Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on Ephesians: Understanding the Christian Identity

What does it mean to be a saint according to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, being a saint means first and foremost being "set apart" or "separated" from the world. He explains that this is the primary meaning of the word saint as used by Paul in Ephesians 1:1. The term doesn't refer only to exceptionally holy people (as in Roman Catholic canonization), but to every Christian. Dr. Lloyd-Jones states: "Every Christian is a saint. You can't be a Christian without being a saint." This separation means that while Christians are in the world, they are "not of the world" - they are "essentially different" in mind, outlook, heart, conversation, and behavior. Additionally, saints are those who have been "cleansed inwardly" - both from the guilt of sin and from its pollution.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones define what it means to be "faithful in Christ Jesus"?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that the term "faithful" has two important meanings. First, it means "exercising faith" or being "full of faith" - believing specific things about Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that Christians aren't merely nice people with vague moral ideals, but people who believe in specific doctrines: Christ's incarnation, virgin birth, miracles, death for our sins, resurrection, and the reality of the Holy Spirit. The second meaning is the one we commonly use: being reliable, dependable, and loyal to the faith - "standing for the defense of the faith" even when facing opposition, persecution, mockery, or social rejection.

What does it mean to be "in Christ Jesus" according to the sermon?

Being "in Christ Jesus" means more than simply believing in Christ. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that Christians are actually united to Christ in a "vital, organic, mystical union." He uses several biblical illustrations to explain this concept: 1. Christians are members of Christ's body 2. Just as all humans were "in Adam," Christians are now "in Christ" 3. Christians participate in Christ's death, burial, resurrection, and heavenly position 4. Christians are branches connected to Christ, the true vine

This means all that Christ has done becomes true of believers, and all blessings they receive come through this union with Him. Dr. Lloyd-Jones calls this concept "staggering" and "overwhelming."

Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones believe the church lacks influence in the modern world?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones states that the primary reason for the church's lack of influence in the modern world is that Christians today are "so unlike the description that we find in the New Testament of the Christian." He points out that early Christians, though few in number, had a profound impact on the pagan world around them because of "their quality of life" and "the power they possessed." He argues that this is "the only way in which Christianity can have such an influence in the modern world." The problem is not with organization but with Christians failing to conform to the biblical pattern of what it means to be a Christian.

What is the relationship between being a saint and being faithful according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that there is an inseparable relationship between being a saint (holy) and being faithful (a believer). He quotes John Calvin: "No one is a believer who is not holy and no one is holy who is not a believer." He warns against putting "a gulf between justification and sanctification," calling it a "pernicious doctrine" to think one can be justified without being sanctified. He stresses that these qualities are "indissolubly linked" and concludes: "You cannot be a believer without being holy, and you cannot be holy in this New Testament sense without being a believer. What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder."