Where'd All These Calvinists Come From? Part 2 of 10
At the J. I. Packer conference held at Beeson Divinity School last autumn, Jim Packer was asked who the heroes on his mantle were. He mentioned six. One of them was Spurgeon. Another of them was D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Now this may seem strange considering the public division that came between Anglican evangelicals (like Jim Packer) and "the Doctor" (Lloyd-Jones) in the mid-1960's. In short, an address Lloyd-Jones gave was taken as a public call for evangelical Anglicans to come out of the Church of England. This ended many joint projects in the 1960's between brethren who had, in previous decades, labored together. What's more, Packer and Lloyd-Jones had been especially close. Jim Packer had been an undergraduate with the Lloyd-Jones' eldest daughter, Elizabeth (now Catherwood). She had introduced Jim Packer to her father, and the Doctor had been a huge encouragement to Packer theologically and spiritually. Furthermore, several years later, when Packer was living in London, he would go to hear Lloyd-Jones preach in the evenings as his own schedule allowed it. Their ties were deep, thus the division was painful.
Still, 40 years later, when Jim Packer is asked the question "who is the greatest man you've known" I have, on several occasions, heard him reply without hesitation "Martyn Lloyd-Jones."
Lloyd-Jones is less well-known in American evangelicalism than in Britain. Though he made several trips to the US & Canada, Lloyd-Jones had an active preaching ministry in Britain for over 50 years, and most of it in the center of the nation--London. His preaching shaped countless thousands of Christians in the mid-20th century. His books--from Spiritual Depression to Studies in the Sermon on the Mount to Preaching and Preachers--are classics for Christian devotion and especially loved by ministers. His books, by numerous publishers, remain in print today, more than a quarter of a century after his death.
Lloyd-Jones was never partisan and narrow in his preaching. He rarely mentioned what we call "theological labels", and yet his preaching was in no way shallow, dodging difficult theological issues. Lloyd-Jones was perhap the leading advocate of and pracititioner of expostional preaching in the mid-20th century English-speaking world. And God gifted him to powerfully bring the listener into the very presence of God as he preached.
Much of his preaching--like Spurgeon's--lives on in print. Go to Amazon and you'll find hundreds of titles by or about him. From his masterful series of sermons through Ephesians and Romans to little occasional pieces like "Will the Hospital Replace the Church?", Lloyd-Jones was used of God to greatly enrich the minister's library, and his heart. Like Spurgeon before him, the riches of previous ages are brought down to the reader today. J. C. Ryle and George Whitfield, John Owen and Richard Sibbes, Calvin and Luther--all are quoted, stories from their lives recounted in Lloyd-Jones' sermons and writings.
He was also a man of tremendous stature. He was the one man in 1940s, 1950s, 1960s British evangelicalism that you had to deal with. His fingerprints were all over the broader evangelical movement--from Tyndale House in Cambridge to the Inter-Varsity Fellowship to its international expression, the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students, to the Christian Medical Society, to the Evangelical Library. On and on we could go.
Even if many of those who were born in the 1970s and 1980s haven't heard of Lloyd-Jones, chances are their ministers have, and have been influenced by him. Both John Piper and Tim Keller have borne eloquent testimony to "the Doctor's" influence on their own preaching. No other figure in the middle of the 20th century stood against the impoverished gospel evangelicals were preaching, and did it so insightfully, so biblically, so freshly, so regularly, so charitably--all without invoking a kind of narrow partisanship that wrongly divided the churches.
I never had the privilege of hearing Lloyd-Jones preach "live." But if you did, or if you ever heard him recorded (which I have many times), read this section of one of his expositions from Romans 1, and see if you can't "hear" him:
“Let us look at the first part of that statement: ‘they did not like to retain God in their knowledge. . . .’ What does that mean? The Revised Standard Version reads: ‘They did not see fit to acknowledge God,’ but even that is much too weak. What it really means is, ‘They did not approve of God,’ because the word that the Apostle uses is the word that is used for testing. It is the word that was employed for testing metals—gold and so on. A lump of metal would be shown to the expert with the query, Is this gold or is it not? They tried it by various tests on it. That is the word that is used. You apply tests—and what the Apostle is saying here is that mankind, having considered God, having examined Him, having ‘tested’ Him, decided to reject Him! Like the scientist who, given this lump, says, ‘No, this is not pure gold, this is an alloy; throw it away!’ Now that is the attitude of mankind towards God. They consider God. They are the judges, you see, and God is a subject for examination! ‘Ah, yes,’ they say, ‘very interesting; now let us see about this God! You say you believe in Him . . .’ and so on. They are going to get Him, and having done so, and in spite of this full knowledge which He has given in the ways that we have seen, they decide that they are not interested; it is not worth while to bother any longer about God! The Apostle Paul wrote this, remember, nineteen hundred years ago, but you see what a perfect description it is of mankind today. How interesting to have a discussion about religion and to talk about God! Should God do this or should He not do that, and what I think about God! They examine God and reject Him. ‘They did not like to retain God in their knowledge.’ What an appalling statement! What a terrible condition! That is the state of mankind; they did not think it worthwhile to retain God in their knowledge; they deliberately put Him on one side. And man in sin is doing this still.” (D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Romans 1, p. 383).
