Understanding Matthew 24:14: The Gospel of the Kingdom in Dr. Lloyd-Jones' Sermon

What does Matthew 24:14 say about the future of the gospel?

According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' sermon, Matthew 24:14 states: "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come." This verse indicates that before the end of the world comes, the gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the entire world to all nations as a witness. Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes this as "the only flash of light in the gloom" in an otherwise sobering chapter about the end times.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones identify as the main question people should be asking?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies the most important question as: "How can I enter the kingdom of God?" He calls this "the biggest question that you'll ever face... the most momentous question. It is the most urgent question, the most pressing question." He emphasizes that as life becomes more uncertain, nothing should occupy our attention until this question is settled. While political events and world affairs remain uncertain, the reality of death and judgment is certain, making this question of ultimate importance.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe the character of God's kingdom?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes God's kingdom as having specific laws, rules, and characteristics that define its citizens. He points to:

1. The Ten Commandments as foundational
2. The Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount (poor in spirit, those who mourn over sin, the meek, those who hunger for righteousness, peacemakers, pure in heart)
3. A righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees and scribes
4. A place where nothing unclean or defiling can enter
5. A kingdom of holiness where God's standards of purity and righteousness are upheld
6. A kingdom that is completely separate from the world's values and ways

As he states, "The meek. Not the man who pulls himself up to his full height and stature and who lets you know that he's arrived... He has such a poor opinion of himself and all his abilities and all his attainment."

Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say people can't enter the kingdom on their own?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that no one naturally conforms to the requirements of God's kingdom. He states that "we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God" and that "the natural man doesn't conform to the beatitudes." He emphasizes several obstacles:

1. Our sin and rebellion against God's laws
2. Our natural character which doesn't match kingdom requirements
3. Our need for forgiveness that we cannot secure ourselves
4. Our need for a new nature that we cannot generate
5. Our inability to transform ourselves ("You can't metamorphosize yourself")

He states clearly: "To be pardoned doesn't put me into that kingdom. I need, obviously, a new nature. I must be a new man."

Who does Dr. Lloyd-Jones identify as the King who can admit people into the kingdom?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies Jesus Christ as the King who alone has the right and power to admit people into God's kingdom. He points to several evidences of Jesus' authority:

1. Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah
2. John the Baptist testified about Him as the greater one to come
3. Jesus' own prophecy about the gospel being preached worldwide has come true
4. His influence has spread throughout the world despite opposition
5. He is "the Lord of history" and "the focus of this kingdom of God"

As Lloyd-Jones states, "He alone can admit into it and he is ready to do so in his own way and on his own terms."

What are the conditions for entering God's kingdom according to the sermon?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, there are two essential conditions for entering God's kingdom:

1. Repentance: "As you realize the holiness of God and your own vileness and your own sinfulness and your own rebelliousness and your own unworthiness... you repent. You turn to God, and you say that you realize you've been a fool, that you didn't know him, and that you've defied him..."

2. Faith in Christ: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Believe that this Jesus of Nazareth... is none other than the eternal son of God, who's come into this world in order to open the door of the kingdom."

He explains that through Christ, our guilt is dealt with, our sins forgiven, and we are clothed in His righteousness, enabling us to be received by God and adopted into His family forever.