MLJ Trust Logo Image

Showing 65 results for justification

Calling: the Middle Link

Romans 8:28-30

As Christians consider controversial topics such as predestination and election, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds that one must beware of their prejudices. Christians have to keep their minds open to understand what the apostle Paul actually says and teaches, even if at the end they do not agree with him. In light of this reminder, Dr. Lloyd-Jones presses into the topic of predestination and argues that God has marked out His people for His particular purpose and end. Taking it a step further, he asks why does the “call” come as the middle link in Paul’s great chain in redemption? Why must it come before justification? He shares that it is because justification is by faith alone and God’s effectual call of the Christian must come before or there would be no movement of the person to trust in Christ. Were it not for the power of the Holy Spirit in calling the person to the Lord Jesus Christ, states Dr. Lloyd-Jones, no one would ever believe the gospel. He then elaborates the work of the Spirit by providing biblical evidence on the nature and character of the doctrine of the effectual call of God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones answers several practical objections to this sovereign work of the Spirit. Listen to this sermon on Romans 8:28–30 titled “Calling: the Middle Link” as he gives insight to what he calls the “middle link” – the effectual call of the Holy Spirit.

Attacks on Assurance (2)

Ephesians 6:10-13

Christians can feel as though the Lord has withdrawn His smile from them and are concerned that their current or difficult state may mean that they are not truly a Christian. In this sermon on Ephesians 6:10–13 titled “Attacks on Assurance (2),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows that when Christians experience hardship and adversity, they must remember that the Lord allows difficult things in their lives because He wants to grow them as Christians. This ought to be a great comfort in hardship. Adversity encourages the Christian not to rely on their good works, but to be encouraged that they are being matured and prepared for future glory with Christ. They should not question their justification when they experience trials and suffering. Instead they should remember that when they confess their sins, God is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse His people from all unrighteousness.

The Authority of the Gospel

2 Corinthians 4:1-6

What authority comes with the gospel? What authority did the apostles have to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ? In this sermon on 2 Corinthians 4:1–6 titled “The Authority of the Gospel,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on the authority of Scripture and how God uses His word to command the church to proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth. The gospel is not the product of clever human reasoning or philosophy. It is the work of Jesus Christ that is revealed in holy Scripture. No one can find it by searching for it, but they can only know the gospel because God has graciously chosen to reveal it through His revelation. This is why the church of modern times must be like the apostles and proclaim the gospel to all; they must share the good news that Jesus has died for sinners and rose from the grave for their justification. This sermon calls all to examine themselves to see if they have believed in this message of salvation from sins. There is no other way to be saved than by believing in Jesus Christ.

All of God

Romans 11:33-36

God’s judgements and actions are something entirely incomprehensible to people. In this sermon on Romans 11:33–36 titled “All of God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones dissects the tendency for humans to proclaim their independence. Salvation comes in and through God and there is nothing else people can do. Learn how humanity’s essential problem is their ignorance. People are always ready to give advice, but who can advise God? If one considers their state, they will realize that they are in sin and a hopeless debtor. “The whole of the cosmos is going to display... the glory of God.” From justification to glorification, it is all absolutely a work of God, void of any work of humanity. God is the Creator and Sustainer of all; salvation and the whole of life is for the glory of God. Look at creation and see how the world overflows with the glory of God. The listener is encouraged to contemplate their condition, confess that they are nothing, gladly acknowledge that they are what they are “solely by the grace of God,” and rejoice.

The Law Established

Romans 3:31

The law of God condemns but the grace of God saves. So what room is there to boast? There are three deductions that Paul is drawing with his description of salvation: there can no longer be any boasting, the gospel is for all people without distinction, and the gospel establishes the law. Some Jews may feel that with this new message about receiving salvation through faith means that their law is void, but Paul says that is unthinkable. This salvation is a justification whereby God has declared His people as righteous in His sight. In this sermon titled “The Law Established” from Romans 3:31, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that Paul is repeating what the Lord said in the Sermon on the Mount. The Lord honored the law in His active obedience and nothing that He would do would prove the law void. Dr. Lloyd-Jones provides seven points of how the cross and salvation honors the law and discusses reasons why people would reject this teaching.

The Necessity of the Atonement

What does the Bible mean when it calls God both just and the justifier? Moreover, was the atonement really necessary? Were there any other ways? In this sermon on the atonement, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explores these questions in his ongoing series of the Doctrine of the Atonement. After he reviews his previous seven arguments for the Protestant view of the atonement, he gives his final and last reason: the Bible emphasizes the death on the cross as an absolute necessity. By exploring Jesus’s words in the Garden of Gethsemane and epistles of Paul, Dr. Lloyd-Jones gives a clear picture for the biblical and Protestant view of the atonement. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also navigates through some objections against both the general doctrine of the atonement and the specific doctrine of the penal substitutionary atonement. This sermon by Dr. Lloyd-Jones is helpful as he gives arguments for and against this glorious doctrine of the atonement and offers robust understanding of salvation and justification by Christ alone.

A Matter of Conscience

John 4:13-14

Is Jesus is all He claims to be? Is He is God? Did He die for sinners? Is He the true and better Adam? Is He the Savior? In this sermon on John 4:13-14, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on Jesus Christ as the personal Savior, and how this truth applies to guilty consciences. For the Law tells of guilt, and hearts confirm this judgment – it is a matter of conscience. The only hope is not to quell the conscience, but to believe and receive total forgiveness. Jesus Christ came and died in order that the Law would be fulfilled. What does this mean for the human conscience? A conscience convicting a sinner of sin must not be ignored, but they also should not turn to self-justification. The answer is in Christ. He has freed his people from desires to vindicate themselves and appease guilty consciences by works. Jesus himself said that He is humanity’s righteousness and hope. For all who believe in Jesus can have full assurance that they have been saved and are now children of God.

The Protestant Reformation

In this sermon on the Protestant Reformation, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones provides a comprehensive overview of the Protestant Reformation and its ongoing relevance. He traces the development of the Roman Catholic Church over the centuries, highlighting how it deviated from biblical teaching through traditions, papal authority, and doctrines like transubstantiation. Dr. Lloyd-Jones then explains how reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin rediscovered key biblical truths like justification by faith alone and sola scriptura. He recounts how the Reformation spread to different countries, including England. Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that the core doctrinal differences between Protestantism and Catholicism remain, despite surface-level changes in the Catholic Church. He urges listeners to value and defend Reformation truths, warning against ecumenical movements that compromise the gospel. Overall, Dr. Lloyd-Jones presents the Reformation as a crucial recovery of biblical Christianity that continues to have vital importance for the church today.

Sanctification: The Mighty Process of the Holy Spirit

According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, God’s purpose for everything He does is the Christian’s sanctification. In this sermon titled “The Mighty Process of the Holy Spirit,” he outlines three dangers: Christians must not separate justification and sanctification; Christians cannot believe to both receive sanctification at the time of salvation and also at a point in the future; and Christians must be wary of preaching a false evangelism that stops at forgiveness and excludes holy living. The Christian should care about living a life that is pleasing to God because God is holy. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains the Christian’s responsibility in sanctification. While the Holy Spirit is at work within them, they must not resist His work. Paul wrote about this in Romans 8 and other passages, teaching that Christians must actively seek to eliminate sin from their lives. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains how Christians can come alongside the Holy Spirit in His work of making them more like Jesus Christ.

God's Work is Certain

Romans 8:32

Can God’s love for His children ever change or lessen? Is there any power that can pluck the believer from God’s hand? In this sermon on Romans 8:32 titled “God’s Work is Certain,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expounds on the apostle Paul’s teaching of final perseverance for the saints. Paul demonstrates in his argument that God’s love cannot possibly fail or lessen for His children. This faithful love that does not lessen has implications for God’s disposition towards believers - if God is for us and His love is certain, then who or what is capable of taking us from God’s hands? The answer is no one and nothing. The impossibility of God’s love changing towards His children is important for it has further implications regarding the Christian’s salvation. Just as certain as God’s unchanging love is towards His Children, so is it thus inconceivable for God to fail to continue his work in believers from justification on to glorification. His work and his love are certain and secure, thus providing full assurance of the final perseverance of the saints.

Certainty of Salvation

Romans 5:1-2

What is “peace with God” and how does one attain it? In the sermon titled “Certainty of Salvation,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones discusses this as he preaches on Romans 5:1–2. Paul has just finished explaining that righteousness by faith was not only imputed for Abraham, but also for all Christians. The apostle shows the absolute finality and fullness of salvation which comes as a result of faith. The greatest proof of final salvation and assurance is union with Christ. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains three things done by justification by faith: it puts the Christian at peace with God, sets them firmly in a place of all blessings, and enables them to exalt the prospect of future glorification. Before one is even able to obtain blessings or think about future glorification, they need to have access to the Lord. Salvation and all its blessings are only attained through the Lord Jesus Christ. Dr. Lloyd-Jones defines and explains what peace with God is and how Paul will continue on with this theme in the coming verses.