Where'd all these Calvinists come from? Quietly, all over the world young Christians, young ministers have had their spiritual tummies rumbling after they've been reading many of the spiritual bestsellers, books that are full of jokes and life tips, whose height of profundity have been something like "Lighten up and Live!" And someone has turned them on to Lloyd-Jones. And, by God's grace, they have learned about the grace of God, and the God of that grace.
Mark, as a young Calvinist (31) I have to say your article somewhat reflects my personal experience. I wrestled with this topic for a rather long time, and cut my teeth on anything that I could find in the “moderate” camp in addition to the reformed camp. At the end of the day, an elder lovingly changed me, and pointed me to A LOT of reformed readings. After wrestling with the scripture and devouring everything that I could get me hands on, I finally, humbled my pride to what I believed was the true rendering of the text the whole time. I was just trying to fight it with every fiber of my being, because I was having a difficult time putting it together. Looking forward to reading 3 thru 10.
Posted by: Mike Parks | Jul 2, 2007 8:10:30 AM
This has held true in my life. I tired of the easy books and self help guides. A friend said he heard Jack Hayford talk about this guy Lloyd-Jones on TV. So he checked him out and I did in turn. JOy Unspeakable was the first book I read of his. I have not been the same since. The internet is littered with his articles, books, writings, and thoughts. As for myself, I found someone who did not present his opinion of scripture, but rather, simply what scripture said. And to drink deeply from it.
Posted by: Luke | Jul 2, 2007 8:56:10 AM
I'm profoundly grateful to God for the work that He did in Wales during the 1950s. A generation of students and young ministers became Calvinistic in their theology. Lloyd-Jones was instrumental in helping them. His books, and Iain Murray's biography, helped me enormously during my time as a student.
Now will the Banner of Truth publishers be No. 3 or 4?
Posted by: Martin Downes | Jul 2, 2007 12:09:16 PM
And by the way Lloyd-Jones was incredibly patient when it came to teaching the sovereignty of God in salvation. Both congregations where he served as minister were Arminian in their emphasis when he began ministering to them. And the English and Welsh evangelical scenes were small and dominated by Arminian views of salvation and the Keswick brand of sanctification. I do think he was a model of true catholicity as he patiently worked locally and more broadly to influence others for the good.
Posted by: Martin Downes | Jul 2, 2007 12:13:43 PM
I still remember getting the first volume of his biography in for a Christmas present a couple of years back. Awesome...I couldn't wait to get the second volume and despite the size read it quickly as well. I start my Lord's day out listening to his sermon on mlj.org.uk. He always prepares me for worship.
Posted by: James | Jul 2, 2007 12:47:15 PM
Reading Spiritual Depression was my first real taste of biblical repentance.
I have 3 old cassettes of of his sermons on Romans 3 that still deepen my affections toward Christ.
Posted by: Tony Kummer | Jul 2, 2007 1:33:15 PM
Being a young guy (28) entering pastoral ministry, I am grateful for authors/preachers living today that have always referenced and encouraged others to read the dead guys. They have always kept me grounded in God's Word and continue to have a humbling effect on me.
Posted by: David Krilov | Jul 2, 2007 3:30:03 PM
I'd wholeheartedly agree. We could also add London Theological Seminary, London School of Theology, the Westminster/Puritan Conferences and (of course) the Banner of Truth Trust as institutions in which the Doctor had a guiding hand. As you say, on and on we could go with this list! Praise the Lord for giving us the Doctor!
Posted by: Gary Steward | Jul 2, 2007 7:15:09 PM
Okay, sort of off topic... but who were the other four heroes of Dr. Packer, besides Spurgeon & Lloyd-Jones?
Posted by: Tim Webb | Jul 2, 2007 9:30:58 PM
Calvin, Baxter, Whitfield, Ryle
Posted by: Mark Dever | Jul 3, 2007 4:46:20 AM
John Piper recently referred to a website of MLJ resources - www.mlj.org.uk. Helpful for those who missed the Doctor in his lifetime.
Posted by: Alan Wilson | Jul 3, 2007 3:54:21 PM
Of course it is possible to be inspired, equipped, encouraged, shaped, refined, challenged and strengthened by the DMLJ and still not end up a reformed Calvinist.
Posted by: Phil Whittall | Jul 4, 2007 3:16:50 AM
Phil, I second your statement. We can recommend books and teachings, but when it comes down to it, we need to be committed to teaching the whole counsel of God, and then our churches should reform over time. If not, they should a least become healthier. I have to admit I have enjoyed the writings of DMLJ, especially preaching and Preachers…good stuff.
