John Knox and the Reformation

by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

In three fascinating addresses Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones and Iain Murray remind us why we ought to remember one of the most colourful figures in church history, John Knox, and his significant role in the story of the Reformation in both Scotland and England. With the 500th anniversary of his birth approaching (2014), this little book will encourage readers to not only remember Knox the man but also to consider the outcome of his life and imitate his faith (Heb. 13:7).

Genres: Biography, History, Christian, Church History, Nonfiction, Theology, Scotland

130 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2011

About the author

David 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/...

Reviews

[James Hogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic book. I don't know many details about the life of John Knox - to my shame have never read a proper biography on him. And I suppose I still haven't, as that was not the aim of this book. Instead, this slim paperback contained two addresses by Lloyd-Jones on both the impact and importance of John Knox and the Scottish Reformation in the life of the church and concluded with a short biographical sketch of John Knox by Iain Murray. And I had no doubt that it would be, but assuredly this book was a most encouraging and informative read. Yes, I discovered some new facts about Knox, his life, his ministry in Scotland, England and the continent and the Reformation in Scotland. But more than that, my heart was stirred as I read about the passion for the true gospel that John Knox had. Oh how today we so need men and women who have a similar fire for the Lord! Knox was not a perfect man - unnecessary qualifier but I shall still give it! - but he was one who longed to see God glorified on this earth. And he was one mightily used by God for the conviction and salvation of souls upon this earth. I hope that any who read this book will be convicted as to the current state of the churches in this world and will fall to their knees in prayer asking for our God to bring Spirit-led revival upon this land! He knows that we desperately need it.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful little book on a big man. In three chapters, two by Lloyd-Jones and one by Iain Murray we are given a glimpse of the life and ministry of the Scottish Reformer. This book is well worth reading and encourages the reader to further explore the life of the man who was used so powerfully by God.

[Lian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars because there were paragraphs that were quite hard for me to read. It may be that I need to revisit this book with more knowledge to understand and conceptualise what is being said.

This was a moderately interesting read on how Christianity came to be in Scotland through John Knox (not to be confused by John Newton). Even through exile and times where Christians were being persecuted, his perseverance for a change in faith is most notable in this book.

His faithfulness in sharing the gospel amidst adversity is a trait that perhaps a lot of us young Christians (like myself) lack today even though we have more of an advantage in our world today where we can share openly without punishment like back then. I fear that we, including myself, have been too comfortable and complacent in our individual walk with Christ and forget to share or use an opportunity to share God’s Word. Where to from here?

[Lisa Castro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This concise book is composed of 3 addresses, two by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones and one by Iain H. Murray. I enjoyed learning about the life of John Knox.

[Jim Gulley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short book of two addresses by Martyn Lloyd-Jones in the 1960s and one by Iain Murray commemorating John Knox and the Scottish Reformation. In the first address, Lloyd-Jones calls out the liberal theology prevalent in his era and summarizes succinctly the main theological tenets of the Reformation. In the second address, Lloyd-Jones provides a brief biography of Knox and focuses on his role in the Puritan movement. The final address by Iain Murray is another brief overview of Knox’s life and times and an analysis of the elements that formed his leadership qualities. This is an excellent introduction to Knox and the Scottish Reformation; however, its scholarship is dated.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book and a great encouragement. We know the true church of Christ is facing persecution for affirming that all scripture is God breathed. But it has not yet come to the level of what John Knox faced.

Ah, that God would give us more Godly men committed to His word and His word alone.

[Douglas Biggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Books in a cruise review 2: this was three lecture about the impact of of John know on Christianity and Protestantism. As such, it probably sounds better than it reads. I am still in the lookout for the definitive joy know biography

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice short book on John Knox, primarily about his contribution to the Reformation in Scotland and England. Knox is not someone I'm familiar with, and this was a good introduction to the man.

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a few things from this I either didn't know or had forgotten. But it was a bit history-lite for me.

Liked it.

[Dustin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contains three addresses, two given by Lloyd-Jones, and one by Murray. Of the three, Lloyd-Jones second address "John Knox: The Founder of Puritanism," was worth the price of the book.

[Mark Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great brief introduction to John Knox and the Scottish Reformation. If you were wanting to learn about the Scottish reformation this is a great place to begin. And Iain Murray is the Goat.

[Taylor Menconi · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The conclusion of all this is that righteousness, and righteousness alone, exalts a nation, and there is no righteousness without a preceding godliness.” MLJ

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martyn Lloyd-Jones and Iain Murray are two of my favorite historians, so this was a quick purchase that we've read twice. Good insights into John Knox and his place in Scottish AND American history. Murray's research and objectivity balances the self-admitted "hero worship" of Lloyd-Jones. Would that there were more faithful men of Knox's ilk today!

