Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on the Fundamental Principles of the Gospel

What is the essence of the Gospel according to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the essence of the Gospel is "good news" - not philosophy, ethical teaching, or social commentary. He emphasizes that the Christian message centers specifically on Christ and what happened to Him: "Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures." Lloyd-Jones stresses that these historical facts about Christ's death, burial, and resurrection form the foundation of Christianity, not Christ's ethical teachings or example alone.

Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say the Church at Corinth was in trouble?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that the Corinthian church was in a "sad and sorry state" because they had forgotten the basic principles of the Christian faith. They were: - Divided into rival groups and factions - More interested in philosophy than the simple gospel message - Tolerating serious sin in their midst - Taking each other to public courts - Having disputes about food and Christian liberty - Abusing the communion table - Confused and boastful about spiritual gifts - Being influenced by false teachers who denied the resurrection

What does "according to the scriptures" mean in relation to Christ's death and resurrection?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that "according to the scriptures" means Christ's death was not accidental or merely tragic. Rather, it was: - Planned before the foundation of the world - Part of God's eternal purpose and counsel - The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies - Deliberately designed for our salvation

He emphasizes that "far from being accidental, they are deliberate. They are a part of God's eternal plan and purpose and counsel." This phrase proves that Christ's death was not simply a good man being misunderstood, but God's intentional way of saving humanity.

Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones focus on Christ's death rather than His teaching?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that while Christ's teaching is important, it cannot save anyone. He states: "The sermon on the mount has never saved anybody and never will." Instead, he focuses on Christ's death, burial, and resurrection because:

1. These are the facts that save us
2. Christ came into the world specifically to die ("For this hour came I into this world")
3. Only through His death could our sins be forgiven
4. His resurrection proves that God accepted His sacrifice for our sins

Lloyd-Jones argues that focusing solely on Christ's moral teaching actually denies the gospel, as it ignores our inability to meet God's standards through our own efforts.

What does it mean to be "saved" according to this sermon?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, to be saved means to be delivered from our naturally lost condition. He describes our lost state as: - Being under God's condemnation and wrath because of sin - Being estranged from God - Being morally helpless and unable to change ourselves - Being unable to erase our past sins - Having no hope beyond death

Salvation means Christ has: - Borne our punishment ("God laid on him the iniquity of us all") - Satisfied God's justice - Conquered all our enemies, including death - Offered us forgiveness, new life, and reconciliation with God

As Lloyd-Jones puts it: "Though you were this, that you could be delivered. You could be saved. You could be set free. You could be washed. You could be sanctified. You could be justified."