Understanding Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' "My Gospel" Sermon

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones mean when he refers to "my gospel" in his sermon?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that when Paul says "my gospel" in 2 Timothy 2:8, he is not claiming it as his personal opinion or private interpretation. Rather, Paul is emphasizing that this is the only true gospel - the authoritative message he received from Christ himself. Lloyd-Jones states: "The apostle is here claiming that this is the only gospel. The only gospel." He refutes the misinterpretation that Paul was being arrogant or creating his own version of Christianity, noting that Paul "goes out of his way to tell us in the 15th chapter of the first epistle to the Corinthians that the gospel which he preached was the gospel that was preached by all the other apostles."

According to the sermon, what are the key elements of "the gospel"?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies these essential elements:

1. It centers on Jesus Christ as a historical person: "Remember that Jesus... of the seed of David"
2. It affirms Jesus' human lineage through David, connecting to prophecies
3. It proclaims Jesus as the Christ (Messiah/Deliverer)
4. It declares Christ's death and resurrection: "was raised from the dead"
5. It offers forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God through Christ
6. It presents Jesus as the only way of salvation

Lloyd-Jones states: "This is the gospel, this person, these facts. And this is the meaning of the facts. Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations."

Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones insist this is "the only gospel"?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones provides several reasons:

1. If there were any other way of salvation, Christ would never have needed to come and suffer: "If there had been any other way whereby mankind could be saved, would God in his eternal love ever have allowed this to happen to his only begotten, dearly beloved son?"

2. Jesus alone fulfills all the Old Testament prophecies and promises: "The only one who has fulfilled all those promises is this blessed person."

3. Only Jesus can truly reveal God to us: "Here is the only one that can really teach us about God... No man hath seen God at any time."

4. Only Christ can address our fundamental needs: "He is the only one who could perform the task that is necessary to our salvation" - including forgiveness, reconciliation with God, new life, and eternal salvation.

5. There is no alternative: "If you don't believe this, there's nothing left for you, nothing at all."

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones connect the Christmas story to his message about "my gospel"?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones connects Christmas to his sermon by emphasizing that Jesus' birth in Bethlehem as "the seed of David" is an essential part of the gospel. He states this is "the most appropriate" topic before Christmas because the incarnation demonstrates why this is the only gospel. The Christmas story isn't just a sentimental holiday but represents the necessary beginning of God's plan of salvation.

He rejects the notion that "as long as you've got the Christmas spirit in you, you're a Christian." Instead, he emphasizes that Christmas marks the historical entry of the Son of God into human flesh - "The word was made flesh" - as the essential first step in God's redemptive plan that would culminate in Christ's death and resurrection.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say about the common approach to defining Christianity today?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones criticizes modern approaches that refuse to define Christianity clearly. He states: "The impression given today is this, that as long as you've got the Christmas spirit in you, you're a Christian. Doesn't matter what you believe. And indeed they say you can't describe it, you can't define it."

He rejects the idea that Christianity is merely about having "some marvelous spirit of benevolence" or that good works alone make someone Christian. He insists that Christianity can and must be clearly defined: "There's no difficulty about defining Christianity. Its men were creating the difficulties. The thing itself, says the apostle, is perfectly clear."

Lloyd-Jones particularly criticizes the "congress of world faiths" approach that treats Christianity as just one of many equally valid religions, insisting instead on the exclusivity of the gospel of Christ as the only way of salvation.