The Great Christian Salvation
A Sermon on Psalm 107:35-38
Originally preached March 6, 1955
Scripture
35He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.
36And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;
37And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase.
38He blesseth them also, …
Sermon Description
What is unique about the Bible’s teaching on salvation? Many religions and philosophies present ways that people can be saved from death and enjoy everlasting peace. In this sermon on Psalm 107:35–38 titled “The Great Christian Salvation,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones teaches that the Christian’s faith stands apart from all these other worldly teachings because in the holy Scriptures is found a salvation that is wholly miraculous. Becoming a Christian is a miracle of God in that He transforms what is dead and lifeless into a living and breathing new spiritual being. This new birth is impossible according to nature, but with God all things are possible. This message of salvation as an act of God means that it is only by grace that anyone can be saved. Salvation is wholly of God, and therefore it is wholly of His grace. Christians are not called to understand the miraculous nature of God’s acts, but are called to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who has come and died for sinners. They are called to believe so that they may be saved. This is the most important message that anyone can hear because it is the only true message of salvation.
Sermon Breakdown
- The psalmist calls upon all to give thanks to the Lord for his goodness and mercy.
- The psalmist presents four examples of those delivered from extremities by God.
- The psalmist makes an application, saying that those who do not praise God lack wisdom and do not observe his works.
- The Bible says that those who do not believe in God are fools who do not think or observe.
- The Bible presents arguments for God's existence, like the wonders of creation, that should convince any thinking person.
- The psalmist observes God's power, greatness, and salvation, though many are blind to these things.
- Becoming a Christian is a miraculous work of God, not something we achieve ourselves.
- The change God works in the soul is complete, like turning a wilderness into standing water.
- The change is a miracle, the direct action of God, and thus beyond our understanding.
- The change gives us rest, satisfaction, purpose, growth, and more.
- The Christian life is exciting and expanding, with increasing depths and heights.
- Unfortunately, the end of the sermon is missing from the recording.
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.