Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on Faith Questions and Answers

What is the difference between saving faith and other types of faith mentioned in the Bible?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the Bible uses the word "faith" in several different ways. Saving faith is the faith that links us to Christ and makes us Christians. This differs from the "gift of faith" mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12, which is a special spiritual gift given to some believers (like George Muller or Hudson Taylor) enabling them to live in exceptional dependence on God. It also differs from "faithfulness" which is listed as a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that we must understand these distinctions to properly grasp the biblical concept of saving faith.

Is faith simply a natural faculty that all people possess?

No, Dr. Lloyd-Jones strongly disagrees with the notion that faith is merely a natural faculty everyone has. He argues that when people compare faith in God to trusting a train or airplane, they're confusing two different things. What people do when boarding a train is simply acting on mathematical probability or general experience—not exercising biblical faith. True biblical faith, as exemplified by Abraham, is "hoping against hope" when all natural evidence is contrary. Lloyd-Jones quotes Charles Wesley's hymn: "Faith in thy power thou seest I have, for thou this faith hast wrought," emphasizing that faith is something God works in us, not a natural ability we already possess.

What is the origin of faith according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that faith is "the gift of God." He refers to Ephesians 2:8, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God," arguing that the word "that" refers to faith itself, not merely to salvation. He explains that this understanding aligns with previous doctrines covered in his series, particularly regeneration. The seed of faith is placed in us during regeneration, and our fundamental disposition determines whether we have faith or not. Lloyd-Jones points to Jesus' words in John 5:44: "How can ye believe, which receive honor one of another and seek not the honor that cometh from God?" to show that our moral disposition affects our ability to believe.

How does faith come into being according to the sermon?

Faith comes into being through the Scripture—the Word of God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones cites Romans 10:17, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God," as the classical passage demonstrating this truth. He references Jesus' Great Commission to teach all nations, Paul's commission to open people's eyes, and James 1:18 which states that God begets us "by the word of truth." Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that it is the preaching and teaching of biblical truth that calls forth faith. This is why preaching the Word is so central to Christian ministry, as it is God's ordained means for awakening faith in people's hearts.

What are the essential elements that make up saving faith?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies three essential elements of saving faith:

1. Belief/Ascent to truth - Not just a casual acknowledgment but a firm conviction and persuasion
2. Trust/Confidence - An element of trust and confidence that goes beyond mere intellectual agreement
3. Committal - Actually committing oneself to Christ and calling upon God

He warns against "historical faith" or mere intellectual assent to biblical propositions without true trust and commitment. He illustrates this with the story of a man who could walk across a whirlpool on a plank while pushing a wheelbarrow, and asking a boy if he believed he could do it. When the boy said yes, the man invited him to get in the wheelbarrow, but the boy refused—showing the difference between intellectual assent and true faith.

What parts of a person are involved in true saving faith?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, saving faith engages the whole person:

1. The mind/intellect - Faith begins with understanding and accepting truth
2. The heart/emotions - "Unto you therefore which believe, He is precious" (1 Peter 2:7)
3. The will - "Faith without works is dead" (James 2:26)

Lloyd-Jones warns against both Roman Catholic teaching (which he says downplays the mind's involvement) and "Sandemanianism" (which reduces faith to mere intellectual assent). He also cautions against modern "believism" that doesn't engage the heart and will. True faith affects how we feel about Christ and how we live our lives.

What is the relationship between faith and reason?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that faith is not merely a matter of reason (you cannot reason yourself into Christianity), but it's also not contrary to reason (it's not irrational). Instead, faith is "supra-reason"—it goes beyond reason. He quotes mathematician Blaise Pascal: "The supreme achievement of reason is to teach us that there is an end to reason." Faith begins where reason reaches its limits.

Lloyd-Jones suggests thinking of faith as "deliberately shutting oneself down to this book [the Bible]." Once you accept the revelation by faith, you discover it's actually highly reasonable—"the most reasonable thing in the world." This approach puts all people on equal footing—both the intellectually gifted and ordinary people can exercise faith, because it's not primarily about intellectual capacity but about receiving divine revelation.

What knowledge is essential to saving faith?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones distinguishes between truths "essential to the integrity of the gospel" and those "essential to the symmetry and perfection of the gospel." The essential truths that one must understand to have saving faith include:

1. The character of God as holy and righteous (not just loving)
2. Our sinful and lost condition
3. The person and work of Christ, especially His death for our sins
4. The necessity of regeneration

Lloyd-Jones states that while we don't need comprehensive theological knowledge to be Christians, we must grasp these essential elements. He says, "Faith isn't a vague feeling. Faith isn't a vague desire to have certain blessings from Christ. Faith is a belief of this gospel, this word of God, this message."