What Does Lloyd-Jones Teach About the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ?

What is the ultimate purpose of the gospel according to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the ultimate purpose of the gospel is to bring us to a knowledge of the glory of God. He states this clearly: "The object, the end of it all, is to bring us to a knowledge of the glory of God." This is different from our typical subjective approach where we make ourselves the center. Lloyd-Jones points out that many people even regard God as "a sort of agency to help us" with our problems, but this misses the true purpose of Christianity, which is to reveal God's glory to us.

How does Lloyd-Jones explain mankind's primary problem?

Lloyd-Jones teaches that mankind's primary problem is ignorance of the glory of God. He states: "It is men's ignorance of the glory of God that ultimately accounts for every single one of his troubles." This ignorance leads people to set themselves up as "little gods," causing selfishness, pride, and rebellion against God. This is what originally brought trouble into the world at the Fall, and it continues to be the source of all human conflict, unhappiness, and discord. Lloyd-Jones explains that "because man doesn't realize that he's a creature created by God, [he] always finds himself in trouble."

Why is the knowledge of the glory of God so important according to the sermon?

According to Lloyd-Jones, the knowledge of the glory of God is important for several key reasons: 1. It is "men's supreme need" because ignorance of God's glory is the root cause of all human troubles 2. It will be the basis of our final judgment - "everybody at the end would have to stand in the presence of God and to be examined" on their knowledge of God's glory 3. It is "the only knowledge that can deliver men out of his troubles and predicament" 4. If everyone recognized God's glory, all social problems would be solved - "if only everybody went down and said, 'God, I want to keep thy commandments'"

How can we see the glory of God according to Lloyd-Jones?

Lloyd-Jones teaches that we can only truly see the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. While reason, the study of nature, and history can point us toward belief in God as creator or reveal something about His power, these approaches cannot reveal "the essential glory of God." Lloyd-Jones emphasizes: "There is only one way whereby we can ever come to the knowledge of the glory of God... The light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." Christ is described as "the express image of his person, the brightness of God's glory."

How is God's holiness revealed in Christ according to the sermon?

According to Lloyd-Jones, God's holiness is revealed in Christ in several ways: 1. In Christ's sinless life - "Here is one who never sinned, tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin" 2. In Christ's submission to God's law - "made of a woman, made under the law" 3. In Christ's teaching us to pray "Hallowed be thy name" and addressing God as "Holy Father" 4. Most profoundly, in Christ's crucifixion - "He's there because of the holiness of God. This holiness which is intolerant of sin, which must punish sin and which does punish sin." The cross demonstrates that "the holiness of God, the justice of God, the righteousness of God is proclaiming itself."

How does Lloyd-Jones explain the resurrection as a display of God's power?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that while God's power is seen in creation and in Christ's miracles, the resurrection most fully reveals "the glory of God's power." He describes it as "the mighty and the glorious resurrection" where Christ conquered "death and hell, Hades, the grave and Satan, principalities and powers being put to an open shame." Lloyd-Jones contrasts Christ with all other human figures: "All your great patriarchs, they had to die. All your great captains and kings, they're all dead... No one can stand up to death. Here is one who's conquered it and conquered the devil at the same time." This power continues in Christ's ability to transform lives, giving new life to even "the most besotted sinner in the land."

What does Lloyd-Jones teach about God's love as seen in Christ?

Lloyd-Jones teaches that we "know nothing about the glory of God's love until you see it in the face of Jesus Christ." He explains that God's love isn't simply overlooking or pretending not to see our sin, which would contradict God's holiness and justice. Rather, God's love is demonstrated in that "God sent his only son into this evil, sinful world," allowing Him to endure suffering and placing our sins on Him: "God, on his own innocent, loving son, put your sins and mine and punished him for you." This sacrificial love that maintains both justice and mercy reveals "the love of God [that] shines out in all its glory in the face of Jesus Christ."

How can someone gain the knowledge of the glory of God according to Lloyd-Jones?

According to Lloyd-Jones, the way to gain this knowledge is to turn to Jesus Christ directly. At the end of his sermon, he gives this practical instruction: "Turn to Jesus Christ. Ask him to show it to you. Plead with him, go to him in your helplessness, in your ignorance. Say, oh, give me a glimpse of this." He encourages his listeners to ask the Holy Spirit to "shine into your heart, revealing this glory of God in this manifold manner in the face of Jesus Christ." This knowledge cannot be attained through philosophy or human wisdom - as the apostle says, "the world, by wisdom, by philosophy, knew not God" - but only through direct revelation in Christ.