What is sin? There are many answers given to this question in the modern world, but the Bible gives one: sin is the breaking of God’s law. Sin is saying no to God, and yes to one’s own desire. This rebellious spirit is nothing new in the world. It came about when the first humans, Adam and Eve, rejected God’s wisdom in place of their own. The presence of sin, as described in the Bible, is the only thing that can explain why the world is full of pain and suffering. Only God’s word explains why all sin against God and against one another. The world cannot repair the damage of sin; it cannot make right what humanity has done. The only true hope for this sinful world is found in God’s gracious sending of Jesus Christ. The whole Bible looks forward to the time when God will make everything right again in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ. In this sermon on Isaiah 1:4 titled “The Effect of Sin,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones forces all to ask the questions: “do I believe in what God has done? Have I turned from my sin and trusted in Christ?” Christ is the only one who can redeem from sin and the wrath of God.

In this sermon on Isaiah 1:5–6 titled “Man in Sin,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses the need to know the cause of humanity’s troubles in order to begin to understand the proper remedy. Ease, deliverance, and happiness are often enemies of a proper diagnosis. He calls the listener to come face to face with the cause of their ills and see the root of the problems that trouble lives today. The true character, nature, and consequences of sin are examined as they affect the whole of life. Humanity is made blind by sin; all have sinned and are under the very same condemnation. The head and heart are affected by this sin – there is not a part of anyone that goes untouched by sin. Learn of the terrible power of sin against correction, teaching, and trials. The exceeding depth of sin is seen in the increased rebellion against what is good and right. Do not be driven into further arrogance in sin and recognize that all need an entire renovation and this is the very thing God offers through His only Son. The power of the devil is greater than that of humanity; God alone can deliver from this power. Receive this salvation and be delivered from the power of sin.

Sin affects everything and its results are seen in many of the difficult daily patterns of life. In this sermon on Isaiah 1:7–8 titled “Enslaved by Sin,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones teaches on sin and how its consequences reach into every area of existence. When disasters strike, people often wonder about the reason behind why something like that happens. Sin alone explains the state of the world as it is in complete rebellion to God and His character. Dr. Lloyd-Jones expounds on the attractiveness of sin and how it is endlessly deceptive— Christians know that the wrong choices they make will result in bad things, and yet still choose to do them, even though it never keeps its promises to fulfill. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also points out how sin never gives anything of value but instead robs of what is best. After this, sin leaves the sinner alone and isolated. In contrast, consider the promises and the call to life in the gospels that Jesus extends to those who are lost. Unlike the problems of sin, Jesus promises to never leave His people, and He fulfills the promises He makes. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds unbelievers of the kind of life available in Christ.

There is no escape from the penalty of sin. Scripture says that everyone has sinned, and eternal punishment is the only just response by a holy God. In this sermon on Isaiah 1:9 titled “Salvation Impossible to Man,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows the severity of sin and how no one is able to change anything of their own accord. Humanity deserves total destruction because of their sin. All have all rebelled against God and are unholy. They have no plea and because God is holy, He cannot allow His presence to be tainted by sin. Through His word and what He has revealed in it about sinfulness and the Savior He sent for humanity’s sins, no one has excuse. God is justified in His judgment of sinners. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds that on their own, no one can do anything about their own salvation. Just one sin is enough to separate people from God so all are left incapable of doing enough good works to save themselves. Thus, human salvation is entirely of God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones asks a crucial question: “are you resting in and trusting on Jesus for your salvation?” Only by believing in Jesus’s sacrifice for one’s sins can they be made right with God. Looking at one’s sin and at what Scripture says regarding the solution leads to repentance today.

“Repent.” This is a command that many, even those outside of the church, are familiar with. But what actually is repentance? In this sermon on Isaiah 1:10 titled “Repentance and Salvation,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on what it means to repent and why every single person ever born is in need of repenting. People who trust in Christ for their salvation from sin do so because they see their need. The word “repent,” he says, means literally to stop and think again. With the culture moving along from day to day at a blistering pace, it is imperative that all stop and think soberly about what they believe regarding eternity— they must repent. The second aspect of repentance when someone is coming to faith in Christ is a changing of the mind, realizing they have been wrong regarding their beliefs about Him, and put their complete dependence on Him for forgiveness from their sins. Third, repentance is ceasing to rely on one’s own capacity and wisdom. Finally, repentance is utter submission to God and His word. Repentance is not when one cries over their sin; it’s when they turn from it and change to follow the Lord instead.