Posted by: Mike Parks | Jul 4, 2007 8:58:10 AM
I am a 42 year old pastor who started to become a full-fledged Calvinist in my 20's. It started with a friend who was a Calvinist and challenged my unwitting Arminianism. The strange thing is, I couldn't reconcile what seemed a harsh and difficult doctrine with the kind, patient and winsome character of my friend. It puzzled me for months. Then one day while randomly (just kidding!) reading Romans 9, it all hit me like a ton of bricks. Now I realize it is not harsh at all. It is the only source of hope in a hopelessly self-absorbed world that otherwise seems bent on uncontrollable chaos.
BTW, I thought Owen was one of Packer's hero's?
Posted by: Scott Christensen | Jul 6, 2007 12:31:21 AM
As a messianic I have read a lot of material from the "Rabbis". As such I have learned a lot. Yet, when it came to teaching I have been greatly helped by Lloyd-Jones. His book on preaching has been a very great help. I consul others to read it, actually study it. I am reading it for the third time. Each time the "Good Doctor" says something new and refreshing. 2,000 years ago his name could have been Sh'ul and trained by Gamiliel.
Posted by: Gordon D Clapp | Mar 27, 2008 5:46:25 AM
Our church has recently aligned itself with an evangelical organization out of England. Not a denomination but a fellowship of local churches that have a large scope around the world. They are said to be "Calvinist" in their thinking. I have listened recently to some five messages by the founder of the organization. He reccommends Martyn Lloyd Jones and I have listened to three of his messages as well. Both preachers are remarkable in their exposition but I have as yet to see any references to "five point Calvinism" in any of the sermons. Does Lloyed Jones broach the subject? I am sure he does somewhere. My son-in-law, a reformed Calvinist, says he (MLJ) convinced him of Calvinism's claims. Can anyone help? I would like to read what the good "Doctor" has to say. Just ordered his book on Romans 9 from a series he did on the whole of Romans. Anything more immediate I could read off of the Internet?
Posted by: carl gove | Aug 25, 2008 7:34:06 PM
Martin Lloyd-Jones evidently had an ability to preach a message that was penetrating as far as the intellect may have been concerned. But like all those who have not been truly baptised in the Spirit, he didn't produce the fruits of the Spirit and this is evident in his ministry.
Only late in his life did he recant. Pity, he did not realize the truth earlier in his life, he might have really been a great preacher and made an impact on millions of lives, instead of evangelical preachers trying to work out what to do.
Strained a gnat and swallowed a camel, really.
The Bible is quite clear that the words of scripture bear witness to Jesus Christ. It is not until you come to him and receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit that you have life and the power to live it. In Joy Unspeakable, Lloyd-Jones expresses this.
www.tencommandmentstoday.com
Posted by: Happy Riches | Dec 20, 2008 3:10:52 AM
I am a young Calvinist (19) preparing for full-time ministry. I grew up in a Freewill Baptist Church and upon being introduced to Reformed Theology, I immediately rejected it, saying that that was not fair. However, men like John Piper, Charles Spurgeon, and Martin Luther have helped to change my outlook. I first heard of Lloyd-Jones through Piper and I appreciate this small post on him, I hope to find some futher reading on him.
Posted by: sean mcguire | Jan 2, 2009 12:49:58 PM
I'm not here to hurt the feelings of all the calvinists out there, but I challenge your adherence to a flawed theology. A child could see you are in error, and if you told a child of God, a babe in the faith what you believe they would probably laugh and tell you that is crazy talk. The Father isn't like that.
I would rather go out to all nations and preach the Gospel of Christ, winning souls to eternal fellowship with the Creator than sit back smugly thinking God created me to be in the "Special" club of the elect. The only requirements for membership are the whim of the Creator. You have no say in it, but instead are either saved or condemned.
What a bunch of hooey!!! How dare you stake the eternal lives of those around you on the interpretation of God's Word by some man (Calvin, et al.) I for one would rather win souls for Christ than just go out and find those in the world who are already the elect. Is that why you go out into all the World? Since nothing you do will change their eternal status according to the tenets of your faith.
Forget Arminianism and Calvinism. Go to the Word of God and allow His Holy Spirit reveal the truth outside of the arguments of mortal men.
Calvinism makes Christ's atonement imperfect since it can NEVER cleanse the sins of those not in the elect! That is so close to being blasphemy of the Holy Spirit it scares me.
Use a little of the brain power God gave you and acquiesce to the Holy Spirit and God's will. It is either that He wants all of humanity to be with Him in Heaven (based on His Holy Word), or just those in the special club called the elect(based on John Calvin's interpretation of His Holy Word).
What say you? Who will you serve this day? As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15 (Not John Calvin or his flawed theology)
Posted by: J. Squires | Feb 3, 2009 7:17:18 PM