Evangelical Unity
A Sermon on Unity
Scripture
Sermon Description
Evangelical unity is not simply a matter of associations and coalitions, but it is a based on the central doctrines of the faith. In this sermon titled “Evangelical Unity,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches that unity is centered on doctrine; the doctrines of the natures of Christ, the sufficient atoning work of Christ, the doctrine of justification by faith, and the doctrine of God’s word. This is a Spirit-empowered supernatural work in the life of believers that unites them to God and to one another. The church cannot sacrifice the truth of the Christian faith and God’s word for the appearance of union, for true evangelical union is found in the non-negotiable doctrines of Christianity. Evangelicals should seek to build up the church around God’s truth as found in His word. To substitute unity in the gospel for worldly unity based on nothing more than human institutions is to compromise the truth of the Christian faith. The pursuit of evangelical union will often cause controversy and division, but this is the inevitable effect of seeking to follow God above people. Evangelicals are not to compromise the glorious truths of God’s word for the fading recognition of sinful people and the world. God commands His church to follow Him no matter the cost.
Sermon Breakdown
- Dr. Lloyd-Jones opens by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to speak at the event and notes the differences from the last time he spoke at the same venue.
- The first point of doctrine is the person of Christ - fully God and fully man. This is essential to evangelical belief and is articulated in the Nicene Creed.
- The second point of doctrine is the finished work of Christ on the cross as the only sufficient atonement for sin. Christ's sacrifice is complete and finished.
- The third point of doctrine is that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Justification is by faith, not works. This doctrine emphasizes that salvation is wholly the work of God, not man.
- The fourth point of doctrine is the ministry of the Holy Spirit in regeneration, sanctification, and governing the church. The Spirit enables prayer, preaching, and revival. The Spirit creates unity.
- The fifth point of doctrine is the inspiration and authority of Scripture. Scripture is the ultimate rule of faith and the source of knowledge about Christ and the gospel.
- True unity and fellowship are spiritual, not physical. They are not ends in themselves or comprehensiveness. They are not merely the absence of division. They are living and organic.
- Unity is created by the Spirit, not man. It is the result of the Spirit's work, not human effort or cooperation. The Spirit brings people to see their sin and need for Christ.
- To keep the unity, avoid carnality, worldliness, sin, and wrong doctrine. Defects of character and pride also damage unity.
- The greatest need is revival - when the Spirit comes in power, unity results. Pray for revival, holiness, and surrender to the Spirit.
Itinerant Preaching
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.