truth about Christ; (3) He was astonished at Christ's glorious character and brightness; (4) He was astonished at Christ's grace, mercy and love toward him despite his persecution; (5) He was astonished at Christ's patience in bearing with him; (6) He was astonished that Christ had died for him personally; and (7) He was astonished at the way of salvation—that it was given freely by grace rather than earned through works.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe the difference between becoming a Christian and other life changes?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones distinguishes Christian conversion from other life changes by emphasizing its supernatural nature. He states: "Every experience that mankind gets is not, of necessity, Christian. There are people who can testify to great changes in their lives who are not Christian." The difference is that becoming a Christian involves regeneration—being "born again"—which is God's work, not merely human effort. It's not "a mere addition of something to your life" or "merely turning a corner," but rather "as radical and as profound as...rising to life from amongst the dead." Unlike merely deciding to "turn over a new leaf," Christian conversion results in a mystical transformation where one becomes "a partaker in some mysterious, mystical way...of the very being of God."

What did Dr. Lloyd-Jones say about how a person receives salvation?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that salvation comes as a completely free gift rather than something earned. He explains that Saul was astonished to discover "that it was given as a free gift in spite of him, and in spite of all he'd been. He's done nothing to merit it." Lloyd-Jones stresses: "Don't start doing anything because you can do nothing." Instead, salvation requires only receiving what Christ has already accomplished: "Everything you need and infinitely more, is already offered you in Jesus Christ, and you have but to take it and receive it." This free pardon is possible "because his punishment has been borne by another" and the believer is "clothed, robed with the spotless righteousness of Christ."

How can someone test whether they have truly experienced Christian conversion?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones offers several tests throughout the sermon: (1) Have you come face to face with yourself as a sinner? "If you haven't come to a knowledge of yourself and your sinful condition...you are not a Christian"; (2) Have you come face to face with Jesus Christ personally? (3) Are you amazed at yourself and the change in you? "Are you amazed at yourself? Do you wonder at yourself? Have you become an astonishment to yourself?"; (4) Are you astonished at God's grace and mercy toward you? "Do you know what it is to be astonished at the grace of God in Jesus Christ? Or do you think that you were worthy of forgiveness?"; (5) Do you recognize salvation as entirely God's work rather than your own? Lloyd-Jones insists these elements must be present in genuine conversion, though they may vary in intensity.