[Dr. David Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martin Lloyd-Jones and Iain Murray, John Knox and the Reformation Carlisle: Banner of Truth, 2011, 130 pp. $11.00

“The fact is that you simply cannot understand the history of Scotland unless you know something about the Protestant Reformation. It is the key to the understanding of the history of your great country in the last four hundred years.” So said, Martyn Lloyd-Jones in his short work, John Knox and the Reformation.

Lloyd-Jones and Iain Murray combine forces to commend the life and ministry of John Knox in a book that should be read by young and old alike.

Lloyd-Jones sets the context for the Protestant Reformation and alerts readers to the cultural and theological landscape that God sovereignly placed John Knox. Lloyd-Jones considers Knox to be the founder of Puritanism and makes a cogent case for this thesis.

Knox is painted as a man of ability, energy, and shrewdness. He was a godly man; an original thinker; a man filled with courage. These combined qualities helped propel him onto a stage in world history that shaped a nation for the glory of God.

Murray’s contribution to this volume is more specific in nature as he discusses how God prepared Knox to serve in the Scottish Reformation. Murray maintains:

1. Knox became a man of prayer.
2. Knox’s long exile made him an international Christian.
3. It was during Knox’s exile, and especially in the final years in Geneva, that the master principles which governed his thought on Reformation came to maturity.

Life lessons are drawn from the example of John Knox making this a fascinating and encouraging read. I commend this little work to students of church history and Christ-followers who battle timidity. Surely the example of John Knox will embolden the most fearful saint.

[Steve Hazell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice short read consisting of 3 lectures on the life and ministry of John Knox. A decent read, but a little dry at times. Overall I liked it. The middle lecture was just okay but the first day Jones and the last by Murray were more impactful for me.

[Brian Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This small book is a collection of two address by Martyn Lloyd-Jones and Iain Murray about John Knox. In the first address Lloyd-Jones first distinguishes between doing history for antiquarian reasons and in order to learn from godly men of the past. He argues for the latter. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes the authority of Scripture, the justification by faith alone, the assurance of salvation, simplicity of worship, the power of prayer, and the primacy of preaching. On each of these points he draws lessons from Knox's life that can be applied to present-day life. In the second message Lloyd-Jones demonstrates John Knox's formative role in the for Puritanism. Iain Murray provides the final essay in the book. His is a more biographical treatment from which lessons may be drawn for contemporary church life. Recommended.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three lectures make up this short but effective life and study of the great Scottish Reformer. First D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones discusses Knox's importance to the Scottish Reformation. Then he talks about his role as the first Puritan in Europe and England and his affects on the New World immigrants. Finally, his protege Iain H.Murray provides a concise 40+ page run through his life. Reading this with a Presbyterian Sunday School class in order to understand the historical foundations of our denomination. We're also doing another study of Luther and Calvin. So by the end of August, I'll have a good grounding in a triumvirate of Reformation Fathers.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a series of three addresses, Lloyd-Jones and Murray detail some of the life and principles of John Knox, discussing both his role in the Reformation and the place he holds in Christian history. Knox is held up as a shining example of a man who not only clung to correct doctrine, but who lived according to its principles—even at great personal risk. This is a fine introduction to a life worth becoming acquainted with.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little book contains three lectures given by both Lloyd-Jones (2) and Murray (1). The first address deals with a broad overview of the reformation as a whole; whereas Lloyd-Jones's second address deals with Knox himself, but primarily focuses on him being considered as the father of Puritanism. Then Murray's talk deals more with the man Knox, outlining his life and drawing out attributes that made him great. This was a fine introduction to a man many of us know too little about.

[Richie Valdes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great little book (130 pages) from the Banner of Truth trust that's a series of three lectures on John Knox. It gives a great context for the Scottish reformation as well as a brief history of the life of Knox in a couple different ways. It's definitely a good jumping off point to further reading of Knox's life and his works.

[Phil Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This helpful book is a useful introduction to John Knox in three addresses, the first two, by Lloyd-Jones, on the Reformation and John Knox as the founder of Puritanism. The third address, by Iain Murray, covers John Knox's life.

[Jeremiah von Kühn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just wish I could have heard MLJ deliver his two talks live. Encouraging stuff. His summary of Knox's convictions and Spirit-empowered characteristics challenge the modern-day preacher to boldly proclaim the Gospel.