Basis of Christian Unity

by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Basis of Christian Unity by David Martyn Lloyd-Jones [Banner of Truth, 2003] ...

Genres: Christianity, Theology, History, New Testament, Nonfiction, Church, Christian

Paperback

First published January 28, 1963

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

[Kyle Grindberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

The decisive and concise takedown of the liberal ecumenists.

[Daniel Bouchoc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved his exegesis of Ephesians 4 and John 17. As always, this is a strong point for MLJ. I also agreed with the main idea of the book (though probably not the thesis) - that right doctrine and regeneration precedes the unity described in Eph. and John and that right doctrine is not the result of fellowship among those who would hold to different theological positions on core doctrines.

Practically, I did not find him incredibly helpful for navigating the disunity of the church in our day since the majority of those involved in the recent split of evangelicalism would all claim to hold to the basic ideas of the faith. It was hard to know what tiers of disagreement he had in mind as he walked through his exegesis.

[Justin Nuzum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent little book on the nature and importance of Christian unity. Perhaps the upshot can be summarized by saying that Christian unity is founded on a common belief in the essential doctrines of the faith. Anything less, is a false unity which undermines the truth of the gospel.

[Bambi Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great teaching of Biblical unity using the passages of John 17 and Ephesians 4.

[Rev Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give this short, little book by Dr. lloyd-Jones my highest recommendation. The Basis of Christian Unity is needed even more today than it was during the time when the lectures it is based upon were origially given in 1962. The churches of the world are still casting aside doctine in the name of unity but Dr. lloyd-Jones teaches clearly from the Word that doctrine and truth are the foundation of our unity. We cannot speak in love until we first speak in truth. Brother Martyn also reminds us that doctrinal unity does not need to be followed through to every Christian teaching, but we must agree in the fundamentals: we are fallen beings in need of a savior and God sent our Savior, Jesus Christ who died on the cross as our substitionary atonement and rose from the dead. Those who believe in Jesus as Savior find salvation in Him. The message is simple, but this simple message brings the new birth that creates unity in the church.

We need unity in the church today that is built upon the core doctine of salvation in the Bible. We do not find unity but searching for it for the sake of unity. Unity with those who reject Christ's work on calvary only breeds confusion and discord in the end.

I'll end this short review with my favorite quote, "Nothing is so interesting as to contrasts the ecumenical councils of the first centuries of the Christian era with the World Council of Churches today. The great concern of the former was doctrine: definition of doctrine and the denunciation of error and heresy. The chief characteristic of the modern movemenr is doctrinal indifference and the exaltation of a spirit of inclusivism and practical co-operation."

[Patrick Lacson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gem of a book by the good doctor. I could hear him as I read the pages of this book. Lloyd-Jones contends that doctrine is the basis for unity. Gathering, fellowship, relationships that build toward unity goes against the New Testament teaching on unity. Instead he shows from John 17, Ephesians 4, and the rest of the Pauline epistles that unity was something the Spirit achieved and not man.

God has achieved this unity and the church is then commanded to preserve it. Preserve it by teaching the truth. Jones calls Ephesians 4:15, an often misunderstood verse, as "truthing in love." He shows that modern ears hear love and not truth. Modern Christians read Ephesians 4:15 and hear tolerance and not timeless reality, which is truth. Therefore, Lloyd-Jones shows that unity is established in the truth and the church must go deeper and deeper into the truth in order to become the mature man, the grown up man, not the child that is tossed around here and there.

Why is it that unity is achieved by God and not man's attempt at superficial discussions, so-called fellowship, and loving one another? Because what presupposes unity is the regenerating work of the Spirit. Lloyd-Jones stresses the work of God in achieving this unity and therefore this unity is only preserved by truth. To love is to "truth the truth."

Must have reading for every Christian who is involved in ministry.

[Matt Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The good doctor delivers are usual. This series of lectures shows the necessity for Christian unity, but also shows how necessary it is that as Lloyd-Jones says orthopraxy follows orthodoxy. Rather than doctrine dividing, he demonstrates that it is actually doctrine that should unify Christians. I will admit that the section on John 17 is exceedingly brief, but Ephesians definitely makes up for it. It is a short read, maybe a 30-45 minute read. I do wish he had spent more time on the unity in one baptism though. Get this and enjoy what the good dr has to say.

[Paul Pompa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow. This is the first MLJ book I’ve read. Truth bombs all over the place. The thesis is that Christ crucified and resurrected is the biblical source, therefore the only (true) source, of (true) Christianity. Objective biblical truth is the only means of true Christian unity. False unity harms the church. False unity, or unity founded on anything other than the biblical Christ, is an unbiblical source of unity. Just wow.

[Jeremy Kruizinga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lloyd-Jones makes a clear case for why Christian unity must begin with sound doctrine, contra to the idea that doctrine divides. True unity can only be found on doctrine and without it, there will only lead to confusion. It is a short read and a good study on Ephesians and John 17.

[Marco Lish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian unity starts with regeneration and sound doctrine and proceeds from truth. Martyn Lloyd Jones exposits scripture (John 17 and Ephesians 4) to effectively demonstrate this point.

[Stan Sorensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Everything Lloyd Jones preaches is good and very readable. Well argued and helps you see the truth. Also a good example of contextual interpretation.

[The Book Distiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic and a book I definitely plan to read and re-read. A short little book chock full of Biblical Truth

[Miguel · Rating 5 out of 5]

really one of the books that showed me the brilliance and vital necessity of expository preaching, at a topic no less important at our day. churches would benefit from this book.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can Christians share any genuine unity with people of other faiths? Based on a series of messages given in 1962, Lloyd-Jones argues that true, Biblical unity is only possible among people who are in Christ. This is because Christ Himself provides the unity, noting that we are not commanded to create unity, only to keep and preserve it. In an age of ever-increasing ecumenicalism and pluralism, Lloyd-Jones’ words are poignant reminders of what comprises real unity.

[Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the charm of The Doctor (as he was called in his day) is that he can be long in the argument, but clearly communicate the point he's aiming for. This is a great piece for anyone looking to study true Christian unity and where you find it.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important. Even though this was first released in 1961, deals with current questions. Worth more than one read.

[Calvert Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be on any "must read" list.