Separated Unto Holiness
A Sermon on Ezekiel 36:21-33
Originally preached April 22, 1956
Scripture
21¶ But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went. 22Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for …
Sermon Description
Do you know the truth about yourself and the truth about salvation? In this sermon on Ezekiel 36:21-33 titled “Separated unto holiness,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers these questions while examining God’s message to Israel when they were in times of trouble. The gospel is unchangeable and can never be altered; therefore, the Christian must know the general fundamentals of the gospel in order to have hope. Firstly, God tells us that we are hopeless because of our sin, and we have to realize that God punishes sin. The Israelites were in their situation because God was punishing them, and similarly the whole world is in trouble because God is punishing our sin. God has made a way for us to have hope however, by giving us eternal life. Secondly, Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains the three general facts in the gospel that we have to understand in order to receive salvation: Salvation is in spite of our sin, salvation is all of God, and the primary design of the gospel is to vindicate God’s character. Lastly, Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes by saying, “If you truly acknowledge your sins and realize that Christ is the only Savior then he will deliver you.”
Sermon Breakdown
- Salvation is altogether in spite of us. We deserve nothing but punishment.
- Salvation is always in spite of our helplessness and hopelessness. We can do nothing about our salvation.
- Salvation is not due to anything in us at all. It is all of God.
- Salvation is God's thought, God's purpose, God's plan. It comes from God.
- Salvation is God acting. God does everything in salvation.
- The primary design of salvation is to vindicate the character of God.
- Salvation shows forth the glory of God.
- Salvation shows forth the power of God. God can defeat even Babylon.
- Salvation vindicates God's holiness. The object of salvation is to make us holy.
- Salvation vindicates God's justice and righteousness. God forgives in a way that satisfies his justice.
- Salvation comes from God's eternal love, mercy, pity and compassion.
- Salvation cannot fail. God will accomplish his purposes.
Old Testament
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.