Purification of the Bride

Ephesians 5:25-27

Sanctification is an essential and inevitable part of life for all who are truly regenerate and saved. In this sermon on Ephesians 5:25–27 titled “Purification of the Bride,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones describes it is a lifelong process by which the believer is conformed to the image of Christ and grown in love and knowledge of God the Savior. It is the outworking of the justification and forgiveness of sin that all Christians receive at salvation by becoming partakers of the gospel of Christ Jesus. The word of God is essential to sanctification. However, this is not the belief that Christians are to “let go and let God,” but rather it is the recognition that the word of God is the means that the Holy Spirit uses to grow Christians in knowledge and love of Christ. Another erroneous view of sanctification and salvation is that of baptismal regeneration. This is the view that at baptism Christians are cleansed of original guilt and the stain of sin. Biblically, baptism is a sign of the transformation and new life that one has in Christ, not the means of acquiring it. Another essential aspect of sanctification is the conviction of sin by the Holy Spirit. The word of God, particularly the Ten Commandments, can be used to further sanctify and bring Christians closer to God.

Standing in Grace

Romans 5:1-2

What does it mean to stand in the grace of God? The apostle Paul writes that all who believe are no longer under the power of sin and death, but are now in God’s grace. In this sermon on Romans 5:1–2 titled “Standing in Grace,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expounds on this great declaration. He says that to be in God’s grace is to be justified before God. It is to be in the family of God. All whom God saves, He secures and grants perseverance. This is the blessing of justification, peace, and security with God through Christ. And through the Holy Spirit the Christian is sanctified. All of this is a result of the Christian being justified by faith. All believers ought to strive to have a full assurance that they have been redeemed in Christ and are now indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The Christian now boldly approaches God because they are His children and heirs. They do not live in fear of punishment, for they are wholly in Christ Jesus. This sermon on the glories of salvation causes all to ask the question: “do I believe? Have I been transferred out of the kingdom of darkness into the family of God?”

For Christs Love Compels Us

John 1:16

The Christian must consider how they feel about sin and about Jesus Christ. They must ask if their sin disgusts them to where they are driven to confession and repentance, and if they are drawn to love God, His Word, and people more and more? In this sermon on John 1:16 titled “For Christ’s Love Compels Us,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones delves into the joyous details surrounding the love of the Savior and how His love affects lives and desires. Paramount to understanding how the love of Christ affects is understanding the doctrine of union with Christ. This doctrine explains that those who have repented and believed in Christ are also united with Him. This not only means that the Christian is united to a righteousness like Christ’s through sanctification and justification, but also that they have been united to a death like Christ’s, namely, that they have died to sin. From this point Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows how the follower of Christ is not merely credited with Christ’s goodness, but also given a new heart and new desires to put off sin and put on righteousness.

To Glorify Christ

Romans 8:28-30

The believer in Christ is caught up in a grand trinitarian story between the mutual glorification of the Father and the Son. This cosmic story of God’s glory bestows unbelievable benefits upon unworthy sinners. When the Christian is united with Christ, all God purposed is guaranteed and the Son will be glorified in the salvation of His people. In this sermon on Romans 8:28­–30 titled “To Glorify Christ,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones connects God the Father’s grand purpose in the glorification of His Son to the ultimate grounds of assurance. Dr. Lloyd-Jones assures that based upon the apostle Paul’s words, every detail in the believer’s salvation – foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification – will be accomplished in perfect detail. Furthermore, Dr. Lloyd-Jones works through the biblical texts across the New Testament and comes to a clear definition for the controversial term “foreknowledge.” With consistency and care, he argues that the term means God setting His love upon His people. Moreover, there is very little difference between the biblical teaching of foreknowledge and the doctrine of predestination. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones gives believers unlimited grounds for assurance.