What a truly awe-inspiring thought that the God of the universe, the Creator, has called sinful humans to come to Him. In this sermon on Isaiah 1:16–18 titled “The Terms of Judgment,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds of the incredible offer from God Himself to come before Him. In this passage, God calls sinners to reason with Him, to have a discussion about their sins. Yet there is another element to this— a challenge. Because He is the maker, God is just to demand what He does. Because people have disobeyed Him, the punishment for their sins is just. What silences this, though, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones makes note, is the grace of God’s offer that follows this challenge. All need clean hands and a pure heart to stand before God, yet because every one has the guilt of sin staining them, they cannot merit this forgiveness on their own. But, as Isaiah states in this passage, Jesus has offered to take sins that are as red as scarlet and make them as white as snow. As the old hymn communicates so poetically, there is a fountain filled with blood that is drawn from Emmanuel’s veins. Yet, sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains. Trust in Jesus today for forgiveness from sins.

It is common to hear that the Bible is outdated, that it was written so long ago that it no longer has any relevance for the “advanced” world today. The Bible has one clear message throughout— why the world is as it is, and how it can be fixed. In this sermon on Isaiah 5:1–7 titled “A Free Salvation,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds that far from being too old and irrelevant, Scripture is the only tool one can use to help the state of the world today because it speaks to the core questions and desires with which every generation from the dawn of time has wrestled. The first point the passage addresses is the root of the issues faced today. Humanity’s ultimate trouble, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says, is that they do not know and believe the truth about themselves, and thus act accordingly. This passage reinforces the idea that people are not evolved animals but rather beings created in the image of God. The second point touches on the unreasonable nature of human behavior and conduct in light of what God has revealed about Himself. Third, Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds that human conduct is inexcusable— God has done everything that could be done for them, and yet they still choose rebellion. The solution is repentance from sins—turning from disobedience against God and His commands—and trusting in Jesus for forgiveness of sins.

Materialism is a trap so subtle that most probably do not even realize they are bound to it. It calls from every crevice of the culture and seeks to measure life by this world, its focus entirely on the here-and-now and what can be gained, from riches, to popularity, to belongings. In this sermon on Isaiah 5:8–10 titled “This Modern Condition,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches a warning against this trap, reminding of the dangers of living in a mindset enraptured by this temporary world. Every second Christians spend longing for the world is a second they are not gazing on the goodness of their God. What are some things he urges the listener to note? First, materialism’s smallness—it takes all of life and measures it by what someone has. Second, it is selfish—the logical outcome of this worldview is for a person to think entirely of themselves and their existence here and how they can progress. What causes materialism? Ultimately, that God is not in a person’s thoughts. Naturally, when people cease thinking eternally, they begin to focus on this world more. Scripture issues several warnings against this, and God has acted on these warnings throughout history. Dr. Lloyd-Jones exhorts the listener to care for their souls and to not put off addressing spiritual things. After all, what advantage is it to someone if they gain all this world has and yet loses their soul in the end?

In this sermon on Isaiah 5:20 titled “Moral Perversion,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones talks about how today’s society is particularly contaminated with perverse sin. He describes how society is not merely indulging in evil but also calling it good; for example, he describes how society looks down on the value of the family and encourages the exploration of sexuality before, during, and after marriage. He describes how this is the common path of sin. Once someone is fed with “common” sin they are no longer satisfied with it but give themselves over to a more “uncommon” or “perverse” sin. Take the example of a drunk who has their fill of alcohol but cannot attain the same experience they once had. They will very likely seek after drugs which give more of a high than alcohol. The same is true of theft, sexual immorality, and any other sin that entangles a person. Moreover, Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes how increased sin and perversion is always met with the wrath and justice of God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones powerfully concludes that perverse hearts need rebirth, that they need new desires and new hearts. This change can only be done by God, through Christ, and in the working of the Spirit.

Everyone needs to consider what is their greatest need. Is it health, fitness, employment, love? Do these desires distract them from their need for God? Throughout history, humanity cycles through philosophies to explain away their need for God and declare their own intellectual superiority. In this sermon on Isaiah 5:21 titled “The Wisdom of the Wise,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones points out that these philosophies are recycled like clothes that go in and out of style and fashion. There is no truly new philosophy. Moreover, he points out that any philosophy that leads to saying “there is no God” is foolish and is a copy of the first sin in the garden of Eden. In fact, he points out that wherever humanity says “I know best,” they are in danger of repeating the sin of Adam and Eve. This kind of intellectual and moral superiority is not only false, but also dangerous. When a person tries to solve their problems with intellect, they may solve some bodily ailments, but cannot repair the state of their own soul. The Christian should consider if they are caught up with fixing their own problems and if these “solutions” distract them from Christ and the salvation that He provides. Sin is the greatest ailment and Christ is the only remedy.

