April 23rd, 2010
Lloyd-Jones, Martyn. The Gospel in Genesis: From Fig Leaves to Faith. Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2009. 160 pp. $15.99.
Introduction
Many wonder how Jesus Christ is present in the Old Testament or how even one can preach the gospel of Jesus Christ from the Old Testament. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981), with exegetical acuteness shows how. The Doctor, as he was affectionately called, shows us today how this is so in The Gospel in Genesis: From Fig Leaves to Faith–a series of sermons being published in book format for the first time.
Summary
Preaching nine sermons on various passages from Genesis chapters three through twelve, the Doctor shows how indeed the gospel message of Jesus Christ is rooted in not only the Creation of the heavens and the universe but also the fall of man. Of the nine sermons, six are from Genesis 3:1-24. There is a sermon on the Flood, the Tower of Babel, and the calling of Abraham.
In every sermon, we find a New Testament usage either explicitly or implicitly. Dr. Jones expertly draws the gospel from the text being taught and shows how it is foundational to the whole of Scripture. These messages are timeless and very applicable to the Christian today because they are deeply rooted in what we as Christians believe–that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners (1 Tim. 1:15).
Review/Recommendation
To review another man’s sermons–even in book form–is a difficult task. To critique a sermon, unless there is heresy being taught, is beyond the scope of what I am seeking to accomplish at Christian Book Notes. Are there some areas that I disagree with the Doctor? Absolutely! But, those are secondary and tertiary issues at best. I am not seeking to call a man out on those issues unless I have been asked to engage at that level. Insofar as the Martyn Lloyd-Jones is concerned, I have not been asked to do so nor do I feel it necessary to do so.
His sermons are spot on regarding application to us today. Much of what he says needs to be said from pulpits today and, as sad as it may be, will never be preached. The Doctor talks of judgment and deliverance. He talks of Christ and His exclusivity. He talks of the gospel and the necessity of its proclamation.
For anyone seeking the gospel in the first twelve chapters of Genesis, I commend Martyn Lloyd-Jones’ The Gospel in Genesis to you. For those looking for a good, quick read on how Christ came to die because of the sin of Adam, I, too, recommend this book to you. If you have never read Lloyd-Jones, this would be an excellent place to start–it is a quick read and is as Christocentric as one can find.
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