No Other Gospel

Galatians 1:6-7

Humanity’s fundamental need is to know the truth about the world, themselves, and God. The gospel provides these truths and thankfully does not merely stop there—it is good news. Not a product of humanity, the gospel is a certain revelation of God’s eternal heart. God has made a way of salvation for the human predicament. In this sermon on Galatians 1:6–7 titled “No Other Gospel,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones teaches how God can be one’s Father. “And can it be that I should gain an interest in my Savior’s blood?” This sermon shows Paul’s urgent concern for the people who had gone wrong on how to become possessors of this blessing. Learn about the truth that changed Luther and many mighty men of God, causing the Protestant Reformation. What is the doctrine of justification by faith? Preaching must explain this particular doctrine. How does one become a Christian? It is not by birth, nationality, circumcision, baptism, diet, or the law. The law is absolute—if one fails in one part, they have broken it entirely. God alone can make a person a Christian. Christ has taken away the sin and clothes His people with His righteousness.

Righteous in Christ

John 1:16

The grounds for any relationship is a mutual interest and certain likeness. This is no different in our relationship with God. In this sermon titled “Righteousness in Christ,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains righteousness as one’s nature corresponding to the nature of God. This leads to a question: how then can anyone be righteous? No one can arrive at the knowledge of God because they cannot produce righteousness. As a result, in the fallen condition, all are prone to righteousness by works and this will never do. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains from John 1:16 how to get back into a state of fellowship with God––it is the doctrine of justification by faith. Through Christ, guilt is removed and Christians are given His righteousness. This righteousness is permanent and the relationship with God is now absolute. There is no condemnation in Christ Jesus. What does this mean for the believer? It means that the devil can never raise within them the question of their standing with God. Yes, Satan will still accuse and what he says about human actions is true. But the believer’s hope is not in themselves––it is in Christ who has saved. Christians are recipients of grace upon grace.

Captain of Our Salvation

John 2:23-25

What does it mean that Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Christian’s salvation? The theme of Jesus as God’s appointed Savior is found throughout the Gospel of John. In this sermon from John 2:23–25 titled “Captain of Our Salvation,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expounds on this great doctrine and its significance for all. The biblical message of salvation is the proclamation that God has acted in Jesus Christ to redeem His people from sin and bondage. It is wholly a work of grace that cannot be improved on or added to; it cannot be made more perfect than it is. Jesus alone saves. Any desire to add to the work of Christ distorts the gospel and denies Jesus as the sole savior of the world. What does this message mean for humanity? First and foremost, it is a call to repent and believe in Jesus. Sinners should not go another day without trusting in the compassion and love of God. For those that already believe, they must seek to live in the power of Christ and reject all efforts of self-justification. Jesus is the captain of their salvation because He is the only one that can save from sin, death, and the judgment of God.

You Must Be Born Again

John 3:1-8

What is so dangerous about the religious life? Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones takes up this question in this sermon titled “You Must Be Born Again” from John 3:1-8. He says that often times people who claim to be religious are trying to live as Christians without actually being saved. They try to be sanctified without being justified. This is a hopeless way to live because it treats Christianity as a graceless religion that is attained by works alone. This is similar to the error of intellectualism, which says that Christianity is about simply knowing and assenting to certain truths. Both of those views lose sight of what it means to be justified freely in the grace of God as the foundation of the Christian life. Both views replace the grace of God with works of humanity. Instead, you must be born again. The Christian must ask themselves if they believe the Christian life is merely intellectual and works based or if they trust the justifying grace of God that alone has the power to save and make fallen sinners new. This message of justification is the only hope that this world has and is central to the gospel of Jesus Christ for all who believe.

Revival Sermon: Defective Orthodoxy

Genesis 26:17-18

Is revival possible without the teaching and preaching of doctrinal truths? Can there be a revival in the presence of defective orthodoxy? In this sermon on Genesis 26:17–18 titled “Revival Sermon: Defective Orthodoxy,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones denies any possibility of revival without the presence of right doctrine. Listen as he expounds upon the hindrances and obstacles of revival, the failure expected without respect of doctrines such as the Holy Spirit, justification by faith alone, regeneration, the church, and the sovereignty of God. “These doctrines are bare essentials, and without them I see that we have no right at all to pray for or expect the influence and the demonstration of the Holy Spirit of God.” Christians must remember that one can be orthodox but dead if they believe doctrine is an end to itself. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also points out the increase of entertainment, programs, and advertisements among the church that should not be there. He even addresses the overemphasis put on singing that is permeating many churches today. The church must also beware of being right in doctrine and orthodoxy, but wrong in the Spirit. Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches here about the behaviors and actions that must be thrown out in order to avoid this.