The Christians Future
A Sermon on Romans 13:11-14
Originally preached April 21, 1967
Scripture
11And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us …
Sermon Description
What is the future of the Christian? In this sermon on Romans 13:11–14 titled “The Christian’s Future,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches about what is awaiting the Christian. All over Scripture, the answer is clear— Christians are waiting for the coming day of the Lord. Contrary to what some people say, Scripture tells that this coming is a visible and physical coming of the Lord. At this time Jesus will be coming to complete His work. After passing judgment, He will set up His eternal kingdom. What are the consequences of this? First, Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that time will be no more. One of the main effects this will have is on the condition of the world. It will undo the results of the fall. All things will be restored to their original, perfect condition that existed before humanity sinned. Additionally, there will be a judgment and for believers, a judgment about rewards— the righteous are promised in Scripture that they will receive rewards corresponding to their acts on earth. Judgment for the wicked involves both the body and the spirit. However, the righteous are promised eternal life in the presence of the Lord. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones helps the reader grasp the vision for what the future holds if one has repented and believed in Jesus for forgiveness from their sins and is a child of God.
Sermon Breakdown
- The apostle Paul is addressing Christians in Rome and encouraging them to live holy lives.
- He is using the doctrine of the last things (eschatology) as motivation for Christian living.
- Paul assumes the Roman Christians understand this doctrine and the significance of the time they are living in.
- The "time" refers to the period between Jesus' first and second comings. This is how Christians should view history.
- Christians also have a different view of life in this world. They see the world as darkness and death.
- Christians have a unique view of the future and salvation. Salvation has past, present and future aspects. The future aspect refers to glorification.
- The "day" and "salvation" Paul refers to is Jesus' second coming. This is a major theme in the New Testament.
- Jesus' second coming will be visible and in his glorified body. He will come to complete the work he began in his first coming.
- There will be a resurrection of the dead, judgment, and Jesus will set up his eternal kingdom.
- Time will end, the universe will be reconstituted, and evil will be purged from the cosmos.
- Unbelievers will face condemnation and eternal punishment. The devil and his angels will be destroyed.
- For Christians, Jesus' coming will mean judgment of rewards, seeing Jesus, glorification of the body, hearing God's commendation, and inheriting the kingdom.
- These truths should motivate Christians to live godly lives as they await being with Jesus.
The Book of Romans
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.