Who is the subject of Isaiah 9:6 according to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Isaiah 9:6 is a prophecy that refers specifically to Jesus Christ, the Messiah. He argues that this verse cannot be referring to King Hezekiah (as some Jewish interpreters suggested) because the descriptions would be "hopelessly extravagant" and "exaggerated" for a mere human king. Lloyd-Jones also rejects the interpretation that it refers to God the Father, noting that the placement of "mighty God" in the third position and the use of terms like "counselor" and "prince of peace" are not typically applied to God the Father in Scripture. Instead, he affirms that this is a prophetic description of Christ that was fulfilled "in a wonderful and in a perfect manner in the person of our blessed Lord and savior."

Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say the person of Christ is ultimately the test of Christian faith?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that "ultimately, nothing matters except what we think of him [Christ]." He explains that the person of Christ is the touchstone of Christian profession because:

1. We cannot live on experiences alone - they wane and disappear
2. We cannot rely on our own works, activities, or morality
3. The only solid foundation is Christ himself

He references the Hebrew Christians who were becoming "shaky on the doctrine of their blessed Lord and savior" and consequently were discouraged and unhappy. Lloyd-Jones states: "Our faith must always be centered upon our blessed Lord himself," and that if we "look unto Jesus and keep our gaze steadfastly fixed upon him, we can never go wrong." This focus on Christ's person, rather than on experiences or phenomena, is what keeps believers from losing their spiritual balance.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say about Christ being called "Wonderful"?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that Christ is called "Wonderful" because:

1. He is wonderful in His person - "God was manifest in the flesh" is "the most wonderful, the most amazing thing that has ever happened"
2. His incarnation is a mystery that eludes human understanding - "You don't bring your mind in an attempt to dissect and to understand that which is wonderful"
3. His works were wonderful - people were "filled with wonder and amazement" at His miracles
4. His death on the cross was "most wonderful of all" - "the paradox of paradoxes" that "the Prince of glory died"

Lloyd-Jones suggests that many Christians have lost their sense of wonder when contemplating Christ. He urges believers to recover this sense of astonishment and amazement at who Christ is and what He has done, stating that if we realized this as we should, "our whole condition would be entirely changed."

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain Christ being called "the Mighty God"?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that Christ being called "the Mighty God" means:

1. He is truly human ("a child is born") but also truly divine
2. The word "mighty" emphasizes that "He cannot fail" where all others had failed
3. This is "the whole basis of our faith, our assurance, our optimism"
4. As the Mighty God, Christ conquered all enemies, including the devil
5. Though He "became truly man, but He didn't cease to be mighty God"
6. He is "on our side in this battle in which we are still engaged"

Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that this designation is crucial because the creation of another perfect man would not have solved humanity's problem since Adam was perfect but fell. Instead, God sent His Son who is the Mighty God and therefore could triumph where all others failed. This means believers can be "strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" to face spiritual enemies.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say the title "Everlasting Father" means when applied to Christ?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones acknowledges that the title "Everlasting Father" can be confusing since Christ is the Son in relation to God the Father. He explains:

1. This title describes Christ's relationship to us, not to God the Father
2. A better translation might be "the father of the ages" or "the father of the future age"
3. "Father" in this context means "author" or "begetter"
4. Christ is "the begetter, the father, the originator of eternity, of everlasting condition"
5. He is the author and giver of eternal life - "He's the father of everlasting life"
6. This designation guarantees that the life Christ gives will never fail - "it'll go on for the ages of ages"

Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that Christ came so that believers "might have life and might have it more abundantly," and this life is of a new quality and order that continues eternally. Once given, this new creation cannot be lost but will continue developing until believers are "absolutely perfect and entire and glorified even as He is Himself."