What do you think?
Rate this book
Romans #3
Romans: Atonement and Justification: An Exposition of Chapters 3:20 - 4:25
Hardcover, no dust jacket. Ex-library, spine edges and board corners lightly bumped. Very good otherwise.
250 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 1971
10 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
343 books591 followersDavid Martyn Lloyd-Jones was a Welsh Protestant minister, preacher and medical doctor who was influential in the Reformed wing of the British evangelical movement in the 20th century. For almost 30 years, he was the minister of Westminster Chapel in London. Lloyd-Jones was strongly opposed to Liberal Christianity, which had become a part of many Christian denominations; he regarded it as aberrant. He disagreed with the broad church approach and encouraged evangelical Christians (particularly Anglicans) to leave their existing denominations. He believed that true Christian fellowship was possible only amongst those who shared common convictions regarding the nature of the faith.
David Martyn Lloyd-Jones was married to Bethan Lloyd-Jones
Books about D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: https://www.goodreads.com/characters/...
David Martyn Lloyd-Jones was married to Bethan Lloyd-Jones
Books about D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: https://www.goodreads.com/characters/...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 25, 2025
Another strong installment in MLJ’s Romans sermon series. This one focusing on the atonement of Christ’s death and the justification we receive by faith alone. One interesting note that MLJ mentioned is that instead of imputed, or credited, MLJ prefers the term “Reckoned” in every instance of the word ἐλογίσθη. In his eyes, because the same Greek word is used consistently, it should not change its meaning throughout the text. MLJ says that this is due to the detriment of textual studies and translations. Whatever the case, this one is worth your time.
October 9, 2022
The Martyn Lloyd-Jones Romans set by Banner of Truth is a classic series that will open up, explain, and apply the riches of Paul’s Epistle. He is a trustworthy guide to lead you through the mountain peaks of Romans. MLJ’s treatment of 3:20-4:25, the focus being on justification, is a safe vessel in a sea full of unhelpful commentaries. Highly recommended.
May 6, 2021
Did I enjoy this book? Consider the author. Consider the material. Look at the verses it is based on. Look at the subtitle. I absolutely loved it. I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. Especially the last chapter in the book. Some volumes in the set I expected to love, like on chapter 5 and chapter 8. Yet this one simply blew me away and gets to the heart of what exactly is in the Gospel. We tend to speak more about the Gospel rather than speaking the Gospel itself. Lloyd/Jones has done that spectacularly.
July 4, 2022
Best book on Justification and Sanctification
April 25, 2023
Dispensationalism has always seemed arbitrary to me, the bifurcation or trifurcation of redemptive history into discrete segments. So, when I would say that Dr. David Martyn Lloyd-Jones is clearly dispensationalist, one might think that I would read something I would regard as more fruitful. Yet, I am engaged in reading through Lloyd-Jones’ prolific work on Romans and Romans: Atonement and Justification: Exposition of Chapters 3:20-4:25 is the volume I’ve most recently read. Of course, my biggest problem with dispensationalism is that its very structural conception undermines what I perceive as God’s consistency in providing for the salvation of all who believe.
So, I am perplexed when Lloyd-Jones expresses that consistency while undercutting it with the use of the word “dispensation.” For example, “I would suggest that the purpose of this fourth chapter is to show that under the Old Testament dispensation this way of salvation was not merely predicted, it was also God’s way of dealing with men, and saving them, at that time also.” (p. 155) Simply put, I don’t understand the use of dispensation in this way. Again, we find the same sentiment on pp. 156-157, including: “…men in all dispensations are saved in exactly the same way. It is the same covenant of grace under the Old Testament as it is under the New.” (p. 157) So, why artificially segment salvation history as dispensationalists do if it has no functional impact?
More of a problem is that his desire to differentiate the old covenant (dispensation) from the new covenant (dispensation) is rather overstated. For example, “The Old Testament animal sacrifices were not meant to affect man at all, they were directed toward God.” (p. 88) Isn’t that rather like saying that one’s confession of sin isn’t intended to affect you at all? After all, we are to direct out confession toward God, are we not? Yet, confession of sin is agreeing with God about the destructive, relationship-breaking, and death-dealing nature of sin. That agreement is intended to: 1) provide forgiveness, and 2) empower a desire not to do it anymore. It seems like the OT sacrifices did much the same thing: 1) demonstrating the deadly nature of sin and its high cost, ultimately, in death, and 2) providing a means of forgiveness/cleansing (yes, by faith) which would enable restoration of relationship with God (which with a certain amount of inconsistency, Lloyd-Jones gets to on p. 89).
