What Did Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Teach About the Fear of Death?

What is the main message Dr. Lloyd-Jones is conveying about fear of death?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that the fear of death that grips many people stems from a fundamentally wrong view of human nature. He explains that when we think of ourselves only in terms of our physical bodies and this present life, rather than recognizing we are souls with an eternal destiny, we become dominated by the fear of death. The real problem isn't the possibility of nuclear bombs or physical death, but our failure to consider our souls, our relationship to God, and our eternal destiny.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say modern man thinks incorrectly about himself?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, modern man thinks incorrectly about himself in three main ways: 1. He thinks of himself only in terms of his body, not his soul 2. He thinks of himself solely in relationship to other men, not in relationship to God 3. He thinks of himself only in relationship to time, not eternity

This incorrect thinking leads to being dominated by fears about what men can do to us, rather than being concerned about our soul's eternal destination.

What did Jesus teach about death according to this sermon?

Jesus taught that we should not fear those who can only kill the body but can do nothing more. Instead, we should fear God "who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell." Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out that Jesus acknowledged physical death is real but taught it is not the ultimate tragedy. Christ taught that physical death for the believer is merely "the gate of life immortal" and that eternal matters are infinitely more important than temporal ones.

What are the two eternal destinies Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes two possible eternal destinies:

1. Hell - described as "eternal destruction from the presence of the Lord," a place of "wailing and gnashing of teeth" where "their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched." He emphasizes it is a place of torment with no possibility of escape, continuing "forever and forever without end."

2. Heaven - described as being "with Christ," "with God," and "with the holy angels and the spirit of just men made perfect." It's "a place where there is no sorrow, no sin, no weeping, no remorse, no unhappiness, no selfishness, no war." It is "everlasting glory" and "eternal bliss."

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrast the Christian view of death with the secular view?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrasts these views by showing that:

• The secular view sees death as the ultimate tragedy, the end of everything, leading to panic and fear
• The Christian view sees death as "the gate of life immortal," not something to be feared
• The secular person is obsessed with preserving physical life at all costs
• The Christian understands physical death has been conquered by Christ
• The secular person thinks only of time and this world
• The Christian thinks of eternity and recognizes this world is temporary and "shadowy"

What solution does Dr. Lloyd-Jones offer to those who fear death?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones offers the gospel as the solution. He urges listeners to: 1. Recognize the importance of the soul 2. Humble themselves before God 3. Acknowledge and confess their sin 4. Believe God's message about His Son 5. Receive complete forgiveness and pardon through Christ's death 6. Embrace the new life and nature God offers

The solution is not escapism, mere comfort, or changing external conditions, but rather coming to Christ who "came to save you from the possibility of hell" and who "died that you might be forgiven."