Sin has different symptoms. Some sins manifest in drunkenness and some manifest in self-righteousness, but everyone has to grapple with the sin that is found in the unconverted heart. In this sermon on Isaiah 5:22–23 titled “The Victim of Sin,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expounds on the fact that sin is no respecter of persons. It affects the rich, poor, intellectual, and simple. There is no strata of humanity that is unaffected by sin and its consequences. Moreover, wherever sin is found there is also a silencing of a God-given conscience. When a person gives themselves daily to drunkenness, or any other sin, they eventually put a gag in the mouth of their conscience until they completely excuse their sin. Moreover, sin’s pleasure is fleeting: one must go deeper into more unnatural sin in order to get the same high with which they started. When this kind of gratuitous sin occurs in a society, it gives way to a culture that not only sins, but also approves of sin and calls it righteous. Dr. Lloyd-Jones addresses civilizations of the earth and points out that no culture has made headway in conquering sin. Listen in to hear how Christ offers forgiveness to everyone who is caught in sin.

In this sermon on freedom in Christ from Isaiah 5:24, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses a culture that is driven by temporary happiness and is opposed to any kind of law or call to obedience. He explains that humanity is addicted to experience, but cannot be satisfied. Moreover, he says that the world tries to remove all restraints, but cannot shake off their consciences. Happiness, satisfaction, and freedom cannot be found without discipline. Who is more free to buy a house: one who has constrained themselves to work and save, or one who spends their savings? Think of a good law like a good fence on a mountaintop. The fence gives the peace of mind to walk, run, and jump on the mountaintop without a worry of falling. However, the world thinks that laws and discipline are opposed to happiness and love. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out that love for God and for neighbor actually fulfills the law of God.

Saying “God is love” is not controversial and likely receives nods of affirmation and hearty amens. It is a universal doctrine that receives little backlash. While many elevate the love of God above all other attributes, any mention of discipline or wrath is violently objected and attacked. In this sermon on Isaiah 5:25 titled “The Anger of the Lord,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones invites the listener to question this reaction with a few questions: Is it the sum of God’s character to describe Him as loving? Does Scripture attribute love as the highest and greatest attribute of God? Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphatically says no. He urges considering the whole counsel of God’s word, not merely picking out what is most appealing. He chastises those within the church who have rejected this doctrine in favor of a more palatable God. To embrace God’s love while rejecting His anger and wrath is a dishonest and inconsistent representation of God and the Bible. It also weakens the necessity of the incarnation of Christ and the understanding of the grace, mercy, and love demonstrated by Christ’s death on the cross. Dr. Lloyd-Jones presents a strong case for the embrace of God’s love and God’s wrath in balance as he turns to the revelation of God found in Scripture. Listen as he addresses the essential nature of the doctrine of wrath in this sermon.

The hymn writer Charles Wesley famously wrote a Christmas hymn about Jesus Christ, saying, “born a child and yet a king.” In this sermon “For Unto Us a Child is Born,” from Isaiah 9:6-7, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones finds this as the great summation of the prophet Isaiah’s announcement 800 years before the coming of the Messiah in Isaiah 9:6–7. In this Christmas sermon, Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds of the kingly aspect of the good news. He warns that while the personal aspect of salvation must never be forgotten, it must not stop there. Isaiah preaches the cosmic aspect of the coming Messiah. Christians are indeed saved individually, but there is a day coming when the entire cosmos will be restored. Jesus is the universal king of the cosmos for He was David’s greater son. There was great anticipation of the son of David. Dr. Lloyd-Jones demonstrates how many in the first century missed the characteristics of the Messiah’s coming. Jesus Christ’s first advent was not one of military might and power politics. Instead, He was born a child and yet a king. Nevertheless, Christ introduces justice, righteousness, truth, order, and peace. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones explores the cosmic truth of the child born in Bethlehem. Hear proclaimed the coming of King Jesus and His rule for which there will be no end.

Have you ever come across a passage in the Bible that describes the exact situation you are in? This is not a coincidence, it is an illustration of the great message of the Bible. In this sermon on Isaiah 22: 8-14, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines the problems that Israel had in this passage, recognizes how similar they are to the problems of today, and explains that the answer to Israel’s problem is the same answer to the problems of today. In this passage, Israel is about to be attacked by the Assyrians, and they become no longer blind to their weaknesses and problems of their country. They had previously neglected their weaknesses but this led to “breaches in their wall”. It is the same with countries today; we don’t realize that we are in serious need of protection and think that everything is alright, until we are in times of trouble. Our reaction to this “unveiling” is the same as Israel’s as well. We become frantic and busy and start trying to figure out solutions, but in the end our actions are futile and it all fails. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones further addresses three reasons why these actions fail: just like Israel, we fail to see the moral character of our problem, we fail to realize the religious character of our problem, and we fail to see the profound and radical character of the problem. He explains that man’s trouble is in his heart and it cannot be fixed by just a little adjustment here and there, he has to be made a new made by God and turn to his maker. You need true repentance to fix the problems. The world is what it is because we have forgotten him.

