Martyn Lloyd-Jones on Personal Salvation Questions and Answers

What is the main argument against personal salvation that Lloyd-Jones addresses?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones addresses the argument that being concerned about personal salvation is selfish, especially in a world facing potential catastrophe. As he puts it: "There are many who would say that to react in that way and to be concerned about our souls and their salvation, about our own deliverance, is just to be unutterably selfish." Critics claim that Christians should be more concerned about saving the whole world rather than focusing on individual salvation.

Why does Lloyd-Jones believe personal salvation should come first?

Lloyd-Jones argues that personal salvation must come first because: "The evangelical preaching of this gospel does not tell people to be only concerned about their souls and their personal salvation. But what it does do is to tell them to be first of all concerned about this." He uses Jesus' words "seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness" to support this priority. Lloyd-Jones believes that true concern for others only emerges after one's own soul is saved.

What historical examples does Lloyd-Jones use to show that personal salvation leads to social good?

Lloyd-Jones points to historical examples where personal salvation led to social reform: "The greatest blessings we are all enjoying tonight have come ultimately through the medium of the Christian church and through Christian leaders." He specifically mentions Lord Shaftsbury, who after his conversion initiated factory acts to improve working conditions, and Samuel Wilberfoss (Wilberforce), who became passionate about abolishing slavery after his personal salvation. He also notes that education and hospitals came "in the wake of mighty religious movements."

According to Lloyd-Jones, why is the soul more important than the body?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that the soul is more important than the body because: "It is the soul that differentiates men from all the animals. It is the soul in men that is that part of that image that God has put upon him." He also emphasizes that while the body is temporary ("a sort of tent"), the soul is eternal: "The body is going to die and disintegrate... But when the tent has gone, I'm gone, my soul goes on. It's the imperishable thing."

What does Lloyd-Jones say about individual accountability before God?

Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that we will each be individually accountable to God: "God will hold us individually responsible for our souls." He quotes scripture that "we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ" and that "every one of us shall give an account of himself to God." He uses the image of a turnstile to illustrate that we face God one by one, not in crowds: "We came through a turnstile into this world... You'll go out of it through a turnstile, the turnstile of death."

Why does Lloyd-Jones believe the world cannot be saved or reformed?

Lloyd-Jones firmly believes that "the world cannot be put right. I'm going further. The world never will be put right." He argues this is the Christian position, while "it is the non-Christians who believe the world can be put right." He states that despite centuries of trying, the world seems to be getting worse, not better. He bases this on biblical teaching that "the world is under condemnation" and "under the wrath of God," and that Christ will return to judge it.

What is the two-step solution Lloyd-Jones offers for personal salvation?

Following Peter's sermon in Acts 2, Lloyd-Jones presents a two-step solution: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ." He explains that repentance means "thinking again," "changing your mind," and acknowledging one's folly and sin before God. Baptism represents leaving the world and giving oneself completely to Christ. Through these steps, one receives "the gift of the Holy Ghost" and is "delivered from this untoward generation."

How does Lloyd-Jones respond to the idea that focusing on personal salvation is selfish?

Lloyd-Jones points out the inconsistency in this argument by noting that people are naturally concerned about their physical health, wealth, and happiness without being called selfish. He asks: "Why should it be such a terrible thing for a man to be concerned about his own soul and his soul salvation?" He argues that since the soul is the most valuable part of us, it would be illogical not to prioritize its well-being. Furthermore, he explains that those who experience personal salvation become genuinely concerned for others: "The only people who do become really concerned about others are those who've got this new life."