The Results of the Cross
A Sermon on Galatians 1:3-5
Originally preached Nov. 23, 1958
Scripture
3Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, 4Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: 5To whom be glory for ever …
Sermon Description
The apostle Paul teaches that the cross of Christ is at the center of the gospel and in this Scripture, he defends the gospel of God’s grace alone. In this sermon on Galatians 1:3–5 titled “The Results of the Cross,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains how all stand before God condemned for their sin and rebellion against a holy God. But God, in His grace, sent His Son into the world to die for sinners so that they might be forgiven and made His children. This salvation is an ultimate act of grace that is a result of God’s free love. There is nothing anyone can do to merit God’s favor or love. It is God who sends His Spirit to convict people of their sin and awaken them to their fallen condition. How does salvation change a person? The Bible is clear that not only does salvation make one right with God, but it gives them a new mind and new desires. It changes them by giving them a love for God and the people of God. It makes sinners into new people who now love and serve God. This sermon calls all to leave behind sin and come to Jesus who alone can save sinners and give them eternal life.
Sermon Breakdown
- The gospel is good news. Any view of the Christian message that does not come as good news is wrong.
- Many do not see the gospel as good news because they do not realize the truth about themselves and their need for salvation.
- The essence of the good news is that God has done something about the human predicament through Jesus Christ.
- Jesus Christ gave himself for our sins to deliver us from this present evil world according to the will of God.
- As a result of Christ's death, we have peace with God and access to God's grace.
- We can approach God in prayer with confidence and assurance.
- We know God loves us and cares for us.
- God has all power and it is available to those who believe in Christ.
- We have access to the unsearchable riches of Christ which include regeneration, being made a new creation.
- We are given a new mind, new desires, and a new governing principle.
- The Holy Spirit dwells within us, fighting against our sinful desires and empowering us.
- Christ delivers us from the world, the flesh, and the devil.
- Christ died to prepare us for heaven and translate us into His kingdom.
- We must realize our need for Christ and turn to Him to receive these blessings.
Sermon Q&A
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on the Grace of Christ: Questions and Answers
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones identify as the essence of the gospel in Galatians 1:3-5?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies that the essence of the gospel is that "God has done something about it, the human predicament." He emphasizes that the gospel is fundamentally about God's action, not our efforts. The heart of Christianity is found in the phrase "who gave himself for our sins" - referring to Christ's death upon the cross. Lloyd-Jones stresses that this is what makes the gospel truly "good news" - that God has visited and redeemed His people through the sacrifice of His Son on Calvary's hill.
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, why do many people not regard the gospel as good news?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, many people don't regard the gospel as good news "because they don't realize the truth about themselves as they are." He compares this to someone with a lethal medical condition who doesn't know about it - they remain happy in their ignorance of danger. People fail to see the gospel as good news because they don't recognize they are part of "this present evil world" and under condemnation. If we've never realized our need for salvation, we'll never appreciate the gospel message as the wonderful news it is.
What are the three main blessings that result from Christ's death according to this sermon?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the three main blessings that result from Christ's death are:
- A complete change in our relationship to God - We are delivered from condemnation and "translated into the kingdom of God's dear son."
- Peace - Both peace with God (reconciliation) and peace within ourselves.
- Grace - Access to all the blessings and benefits God has to give, including the ability to approach God in prayer with confidence, knowledge of God's love, and being made a new creature.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain the concept of regeneration or new birth?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains regeneration as becoming "a new creature, a new creation." He emphasizes that Christianity is not merely about trying to imitate Christ through our own strength, which is impossible. Rather, it involves receiving "a new principle of life," a new disposition and governing principle in the depth of our being. He quotes Paul: "I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." This new birth gives believers a new mind, new outlook, and new desires that make them want to live holy lives. It's not just about being forgiven and left to face temptation alone, but about becoming fundamentally new with Christ living within.
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones teach about the role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the Christian life by:
- Dwelling within believers
- Fighting against the flesh - "the Spirit lusteth against the flesh"
- Working in believers "both to will and to do of his good pleasure" - creating impulses toward prayer and godliness
- Giving power to overcome temptation and sin
- Enabling believers to resist the devil
Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that with the Holy Spirit within, believers are never alone in their spiritual battles. This indwelling Spirit is a key blessing resulting from Christ's death on the cross, allowing Christians to experience victory over "the world, the flesh, and the devil."
Other Sermons
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.