Questions and Answers from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on Church Division

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones identify as "the wiles of the devil" in relation to church division?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the devil uses various tactics to cause division in the church. He identifies three main manifestations: heresies (false teaching on particular matters), apostasy (general departure from the Christian faith), and schism (unjustifiable division in the church). The devil is subtle and opportunistic, adapting his tactics as needed. Lloyd-Jones says, "He doesn't care how he varies his tactics. He'll contradict himself... He can be all things to all men in a very evil sense. He can even turn himself, as we've seen, into an angel of light."

What is the sin of schism according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones defines schism as "a division in the church which is unjustifiable. It means a separation of Christian people from one another without an adequate cause." He explains that it is "a peculiar manifestation of the wiles of the devil" where Satan "comes to people who've seen the danger of heresy and the danger of apostasy, and he drives them so violently to the opposite extreme that they divide when they shouldn't divide." It is essentially the sin of breaking, tearing, or rending the body of Christ when there is insufficient reason to do so.

What historical examples of schism does Dr. Lloyd-Jones provide?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones provides several historical examples of schism: 1. The divisions that occurred immediately after the Protestant Reformation with the emergence of various sects 2. The multiplicity of sects and groupings during the time of the Puritans (1650-1660) 3. The numerous divisions in the Church of Scotland throughout the 16th-19th centuries 4. The ironically numerous divisions among the Brethren movement, which began with the intention of avoiding denominationalism 5. The many divisions among Strict Baptists in the 19th century 6. The 261 different religious denominations in the United States at the time of his sermon

When is separation from other Christians justifiable according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones states that separation is justifiable in these cases: 1. When confronting apostasy (as with the Roman Catholic Church) 2. When tradition is put before truth 3. When there is a wrong view of the nature of the church (such as making it a department of the state) 4. When there is interference with freedom of worship 5. When there is a return to Roman Catholic positions and practices

He says, "We must have nothing to do with apostasy, with a system that hides the Lord Jesus Christ from the people and robs them of some of the greatest blessings of his great salvation."

When does Dr. Lloyd-Jones consider separation to be questionable or unjustifiable?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones suggests that separation is questionable or unjustifiable in these situations: 1. When dividing over matters not essential to salvation 2. When dividing over matters where absolute certainty cannot be reached (like baptism or interpretations of prophecy) 3. When dividing over the practical application of biblical teaching (like church government)

He says, "I am suggesting that when you're dealing with matters of pure interpretation, where you cannot arrive at an absolute decision, it is wrong to divide."

What principle does Dr. Lloyd-Jones give for determining what is essential for Christian unity?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones says, "I recognize only one division. It is the division between evangelical and non-evangelical." He considers as essential the beliefs that: 1. People cannot save themselves 2. The deity of Christ 3. The substitutionary atonement 4. The literal physical resurrection

He states: "If a man subscribes to those tenets of the faith, which I've already enunciated, I'm with him. I'm his brother. If he doesn't, I am not with him." On non-essential matters, he is "prepared to stretch to the utmost limit before I separate from him."

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones suggest Christians should consider before separating from other believers?

Before separating from other believers, Dr. Lloyd-Jones suggests Christians should: 1. Examine their primary concern (Is it the glory of God and salvation of souls, or just proving oneself right?) 2. Consider the situation as a whole, not just one issue 3. Consider the consequences of separation, not just the action itself 4. Consider the timing (there is "a time for these things") 5. Consider the preparation and readiness of the people 6. Balance all factors, including how separation might affect one's effectiveness and witness

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones summarize his approach to Christian unity and division?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones summarizes his approach with the well-known phrase: "In matters essential unity, in matters indifferent, liberty, in all things charity." He laments that evangelical Christians are often divided "solely on grounds of tradition, simply because they happen to have been brought up in a certain section of the church." He believes evangelicals should be united on the essentials of the faith regardless of denominational background. He concludes that Christians should "stand on revelation alone" and preach "the biblical doctrine of sin and condemnation and hell and the only way of salvation in the Son of God by his blood."

What psychological aspect does Dr. Lloyd-Jones associate with schism?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies a psychological aspect to schism, particularly in relation to bigotry. He says, "The bigot is a man who's rarely a psychological case. He doesn't realize that, but his trouble is mainly psychological. It's a lack of balance. It's a spirit of fear." He explains that such people are "so terrified that they may be a heretic or guilty of apostasy that they become hypersensitive, hypercritical, loses his judgment and real balance."

He also notes that those most susceptible to schism are "generally those who are most honest, most sincere, and, if I may add, most intellectual." It's "people who take the Bible seriously and who think and who've got minds" that the devil targets with this temptation.