Understanding Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Teaching on the Union of Christ with Believers

What is the main doctrine that Dr. Lloyd-Jones discusses in this sermon?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones focuses on the doctrine of the union of the believer with the Lord Jesus Christ. He describes it as "one of the most glorious of all the doctrines of the Christian faith" that must be taken in conjunction with the doctrine of regeneration. He emphasizes that this union is fundamental to understanding how redemption is applied to believers through the Holy Spirit.

What are the two key negatives that Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes about the nature of the union with Christ?

First, he stresses that this union must not be thought of as "a kind of confusion of persons" where our essence becomes merged and lost in Christ's being (unlike mystical teachings that promote absorption into the divine). Second, he clarifies that it's not merely "a union of sympathy or a union of interest" - not just a loose association of people with common interests. The union is much deeper and more profound than either of these extremes.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe the nature of the union with Christ in positive terms?

He describes it using five key terms: 1. Spiritual - we are joined to Christ by the Holy Spirit dwelling in us 2. Mystical - comparable to the union between husband and wife 3. Vital - our spiritual life is drawn directly from Christ; it's a living relationship 4. Organic - it's a two-way relationship where we both receive and contribute 5. Personal - each believer is individually united with Christ 6. Indissoluble - the union cannot be broken once established

According to Lloyd-Jones, how is the union with Christ established?

The union is primarily established through the work of the Holy Spirit in regeneration. As he states, "It is his work to quicken us...together with Christ." However, our faith also plays a vital role in maintaining and developing this union. Importantly, Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that the union is not established by the church or through sacraments (rejecting baptismal regeneration and ex opere operato sacramental teaching).

What are the objective/federal consequences of union with Christ?

These consequences relate to our status and position: 1. We have been crucified with Christ 2. We are planted in the likeness of His death 3. We are dead with Christ 4. We are buried with Christ 5. We are risen with Him 6. We are seated with Him in heavenly places 7. We are complete in Him 8. Christ is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption 9. We are sealed by the Holy Spirit 10. We receive adoption as children of God 11. We become joint heirs with Christ

What are some of the subjective/spiritual consequences of union with Christ?

These consequences relate to our experience: 1. Fellowship with Christ 2. Being transformed into His image (2 Corinthians 3:18) 3. Bearing fruit and becoming usable (John 15) 4. Fellowship in His sufferings 5. Filling up "that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ" (Colossians 1:24)

Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say believers should experience suffering as a result of union with Christ?

He explains that Christ was "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" because of the sin of the world and the enmity of human hearts against God. Therefore, believers united with Christ will experience similar suffering - not in a superficial way, but as "something that is always spiritual, that we rarely suffer in spirit because of the sin of men and their lost condition." He calls this "one of the consequences, the subjective consequences, of our union with our blessed Lord and Savior."

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrast the evangelical and Catholic understanding of union with Christ?

Lloyd-Jones criticizes the Catholic teaching (including Roman and Anglo Catholics) that believers have no direct individual union with Christ but are only connected to Him through the church. He states firmly: "I don't derive my life from the church, I derive my life from the Lord." He emphasizes the evangelical position that we have personal dealings with Christ first, and then become members of His body. "We don't have to go to Him through the church. We can go to Him one by one."