What Does Martyn Lloyd-Jones Teach About the Essential Christian Message?

What is Martyn Lloyd-Jones' main point about Christianity being a defined message rather than a vague attitude?

According to Lloyd-Jones, Christianity is something that can be clearly defined and circumscribed, not just a vague spirit or attitude that eludes definition. He points to the apostle Paul's own words where Paul acknowledges being part of "the sect of the Nazarenes" and following "the way which they call heresy." Lloyd-Jones argues against the modern notion that Christianity cannot be defined, saying, "The whole climate of opinion in the world today and less in the Christian church is to deny this very thing and is to say that Christianity is something that cannot be defined." He emphasizes that throughout church history, Christians have created creeds, confessions, and articles precisely to define what Christianity is and isn't.

What elements does Lloyd-Jones identify as the essential components of Christianity?

Lloyd-Jones identifies several essential components of Christianity through Paul's defense: 1) Belief in God who is to be worshipped, 2) Belief in "the God of my fathers" - the God revealed in the Old Testament who intervenes in human history, 3) Belief in all things written in the law and prophets, 4) Belief in the resurrection of both the just and unjust, and 5) Most crucially, belief in Jesus of Nazareth as the fulfillment of all prophecies, the Messiah proven by His resurrection, and the only way of salvation.

According to Lloyd-Jones, how does someone become a Christian?

According to Lloyd-Jones, becoming a Christian goes beyond merely believing in God, the Ten Commandments, or even the resurrection. He states: "It means that you have left something else and have believed in him [Jesus] and have gone after him." One must "realize that you are a condemned and a hopeless sinner and that nothing you may ever do will ever save you. But that Christ, the Son of God, came into this world to die for you, to save you, to reconcile you to God." The proof of this salvation is Christ's resurrection. One must "believe on Jesus as the Son of God and one who died for you and your sins to reconcile you to God."

What significance does Lloyd-Jones place on the resurrection of Jesus?

Lloyd-Jones places central significance on the resurrection as the proof of Jesus' identity and the effectiveness of His work. He says the resurrection proves that Jesus is "the Messiah, the son of God." It demonstrates that God has accepted Christ's sacrifice for our sins: "delivered for our offenses, raised again for our justification." The resurrection confirms that "the law of God is answered, is satisfied" through Christ's perfect obedience and sacrificial death. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that the early apostles went around "preaching Jesus and the resurrection" as the core of their message.

How does Lloyd-Jones distinguish between Judaism and Christianity?

Lloyd-Jones makes a clear distinction between Judaism and Christianity by pointing out that belief in God, the Ten Commandments, the Old Testament, and even the resurrection of the dead was common ground between Jews and Christians - this was Judaism. What separates Christianity is specifically belief in Jesus of Nazareth as the fulfillment of all prophecies. He states: "They [the Jews] say he's [the Messiah] still to come. I [Paul] say he's come. Jesus the Nazarene, the Messiah long promised." Christians believe Jesus has already accomplished what Jews are still waiting for - the fulfillment of the law and the prophets through His death and resurrection.