Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on Ephesians 2:18: Questions and Answers

What is the central message of Ephesians 2:18 according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, Ephesians 2:18 contains "one of the mightiest and the most glorious statements that is to be found in the whole range of scripture." The central message is that through Christ, both Jews and Gentiles have access by one Spirit to the Father. This verse represents the "very quintessence of the Christian faith and the Christian position" and the "grand climax" of Paul's argument about salvation. Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that this access to the Father is the ultimate goal of salvation, beyond even reconciliation with God.

How does Ephesians 2:18 reveal the doctrine of the Trinity?

The verse explicitly mentions all three persons of the Trinity: "Through him" (Christ the Son), "we both have access by one Spirit" (the Holy Spirit), "unto the Father." Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out that "the doctrine of the Trinity is in a sense the essence of the Christian faith" and "the peculiar doctrine of the Christian faith" that differentiates it from all other faiths. He describes it as an "ineffable mystery" that we cannot fully explain but must accept to understand the Christian faith properly.

What roles do the three persons of the Trinity play in salvation according to the sermon?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones outlines the specific roles: - The Father "conceived the idea, he planned it, he thought it out, he purposed it, he decided on it, he determined it." He is the one who "initiates salvation." - The Son "volunteered to do the work." He came from glory, lived under the law, died on the cross, and rose again to execute the Father's plan. - The Holy Spirit "applies it all to us" and "works it out in us one by one." He "mediates Christ to us," makes us see our need, and builds up the church.

Dr. Lloyd-Jones notes that while the three persons are co-equal and co-eternal, for our salvation, there is a voluntary subordination of Son to Father and Spirit to Son and Father.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say about the problem of sin based on this passage?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that the involvement of all three persons of the Trinity in our salvation demonstrates how profound the problem of sin truly is. He states: "Sin is a problem as great as this that it necessitated the action of the three persons in the blessed holy Trinity to deal with it." He challenges the view that salvation is merely about realizing God's love and receiving forgiveness. Rather, the extent of what was required to address sin—"a council held before time," the Son coming into the world, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit—shows that sin is an immensely serious problem requiring divine intervention at the highest level.

What does "access to the Father" mean according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that "access" means more than just reconciliation. The word can be translated as "approach" or better still, "introduction." It means that Christ "actually introduces us to the Father, brings us, takes us by the hand and presents us." This access means we have:

1. A restored relationship with God where we are acceptable to Him
2. The privilege of knowing God as Father rather than just as God
3. Fellowship and communion with God
4. The same relationship with God that Jesus Himself had
5. Confidence to approach God boldly like a child approaches a parent
6. The ability to enjoy God now, not just in eternity

How would Christians' lives be different if they truly understood this verse?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones laments that many Christians don't realize the full meaning of this verse. He states: "Were we to do so, the Christian church would be revolutionized." If every church member understood this truth, "the church would be so different that we'd scarcely recognize her." Instead of viewing Christianity as a duty, institution, or club they occasionally attend, believers would:

1. Be "lost in a sense of wonder, love and praise"
2. Realize that becoming a Christian is "the most marvelous, wonderful thing that can ever happen to anybody in this world"
3. View their faith in terms of "glory and privilege and wonder" rather than duty
4. Find it "the most thrilling thing in the world"
5. Glory in the cross like Paul did
6. Enjoy fellowship with God as their Father

How should Christians approach God according to this sermon?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that Christians should approach God:

1. "With full assurance of faith"
2. With "boldness" as advised in Hebrews
3. "With the instinct and the assurance and the confidence that a child goes to his father"
4. By taking "all our cares and problems and worries and anxieties" to Him
5. By leaving our concerns with Him after telling Him about them
6. With the confidence that He will handle our problems
7. With the expectation of enjoying His peace "which passeth all understanding"
8. With the purpose of enjoying God Himself in fellowship

Dr. Lloyd-Jones asks, "Are we enjoying God?" noting that "the chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever," and this enjoyment begins in this life, not just in heaven.