I have great difficulties with Lloyd-Jones’ position (in agreement with Leon Morris’ position) on the necessity of “propitiation” over “expiation.” This volume, as does Morris’ The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross, seems to assume that one has to have an angry God who must be appeased in order to believe Jesus is our “substitute” taking our place. Both Lloyd-Jones and Morris assume that those who are offended by the pagan underpinning of propitiation in trying to pacify a contentious god do not believe in the wrath of God. I know I do. I believe God hates sin. I believe that knowing the destructive power of sin and what it does to human lives makes God angry. But I don’t believe that anger is directed at humans; I believe it is directed at the sin destroying a given human life. And yes, I believe that when God operates on sin, there is often collateral damage (usually as a result of humans resisting God much like a patient making things worse by disobeying her or his doctor). But I don’t find it helpful to picture God as a vengeful God who must be bribed to leave humans alone. I hear his concern about losing the emphasis on Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf and the power of the spilling of our Lord’s blood. Still, isn’t his emphasis inconsistent when he writes: “…there cannot be a true relationship between God and man until that sin is expiated. But that is just another way of saying propitiation.” (p. 77)
Still, for all of my objections regarding his tendentious arguments on some matters, I greatly appreciated his insights on others. For example, on the major issue of faith, Lloyd-Jones hit on good points throughout the volume. Here are some of my favorites. “There is an aspect of faith of which it is true to say this, that faith is a kind of protest. All things seem to be against us.” (p. 27) His presentation of three elements of faith (knowledge, assent, and trust) was well-conceived (p. 45). Regarding faith’s role in salvation: “Faith is nothing but the instrument or the channel by which this righteousness of God in Christ becomes ours. It is not faith that saves us. What saves us is the Lord Jesus Christ and His perfect work.” (p. 120) Again, “Faith is always linked to an object. The object is the Lord Jesus Christ and His perfect work and His perfect righteousness; …” (p. 120) “Faith, if you like, is a kind of title-deed, and there is certainty in a title-deed.” (p. 213) I also liked his argument about degrees of faith from weak to strong (p. 226) with his clarification that the object of faith (God) is the same, but just as the essence of the oak is in a sapling, that sapling is not as strong as a mature oak (p. 228). I also enjoyed his reference to Hudson Taylor’s translation of “Have faith in God” from Mark 11:22 as “Hold on to the faithfulness of God.” (p. 234)
So, even though I have some reservations about the way he phrases and argues some aspects of his teaching, I feel like I benefit from these studies and plan to continue reading in this series.
So, I am perplexed when Lloyd-Jones expresses that consistency while undercutting it with the use of the word “dispensation.” For example, “I would suggest that the purpose of this fourth chapter is to show that under the Old Testament dispensation this way of salvation was not merely predicted, it was also God’s way of dealing with men, and saving them, at that time also.” (p. 155) Simply put, I don’t understand the use of dispensation in this way. Again, we find the same sentiment on pp. 156-157, including: “…men in all dispensations are saved in exactly the same way. It is the same covenant of grace under the Old Testament as it is under the New.” (p. 157) So, why artificially segment salvation history as dispensationalists do if it has no functional impact?
More of a problem is that his desire to differentiate the old covenant (dispensation) from the new covenant (dispensation) is rather overstated. For example, “The Old Testament animal sacrifices were not meant to affect man at all, they were directed toward God.” (p. 88) Isn’t that rather like saying that one’s confession of sin isn’t intended to affect you at all? After all, we are to direct out confession toward God, are we not? Yet, confession of sin is agreeing with God about the destructive, relationship-breaking, and death-dealing nature of sin. That agreement is intended to: 1) provide forgiveness, and 2) empower a desire not to do it anymore. It seems like the OT sacrifices did much the same thing: 1) demonstrating the deadly nature of sin and its high cost, ultimately, in death, and 2) providing a means of forgiveness/cleansing (yes, by faith) which would enable restoration of relationship with God (which with a certain amount of inconsistency, Lloyd-Jones gets to on p. 89).