The Christian life is altogether the work of God, not humanity. God’s word is from Him and to those waging warfare against Him. In this sermon on Isaiah 40:1–2 titled “A State of Warfare,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses sin, peace, and the mark of a true Christian that separates them from all others. Humanity is not what it was meant to be—iniquity is a perversion and wrongness that completely misses God’s mark. No one can buy or learn peace. The world searches for peace by their own means, but sin is a hard taskmaster. The greatest folly of humanity is thinking that they can bring real peace within themselves or outside of themselves, while forgetting God. This sermon is unlike many other messages—it is a message of comfort, not a call for anyone to save themselves but to receive a new life and be made into a new creature. The mark of God’s own people is a unique recognition and confession of their own sin. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones calls all to a standard of biblical ownership, so that they no longer shift the blame for personal sin to God, others, or circumstances.

The devil wants to keep all people from God. In this sermon, learn how the devil keeps people from knowing God and from knowing what true Christianity is. In this sermon from Isaiah 40:3–5 titled “What is Christianity?” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses the true and living God and that the love and power of God are displayed in salvation. Discover where Christ comes into the picture and why it is vital that all have a personal relationship with Him. The Christian position is centralized around the salvation offered to them through Christ Jesus Himself. Endless blessings are given directly from God to His own children, but these blessings must come through Christ. One cannot only know about God and believe in Him while dismissing Christ. The Christian message stands absolutely alone and all other religions and cults fall short. It is only in the wisdom of God that His love is displayed in the sacrificing of His own Son. God pardons and changes the lives of those who believe. Christians are not only “good people” but a unique humility must first come so that the blessing of God may be poured out.

This gospel is the most astounding thing the world has ever known. In this sermon on Isaiah 40:5 titled “The Godhead Revealed,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones declares the character and kindness of God. The life of sin is one of misery, but God is ready to pardon iniquity and change one’s whole condition. One’s eternal destiny hangs upon their view of Christ. “What is God like?” Learn that glory is the extreme attribute of God. The supreme need is to know God. Listen as the ignorance and arrogance of humanity are addressed. Remember that the chief end of man is to “glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” Both the Old and New Testaments serve as manifestations of the glory of God. “Have you ever considered the plan of salvation?” Through this plan, God revealed Himself in a way He never had before—look at the person of Christ. Jesus is the “brightness of God’s glory and the express image of God’s person.” Love, compassion, and holiness are put on display. How can anyone receive a new nature and pull themselves out of the mire? See the wisdom and grace of God in His solution. The righteousness and justice of God demands atonement.

Who is the promised Messiah spoken of in the Old Testament? In this sermon on Isaiah 40:11 titled “A Life in Christ,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows that it is Jesus Christ. He is the faithful Shepherd who loves His sheep and lays down His life for them so that they might have eternal life in Him. For by knowing Christ, all can be saved and brought to a true knowledge of God. This message of the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Jesus are the center of all of Scripture. The prophets and the law looked forward to His coming, and the New Testament is inaugurates the new covenant when the wages of sin were paid by the blood of Jesus Christ. Those who repent of their sins and believe in His name are His true sheep. They will hear His voice and seek after Him. They live as new creations who are continually being drawn closer to Christ Jesus by the work of the Holy Spirit. Not only are Christians eternally saved, but they are also cared for constantly by their Creator. This is the great hope in life’s darkest and most trying times. Jesus Christ is the faithful Shepherd.

What is one of the greatest errors when people talk and think about God? In this sermon on Isaiah 40:12–17 titled “Behold Your God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches that it is the assumption that God is like people. This tendency is seen in the way that humanity set themselves up as judges of Scripture, and how they question the goodness of God. This human-centered way of thinking puts God second and people first. But Scripture gives a different picture of how people are to approach God. In Scripture, God stands above all humanity and exists in unapproachable light. God is glorious and holy. Sinful people cannot even look at Him, lest they be consumed. How then are sinful and fallen people to relate to God? The answer is found in the glorious truth of the gospel. God sends His Son Jesus Christ into the world to die for sinners that they might be righteous. God cannot even look at evil, yet in the gospel He makes what was evil good through the work of Christ. How can anyone stand before God? The answer is by believing in the gospel of Jesus Christ and confessing one’s sin before God. Then they are declared righteous by God’s grace.