The Christian Gospel
A Sermon on 1 Peter 1:10-12
Scripture
10Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 11Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory …
Sermon Description
What changes when someone is saved? Is Christianity just a political movement that lobbies for a better world, or imposes a strict code of conduct? In this sermon on 1 Peter 1:10–12 titled “The Christian Gospel,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones speaks about how there are many who may hold these views, but they are mistaken. Christianity is not about morality or politics, but it is about hope in Christ and salvation in the gospel found in God’s word. God has chosen to reveal Himself to sinful people through the prophets, apostles, and Scripture. The whole message of salvation is contained in this truth and given to God’s people so that they may proclaim it to the world. This gospel is the message that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation, for He alone has died so that all would be saved. This gift of salvation is given through faith as a result of God’s grace. No one can ever work to obtain it. All are born blind in sin until the grace of God opens their eyes to see the glory of Jesus Christ.
Sermon Breakdown
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The sermon begins by introducing 1 Peter 1:10-12 which describes salvation and grace. These themes are central to the Bible and Christianity.
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The sermon outlines some common misconceptions about what Christianity is, including that it is just a moral code or believing in God. Christianity is about salvation and grace.
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Salvation and grace were planned by God before the foundation of the world. They are eternal plans, not human ones.
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God's plans for salvation and grace were prophesied in the Old Testament, though the prophets did not fully understand them. The Spirit revealed to the prophets that salvation would come through the sufferings and glory of Christ.
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God's plans were fulfilled in history through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The gospel is the report of these historical events. Christianity is based on events, not just teachings.
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The incarnation of Christ, where God became man, is a unique and stunning event. Christ lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and was raised from the dead, conquering death.
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After Christ's resurrection and ascension, the Holy Spirit was sent to empower the church to spread the gospel. The Holy Spirit's coming was also prophesied and part of God's plan of salvation.
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Christ will return again in glory to judge the world, destroy evil, and usher in the eternal kingdom. This is the ultimate hope of the gospel.
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The gospel is so profound that even the angels long to understand it fully. They are amazed at God's wisdom in devising the plan of salvation and Christ's incarnation and sacrifice.
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If the gospel does not amaze and move us, we must be spiritually blind. We must look into the gospel, understand and believe it, and rejoice in Christ to have our spiritual eyes opened.
Sermons on the Gospel
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.