Sermons of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Political peace and social unity is something often heard about in the media and how communities need to strive to embrace unity and lay down their tribal identities that divide people. How might Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones respond to this kind of plea? More importantly, how does the apostle Paul talk about unity? In this sermon on Ephesians 1:11 titled “Predestined and Sealed in Christ,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones expounds on the great themes of unity, harmony, and peace in the letter to the Ephesians. In the church, there is no nationalistic boasting from the Jews nor philosophical snobbery from the Greeks for they are all one in Christ. The apostle Paul, who first boasted in his flesh as a Hebrew of Hebrews, now boasts that he is an apostle to the Gentiles. How did this come about? It comes about from God’s grand purpose of reuniting all things together in Christ. It is only when one looks to their inheritance as Christians can true peace and true unity be realized. Only by setting affection upon the spiritual inheritance in Christ can true reconciliation take place. The world does not know this or understand this unity. Hear Dr. Lloyd-Jones speak to this important topic that has implications for lives today.

How does one make sense of today’s world? What message do Christians have for those around them? According to Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, Christians have been given the ultimate revelation that gives an unique, supernatural perspective of everything. What natural humanity cannot see or understand, God has revealed to the Christian this profound mystery: God is reuniting together all things in Christ. In this sermon on Ephesians 1:10 titled “All Things Reunited in Christ,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expands upon this cosmic theme. While he maintains the orthodox position in rejecting universalism, Dr. Lloyd-Jones also pushes against the narrow view that only the redeemed and angels are part of God’s universal purpose. Instead, he argues, all of creation, excluding fallen people and fallen angels, will be united in Christ in perfect harmony at the end of the ages. Christians are face to face with a reality beyond personal salvation. Paul is taking the reader to a place finite minds can barely consider. Hear Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain this great truth and see what it means for engagement with the world.

Can anyone discover the mysteries of God? Does God hide His will from humanity? As the apostle Paul expands his teaching on God’s grace, he moves from election and predestination to “mystery." In this sermon on Ephesians 1:8–9 titled “The Mystery of His Will,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones warns that this mystery is no incomprehensible mystery as taught in the ancient religions, reserved only for a select few. Nor is it a vague teaching, antithetical to propositional truth as many contemporary Christian movements want to make it. Instead, biblical mystery is something hidden from natural humanity, yet God has fully revealed it. It is an open secret that sinful humanity cannot see. It is a truth that God must reveal to individuals. This has great implications for evangelism. The gospel is comprehensible to anyone, no matter their intellect, as long as God reveals it to them. Dr. Lloyd-Jones insists that this is the work of the Holy Spirit who opens the eyes of men and women to the revelation of Jesus Christ in the Scriptures. Faith is not opposed to reason, but reason alone cannot bring someone to God. The mind of a person, at its best, is inadequate; God must bring them to this truth. All desperately need His grace.

How can the apostle Paul be so exuberant in praise about the grace of God? Why is the grace of God something the apostle constantly writes about? It is because he knew the grace of God; he experienced it and it led to his worship and praise. In this sermon on Ephesians 1:7 titled “The Riches of His Grace,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expounds Paul’s words on the riches of God’s grace. By better understanding God’s grace one gets a glimpse into the very character of God. In the riches of God’s grace they see that He gives fully, freely, and abundantly. It can be no other way. He must give grace liberally because of who He is. Pastorally, Dr. Lloyd-Jones applies God’s grace to the Christian by highlighting their desperate need for it. Thankfully, His grace is sufficient for all needs. Millions have drunk from it, yet it is still bubbling up, offering assurance for all who come and drink from it. The gracious and good news of the gospel is the free and full forgiveness for those who are in Christ Jesus according to the riches of God’s grace.

Christians are forgiven of all sin past, present, and future. This marvelous truth is proclaimed as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones gives this compelling and comprehensive exposition in this sermon from Ephesians 1:7 on what is meant by “Through His Blood.” While recognizing the distinction between redemption and the forgiveness of sins, Dr. Lloyd-Jones nevertheless says the forgiveness of sins is the first item of redemption. If the sinner does not have their guilt removed, then sanctification and glorification do not follow. Modern society dislikes talk of guilt, wrath, the cross, and bloody sacrifice. They much more enjoy talk of the happiness and power that Jesus can bring. Dr. Lloyd-Jones thinks this is an incomplete gospel. The fundamental component (or first item) one needs is to be reconciled to God and this comes only when guilt is removed, forgiven, and ultimately covered by the death of Christ. He took the punishment, endured the wrath of God, and bought His people with the price of His life. Although forgiveness is difficult and sorrowful to God, as seen in the death of Christ, it is the only means that leads to absolute restoration with God. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones preaches of complete restoration and present forgiveness found only through the blood of Christ.