Lloyd-Jones: Messenger of Grace

by Murray Iain Hamish

'With the death of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones the most powerful and persuasive evangelical voice in Britain for some 30 years is now silent.' So began an obituary for The Times in March 1981, written by John R.W. Stott. That Britain's leading newspaper declined to accept the obituary was hardly surprising; the preacher at Westminster Chapel was scarcely in step with the celebrities of his age. But it is with more current assessments of LLoyd-Jones that this book engages. For some, he speaks directly to the current church situation. Dr. Mark Dever, of Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington D.C., could say in 2007, 'Martyn Lloyd-Jones is one of the men I admire most from the 20th century, and the longer time goes on, my admiration of him increases. He had a more profound spiritual vision than anyone else I know.' Iain Murray is not here repeating biography but concentrating on three themes he regards as of major significance. On the first of these-the nature of true preaching- there is fresh insight on what Lloyd-Jones regarded as of paramount importance. The analysis distinguishes between what was true of Lloyd-Jones as an individual and what is the permanent essence of powerful preaching. The second theme concerns the place that full assurance of salvation must have if Christianity is to be vibrant and persuasive; and the third addresses the claim that Lloyd-Jones's understanding of the New Testament church was needlessly divisive. There is new material here, including some pages where the author differs with his friend. But Murray seeks to follow Lloyd-Jones in seeing the glory of God as the end of all Christian life and thought.

Genres: Biography, Church History, Theology

274 pages, Hardcover

First published May 31, 2008

Reviews

[Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Iain Murray biographies, such a joy to read. I find Murray to be a man of deep prayer, fervent spiritual devotion, and Holy Spirit power. I read his two volume Martyn Lloyd-Jones biography and was interested in Murray’s take on some criticisms directed toward M L-J since the publication of his magnum opus. Interestingly, the chapters I enjoyed the most did not address the criticisms, but developed themes in M L-J’s ministry that we’re not explored as deeply in the two volume set. The chapters on preaching and the Holy Spirit and Spurgeon and Lloyd-Jones I found spiritually liberating. I would recommend this book of essays for any Lloyd-Jones devotee.

[Todd Linn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb. Excellent CD of MLJ preaching included

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to Lloyd-Jones and another wonder Banner of Truth book.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a biography of Lloyd-Jones. Murray has already thoroughly examined the life and ministry of the Doctor in other volumes (listed below).

In this work, Murray turns his attention to key aspects and issues that Lloyd-Jones interacted with in his day. Some of his positions have been misrepresented unfairly by critics, while others have been given such an inordinate weight that they seem to define Lloyd-Jones ministry when the reality is that they were much less significant in the overall picture.

Murray is a skilled writer and his own friendship with Lloyd-Jones allows him a perspective few others can claim. Yet it is refreshing to see that Murray is not blinded by loyalty. He freely acknowledges the shortcomings in Lloyd-Jones, though he does so with a graciousness of spirit and genuine love that show Murray's concern for a true assessment. While not wanting to put Lloyd-Jones on a pedestal, nor is he willing to undercut his legs from beneath him. The truth of any position should rest on its agreement with and submission to Scripture, not on our admiration of the person holding it.

Lloyd-Jones remains one of the most influential shapers of my personal walk with Christ and my own pastoral ministry. While he and I would certainly not agree on every issue, his near single-minded devotion to the absolute authority of Scripture is encouraging in the face of such theological waffling as he faced in his time--and still do in ours.

Those seeking a biography of Lloyd-Jones should look to Murray's other writings. Those seeking a helpful resource that clarifies and codifies certain controversial aspects of Lloyd-Jones's ministry, and providing at the same time a guide to handling similar modern-day issues, will find this a valuable edition.

*****

Biographical works on Lloyd-Jones by Murray:

David Martyn Lloyd-Jones: The First Forty Years 1899-1939
(Edinburgh, UK: Banner of Truth, 1982) ISBN: 9780851513539

David Martyn Lloyd-Jones: The Fight of Faith 1939-1981
(Edinburgh, UK: Banner of Truth, 1990) ISBN: 9780851515649

The Life of Martyn Lloyd-Jones 1988-1981
(Edinburgh, UK: Banner of Truth, 2013) ISBN: 9781848711808

[Will Lohnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book of great blessing and benefit in immersing one into the particular life of Lloyd Jones. Murray depicts a side of ML-J that is both intriguingly interesting and profoundly impacting. The doctor was a consummate thinker with a passionate heart, and a powerful insight. He was caught up in the need for true and abiding allegiance to the inspiration of scripture in the lives of believers to whom he ministered at Westminster. He was truly a pastor and not just a preacher. It is worth any pastor's time and effort to read this book and derive its value in learning a true man's love of God and the declaration of His word.

[Luanne Coats · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent follow-up to Mr. Murray's two-volume bio of Lloyd-Jones. I especially liked the chapter on Old Testament preaching--love when my paster, Bill Vogler, preaches thru an OT book.

I also loved hearing MLJ preach on the CD included in the book. Awesome!

[Jeffrey]

This is a fascinating book about a preacher I have appreciated for over 20 years.

[Pete Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

a solid supplement to Murray's two volume biography of ML-J.

[Phil Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and very readable book covering many aspects of the life and ministry of the famous 'doctor' who continues to inspire and encourage, many years on, through his excellent preaching.

[Bambi Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covers the call to preach and the preaching ministry of MLJ.