The Only Way
A Sermon on Matthew 24:14
Originally preached March 8, 1959
Scripture
14And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Sermon Description
In the midst of a prophecy of gloom, there is a good news. In this sermon on Matthew 24:14 titled “The Only Way,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses the Messiah of the Old Testament. The world without God is under the wrath of God – where is the hope? It is a different message and perspective, giving the only light in the midst of all darkness. The history of the world and the kingdoms of humankind are competing with the history and kingdom of the eternal God. No one can earn entrance into this kingdom; Jesus Christ is the only door to the kingdom of God. Christ did not come to reform the world politically or socially; His kingdom is completely different. God’s kingdom remains in the spiritual realm until Christ returns. Learn not only what Christ has done and continues to do, but also discover what He will do. The Bible recounts the wonderful works of God. The eternally pure Christ looked into the face of sin and bore the punishment of death; He is the only door to salvation. No one can cleanse themselves – come to Him as He can wash, clothe, and receive His people into the kingdom of God.
Sermon Breakdown
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The sermon text is Matthew 24:14 which says "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."
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The sermon begins by setting the context of Matthew 24 where Jesus is prophesying the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem. The disciples ask when this will happen and what the signs will be.
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Jesus describes many signs like wars, earthquakes, tribulations, etc. Verse 14 provides hope amidst the gloom.
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The most important thing is to discover how to enter the kingdom of God. The beatitudes describe the people of the kingdom. One must be "born again" and become like children to enter.
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The way to the kingdom is narrow and impossible in our own strength. We need help. Philosophers and leaders cannot provide the answers. Only Jesus provides hope.
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The whole Old Testament points to Jesus as the promised Messiah. The prophets looked forward to his coming.
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Jesus makes astonishing claims like "follow me," "I am the light of the world," "I am the way, the truth, and the life," "I am the door," "I have come that they may have life." He is the only one who can bring us to God as our Father.
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Jesus is the only one who has accurately prophesied the future and course of history. We must look to him alone.
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Jesus does not tell us how to save ourselves or reform the world. He has come to set up a spiritual kingdom, not a visible one. The kingdom is within us.
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Jesus opens the kingdom through what he has done, not just through teaching. His incarnation, life, death, resurrection, ascension - this is the good news.
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The incarnation means the eternal Son of God took on flesh and entered our world. He humbled himself and became obedient even to death on the cross. This is how he became the door to the kingdom.
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Jesus lived a life of obedience to fulfill all righteousness. He was tempted like us and conquered sin. He defeated the devil to set us free.
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Jesus set his face to go to Jerusalem to die, even though he could have avoided it. He gave his life as a ransom for many. His death is how we enter the kingdom.
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Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death. This opens the door to the kingdom and provides our justification.
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There is no other way to enter the kingdom except through Jesus and his work. A word from heaven or more teaching could not do it. Only Jesus could do what was needed to open the door. We must come to him just as we are.
Sermon Q&A
What Does Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Teach About the Gospel of the Kingdom?
What does "this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world" mean according to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones?
According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Matthew 24:14 ("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") is a pivotal verse that offers hope amid prophecies of doom and disaster. He explains that this verse shows that while the world outside God is under judgment, God has provided a way of deliverance through the gospel of the kingdom. This gospel is the good news that God is forming a new people, a new kingdom, taking individuals out of the world and bringing them into His kingdom where they will be safe when final judgment comes.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe the contrast between the world and the kingdom of God?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones presents a stark contrast between the world and the kingdom of God. He describes the world as being "under the wrath of God and doomed to judgment and perdition." In contrast, the kingdom of God is a realm of safety and security. He states: "God has provided a way whereby men and women individually can be delivered... He's forming a new people, a new company, if you like, a new kingdom." The kingdom of God has been developing throughout history, from Abel onward, creating a distinct history within human history where God is bringing people out of the world and into His kingdom.
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say about Jesus Christ's role in establishing the kingdom?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the center of the kingdom of God. He states that Jesus doesn't admit people into the kingdom merely by teaching them how to enter, but through what He has done. Lloyd-Jones says, "It isn't by giving us new ideas which we've got to put into practice" but rather through Christ's incarnation, life, death, and resurrection. He highlights Christ's declaration "I am the door" and explains that it is "through his broken body we enter in" and "by his shed blood" that we gain access to the kingdom.
According to the sermon, what are Jesus' claims about Himself that validate His authority?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones lists several profound claims Jesus made about Himself: 1. "I am the light of the world" - showing He alone can illuminate life's deepest questions 2. "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man cometh unto the father but by me" 3. "I am the door" - the only entrance to God's kingdom 4. "I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly" 5. "My kingdom is not of this world" - declaring His authority over a spiritual kingdom
Lloyd-Jones argues these claims, combined with Jesus' fulfilled prophecies about history, prove He is "the son of God" and "the eternal son of God."
How does one enter the kingdom of God according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones is emphatic that there is only one way to enter the kingdom of God - through Jesus Christ. He stresses that we cannot enter by our own efforts or by trying to reform ourselves. He states: "Just as you are this evening, without waiting to try and cleanse yourself from any spot or stain, without trying to go out and live a better life, just as you are, come to him. He'll wash you. He'll cleanse you. He'll clothe you. He'll receive you. You'll be in the kingdom." Entrance comes through faith in Christ and what He has accomplished, not through human works.
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones teach about the nature of Christ's kingdom?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones clarifies that Christ's kingdom is primarily spiritual rather than political or social. He explains that Jesus "hasn't come to reform the world" nor "to set up a visible kingdom in this world" at the present time. Quoting Luke 17, he reminds his audience that "the kingdom of God cometh not with observation" but is "within you" or "in your midst." It is an unseen, spiritual realm that Christ is establishing now, though it will ultimately become visible. Lloyd-Jones warns against those who claim to establish God's kingdom through political or social action.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain the incarnation and its purpose?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes the incarnation as the eternal Son of God voluntarily leaving heaven to become human. Quoting Philippians 2, he emphasizes that Christ "thought it not robbery to be equal with God but made himself of no reputation" and took human form. The purpose of this incarnation was so that Christ "might become the door through which you and I can enter" the kingdom. Lloyd-Jones portrays this as an act of tremendous self-sacrifice - the eternal Son interrupting "the glory of eternity" to come "into this sinful world" for our salvation.
What comfort does Dr. Lloyd-Jones offer to those concerned about world events?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones offers profound comfort to those anxious about world events. He acknowledges the precariousness of life, especially in modern times with "dread possibilities," but points to Christ as the only true source of security. He states that those who enter God's kingdom through Christ "are not only citizens of the kingdom of God and of the kingdom of heaven, but that when the final disaster and calamity shall come, they shall be safe." He concludes his sermon assuring listeners that even if death comes tonight or "the final conflagration come tomorrow morning," those in Christ's kingdom are "safe in the arms of Jesus."
Other Sermons
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.