The Everlasting Gospel
Originally preached Oct. 18, 1964
Scripture
Sermon Description
Many Christians ask themselves the question: why don’t unbelievers believe in the gospel? Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones gives a bold answer to this question in this sermon on Revelation 21:1 titled “The Everlasting Gospel.” He says many do not believe in the gospel because the church has been unclear on what the gospel is. For this reason, he preaches a sermon exploring what the gospel is and why it is called “the everlasting gospel.” The gospel is everlasting because its author, God Himself, is everlasting. God’s glory and purposes are everlasting; they never fail or come to an end. This is in stark contrast to the worldly glory of humanity that lasts for a brief time and is then forgotten. The gospel is good news because it comes from a God who does not change or fade away. He is not loving one minute, and then hateful the next. The gospel is a message of hope because it comes from a God of unchanging love and mercy. Furthermore, this gospel is the hope for all in all times. Modern humanity does not need a new gospel. Jesus is a perfect savior to all who believe in Him, regardless of who they are, what they have done, or when they live.
Sermon Breakdown
- The everlasting gospel is the only message that can be described as everlasting. All else is temporary like grass and flowers.
- The everlasting gospel comes from God, who is eternal and unchanging. His word endures forever.
- Jesus Christ, the subject of the gospel, is the same yesterday, today and forever. The gospel depends on him, so it is everlasting.
- The everlasting gospel was planned in eternity before the world began. It is not dependent on the changing times.
- There will never be another gospel. This is the only gospel, the only way of salvation. No other way can reconcile man to God.
- Jesus completed the work of atonement. Nothing needs to be added. No new gospel is needed.
- The everlasting gospel saves from everlasting destruction. It deals with man's eternal destiny.
- The everlasting gospel opens the way to eternal life and heaven. It makes us fit for eternity in God's presence.
- The everlasting gospel has conquered every enemy, including sin, death, and the devil.
- The everlasting gospel will continue until God's work is complete and his eternal kingdom comes.
- Nothing can shake or remove the everlasting gospel. It is grounded in God's eternal power.
Sermon Q&A
What is the Everlasting Gospel According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones?
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones mean by the "everlasting gospel"?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the everlasting gospel is the unchanging message from God that remains constant throughout all ages. He bases this on Revelation 14:6 and 1 Peter 1:23-25, emphasizing that while "all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of men as the flower of grass... the word of the Lord endureth forever." The everlasting gospel is God's eternal message of salvation through Jesus Christ that never becomes outdated or irrelevant.
Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones call the gospel "everlasting" when other messages fade away?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that the gospel is everlasting because: 1. It comes from God, not from man 2. It was planned in eternity "before the foundation of the world" 3. It centers on Jesus Christ who is "the same yesterday, today and forever" 4. Unlike human philosophies, political systems, and ideas that rise and fall, the gospel message remains unchanged and relevant
He states: "Our little systems have their day. They have their day and cease to be. They are but broken lights of thee and thou, o Lord, art more than they."
Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say there can never be another gospel?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones asserts there can never be another gospel because: 1. It comes from God who doesn't need to revise His message 2. Human nature doesn't fundamentally change across time (despite technological advances) 3. It presents the only solution to humanity's sin problem 4. Christ has "finished the work" completely - nothing needs to be added 5. As he states: "There's only one way whereby God can be just and justify him that believeth in Jesus"
How does the everlasting gospel relate to eternity according to the sermon?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that the gospel is everlasting in its consequences because: 1. It saves believers from "everlasting destruction" 2. It brings "life and immortality to light" 3. It perfects believers for eternity - "he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified" 4. It guarantees God will complete His work in believers - "whom he justified, them he also glorified" 5. It has conquered all enemies including death and the devil 6. It will culminate in the complete restoration of creation when "the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdom of our God and of his Christ"
What final appeal does Dr. Lloyd-Jones make regarding the everlasting gospel?
In his conclusion, Dr. Lloyd-Jones urges his listeners to believe the everlasting gospel, warning that "the alternative to believing the everlasting gospel is everlasting destruction." He pleads with unbelievers to "cry unto God to save you and to set you free" and to "flee to him who alone can save you and who saves with an everlasting salvation." For believers, he encourages gratitude and preparation for eternity when they will join the "song of heaven" praising God.
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Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.