I have great difficulties with Lloyd-Jones’ position (in agreement with Leon Morris’ position) on the necessity of “propitiation” over “expiation.” This volume, as does Morris’ The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross, seems to assume that one has to have an angry God who must be appeased in order to believe Jesus is our “substitute” taking our place. Both Lloyd-Jones and Morris assume that those who are offended by the pagan underpinning of propitiation in trying to pacify a contentious god do not believe in the wrath of God. I know I do. I believe God hates sin. I believe that knowing the destructive power of sin and what it does to human lives makes God angry. But I don’t believe that anger is directed at humans; I believe it is directed at the sin destroying a given human life. And yes, I believe that when God operates on sin, there is often collateral damage (usually as a result of humans resisting God much like a patient making things worse by disobeying her or his doctor). But I don’t find it helpful to picture God as a vengeful God who must be bribed to leave humans alone. I hear his concern about losing the emphasis on Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf and the power of the spilling of our Lord’s blood. Still, isn’t his emphasis inconsistent when he writes: “…there cannot be a true relationship between God and man until that sin is expiated. But that is just another way of saying propitiation.” (p. 77)
Still, for all of my objections regarding his tendentious arguments on some matters, I greatly appreciated his insights on others. For example, on the major issue of faith, Lloyd-Jones hit on good points throughout the volume. Here are some of my favorites. “There is an aspect of faith of which it is true to say this, that faith is a kind of protest. All things seem to be against us.” (p. 27) His presentation of three elements of faith (knowledge, assent, and trust) was well-conceived (p. 45). Regarding faith’s role in salvation: “Faith is nothing but the instrument or the channel by which this righteousness of God in Christ becomes ours. It is not faith that saves us. What saves us is the Lord Jesus Christ and His perfect work.” (p. 120) Again, “Faith is always linked to an object. The object is the Lord Jesus Christ and His perfect work and His perfect righteousness; …” (p. 120) “Faith, if you like, is a kind of title-deed, and there is certainty in a title-deed.” (p. 213) I also liked his argument about degrees of faith from weak to strong (p. 226) with his clarification that the object of faith (God) is the same, but just as the essence of the oak is in a sapling, that sapling is not as strong as a mature oak (p. 228). I also enjoyed his reference to Hudson Taylor’s translation of “Have faith in God” from Mark 11:22 as “Hold on to the faithfulness of God.” (p. 234)
So, even though I have some reservations about the way he phrases and argues some aspects of his teaching, I feel like I benefit from these studies and plan to continue reading in this series.
February 20, 2021
Romans exposition of chapters 320-425 Atonement and Justification ~ Martyn Lloyd-Jones
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preached through the book of Romans on Friday evenings at Westminster Chapel, London from October 1955 to March 1968 - there are 14 volumes and this is the 3rd volume that focuses on the theme of Atonement and Justification. As usual you can never be disappointed by reading Martyn Lloyd-Jones, His biblical understanding is remarkable and his analysis and ability to break down scripture is tremendous. Some chapters were hard to get through because of the nature of the topics in Romans chapter 3 and 4. Other sermons were music to the soul. Thank God that he have some pastors and teachers.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preached through the book of Romans on Friday evenings at Westminster Chapel, London from October 1955 to March 1968 - there are 14 volumes and this is the 3rd volume that focuses on the theme of Atonement and Justification. As usual you can never be disappointed by reading Martyn Lloyd-Jones, His biblical understanding is remarkable and his analysis and ability to break down scripture is tremendous. Some chapters were hard to get through because of the nature of the topics in Romans chapter 3 and 4. Other sermons were music to the soul. Thank God that he have some pastors and teachers.
July 17, 2017
In nearly every sermon in this volume, ML-J says something like, "This is surely one of the most important verses in the whole Bible." Lots of theology condensed into a small cross-section of the Scripture. For that reason, this volume is weighty, and, at times, redundant. Though that is not a criticism. Paul himself is redundant about the doctrines of the gospel - stating and restating them throughout the letter. I appreciate ML-J's tediousness. Reading these sermons has been a wonderful for discipline this year.
April 26, 2022
Book three of D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones fourteen book series on Paul's letter to the Romans was a great exposition of the precious truths of the atonement and justification. The last two chapters were for me worth the price of the book. I am so looking forward to the next volume which focuses on the assurance of the believers salvation in Christ. I can't recommend this series enough.
December 9, 2017
Great book!!! These books have been kicking my butt and I love them!!! I am going slow through them in order to savor them and they have blessed me!!!
December 3, 2021
If you truly want to get your arms around ‘justification by faith’, this is a wonderful read!
July 8, 2023
One of MLJ’s own favorites. Great for devotional reading. Good for preparing lessons or sermons.
September 21, 2025
Yet another outstanding volume of sermons.
July 28, 2015
Lloyd-Jones deals here with the major themes of atonement and justification, tracing the Apostle Paul’s argument through the end of Romans 3 and into chapter 4. Though some repetition is inevitable when transcribing sermons into manuscript, these Gospel truths are so precious and so necessary to grasp properly that the repeated emphasis never feels tedious. I thank God for Lloyd-Jones and his Gospel-clarity; this book (indeed, his entire Romans series) is a stellar example of such.
September 26, 2007
This work is the conservative base for interpretation of the atonement. If you want to understand the basis for Christian salvation as explained by Paul in the New Testament, you can do no better than start here!
September 10, 2010
A wonderful exposition of chapters 3:20-4:25 of Romans. Lloyd-Jones is thorough and understandable, and clearly has a deep enthusiasm for teaching the doctrines of grace.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews