What do you think?
Rate this book
Joy Unspeakable: Power & Renewal in the Holy Spirit
Martyn Lloyd-Jones explores the assertion of John the Baptist that Jeus would baptize with the Holy Spirit. The result is a classic call to submit afresh to the Spirit for power, purity and assurance, while keeping our heads in the face of pitfalls that might distract or ensnare us.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1984
64 people are currently reading
829 people want to read
About the author
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
344 books590 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 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 5, 2013
This book is a must read for anyone wanting to seriously study the doctrine of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. If you want a well-rounded view of the subject, and want to learn from all sides of the debate, you cannot pass by "Joy Unspeakable". Lloyd-Jones is in a unique position to write on this topic since he is one of the most celebrated Reformed preachers of all time. Lloyd-Jones sees himself defending the "old evangelical" view of the Holy Spirit against the modern view of his day, which equates the baptism in the Spirit with regeneration. Whether Lloyd-Jones is correct about this or not is for you to decide.
Lloyd-Jones cannot be categorized with the Pentecostals, nor with the non-Pentecostals. He argues, in favor of Pentecostalism, that the baptism in the Spirit is a subsequent and distinct experience from conversion. It is experiential and comes with evidences. However, he argues, not in favor of mainline Pentecostalism, that the evidences of the baptism in the Spirit have nothing to do with the gifts of the Spirit such as speaking in tongues. Nor does he agree with the Holiness camps that the baptism in the Spirit has to do with sanctification. He strongly denies this. Lloyd-Jones contends that the chief end of the baptism in the Spirit is to bring Christians assurance, which is the indispensable power to be witnesses of Christ. Therefore the evidences of the baptism in the Spirit will be a man empowered with assurance.
Lloyd-Jones argues that the baptism in the Spirit is not something one can work up or make happen, but that it is rather a sovereign work of God, to happen in His timing and in His way. He emphasizes this greatly. It is not something man initiates, but something God initiates. It is not us doing things to fill ourselves with the Spirit (as in Eph. 5:18, which Lloyd-Jones calls the normal way), but it is something different. The Spirit "falls on" people, and it is exceptional, an experience they do not make happen.
Throughout the book Lloyd-Jones repeatedly uses examples from history, seeking to prove his points not only from Scripture but from the lives of saints who have claimed a distinct experience with the Spirit. It struck me sometimes that what Lloyd-Jones is describing as the baptism in the Spirit is nothing more than when a Christian catches a glimpse of the glory of the truth of the gospel. It is that experience that many of us have that only seems to last for a brief moment, when you are overwhelmed with emotion due to a more vivid sight of the truth.
Finally, Lloyd-Jones is greatly concerned with the need for revival in the Church. He inseparably connects ones doctrine of the baptism in the Spirit with ones doctrine of revival. If you believe the baptism in the Spirit is indistinct from conversion, you will therefore not believe in revival. To Lloyd-Jones, the Pentecostal experience is essentially revival, and vice versa. Revival is when God pours His Spirit upon the Church, giving them fresh power to proclaim the gospel.
This book is full of strengths and weaknesses. It is greatly challenging. It hardly deals with spiritual gifts. It constantly asks you to examine your own Christian experience. It doesn't fully satisfy your questions exegetically. However, the best part about Lloyd-Jones is that he actually attempts to prove his position from the Scriptures. He does not just say, as many do, "I can't explain it, you just have to experience it for yourself." Thankfully, Lloyd-Jones is better than that.
Want to wrestle with the doctrine of the baptism in the Spirit? You must at least read this book.
Lloyd-Jones cannot be categorized with the Pentecostals, nor with the non-Pentecostals. He argues, in favor of Pentecostalism, that the baptism in the Spirit is a subsequent and distinct experience from conversion. It is experiential and comes with evidences. However, he argues, not in favor of mainline Pentecostalism, that the evidences of the baptism in the Spirit have nothing to do with the gifts of the Spirit such as speaking in tongues. Nor does he agree with the Holiness camps that the baptism in the Spirit has to do with sanctification. He strongly denies this. Lloyd-Jones contends that the chief end of the baptism in the Spirit is to bring Christians assurance, which is the indispensable power to be witnesses of Christ. Therefore the evidences of the baptism in the Spirit will be a man empowered with assurance.
Lloyd-Jones argues that the baptism in the Spirit is not something one can work up or make happen, but that it is rather a sovereign work of God, to happen in His timing and in His way. He emphasizes this greatly. It is not something man initiates, but something God initiates. It is not us doing things to fill ourselves with the Spirit (as in Eph. 5:18, which Lloyd-Jones calls the normal way), but it is something different. The Spirit "falls on" people, and it is exceptional, an experience they do not make happen.
Throughout the book Lloyd-Jones repeatedly uses examples from history, seeking to prove his points not only from Scripture but from the lives of saints who have claimed a distinct experience with the Spirit. It struck me sometimes that what Lloyd-Jones is describing as the baptism in the Spirit is nothing more than when a Christian catches a glimpse of the glory of the truth of the gospel. It is that experience that many of us have that only seems to last for a brief moment, when you are overwhelmed with emotion due to a more vivid sight of the truth.
Finally, Lloyd-Jones is greatly concerned with the need for revival in the Church. He inseparably connects ones doctrine of the baptism in the Spirit with ones doctrine of revival. If you believe the baptism in the Spirit is indistinct from conversion, you will therefore not believe in revival. To Lloyd-Jones, the Pentecostal experience is essentially revival, and vice versa. Revival is when God pours His Spirit upon the Church, giving them fresh power to proclaim the gospel.
This book is full of strengths and weaknesses. It is greatly challenging. It hardly deals with spiritual gifts. It constantly asks you to examine your own Christian experience. It doesn't fully satisfy your questions exegetically. However, the best part about Lloyd-Jones is that he actually attempts to prove his position from the Scriptures. He does not just say, as many do, "I can't explain it, you just have to experience it for yourself." Thankfully, Lloyd-Jones is better than that.
Want to wrestle with the doctrine of the baptism in the Spirit? You must at least read this book.
May 21, 2025
A Unique Reformed View of Baptism with the Holy Spirit
Martyn Lloyd-Jones was a Welsh Protestant preacher described by the MLJ Trust as "influential in the Reformed wing of the British evangelical movement in the 20th century." Some in the Reformed camp rued that influence, especially after publication of the sermons here on baptism with the Holy Spirit:
"The family of the Rev. Martyn Lloyd-Jones did not do the Reformed faith any favor when they published his defense of this doctrine in Joy Unspeakable." The Presbyterian Reformed Church in America
"Jones' prescription for new life in the church is wrong, dead wrong. This book is a bad book." The Reformed Free Publishing Association and The Standard Bearer.
What did these Reformed stalwarts have against Lloyd-Jones and his unspeakable joy? For starters, Lloyd-Jones considered the experience of baptism with the Holy Spirit, as described in the book of Acts, to be both available and desirable for Christians today. That is a major departure from the standard Reformed position that the occurrences in Acts were one-off, once for all experiences that were not intended for and should not be desired by believers today. The book of Acts, they say, is "descriptive, not prescriptive" meaning that it describes unique circumstances in the first century church and does not establish any regulatory or normative principles for subsequent believers.
To the extent baptism with the Holy Spirit is recognized at all, it is subsumed within one's initial conversion, and is decidedly non-experiential. John MacArthur speaks for many Reformed leaders when he writes, "Each of us possesses the entire Holy Spirit from the time we repent and believe" and "Holy Spirit baptism is not an extra experience you need to seek; it is something you have from the moment you are saved." But that is not how Lloyd-Jones saw it. He wrote, "what is established beyond any doubt is that one can be a believer without being baptized by the Holy Spirit." (31.) As for the John MacArthurs who equate Spirit baptism with regeneration, Lloyd-Jones said that they "seem to me not only to be denying the New Testament but to be definitely quenching the Spirit." (141.)
Lloyd-Jones repeatedly points out the wide disparity between the Christian life as seen in the New Testament and the Christianity promoted and practiced by a large segment of the church today: "[W]e look at the new Testament church, we see this amazing life that was in it - this power, this joy, this abandon, this thrill, and we ask ourselves, 'Are we like that?' We then read the subsequent history of the church and ... [w]e see that there have been periods in the church like this present era when the church has been weak and lethargic and ineffective." (199.) Many, if not most, in the church today "cannot say that they rejoice in Him 'with a joy unspeakable and full of glory.'" (183.)
The current state of affairs is largely blamed on church leaders who interpret the New Testament through the reductionist lens of their own limited experience and, consequently, "reduce everything to the ordinary." (18, 74). Without delving into philosophies of knowledge and epistemology, Lloyd-Jones exposes the real problem as an Enlightenment era rationalism that now permeates much of Protestant theology. Modernism might be dead everywhere else, but it is alive and well in mainline Reformed churches.
No one mixed more philosophic rationalism into today's Christianity than Reformed philosopher Gordon Clark who substituted "Logic" for the Logos in John, Chapter 1, and read the opening verse as: "In the beginning was Logic, and Logic was with God, and Logic was God." Clarkian apologist John Robbins of the Trinity Foundation took this rationalism about as far as one could go with statements such as "truth always comes from propositions" and "the mind of God, that is, God himself, is propositional." If God is essentially logic and propositions, then the rational understanding of propositions becomes the ultimate spiritual experience.
While Clark and Robbins are at the extreme, the reduction of spiritual knowledge and spiritual life to logic, propositions and dogma is widespread. But mere orthodoxy is not enough. "It is not enough for us as Christian people to make sure that we are orthodox and to bemoan the statements that are made in the name of Christ that are denials of the Scriptural teaching. ... Are we - let us ask it again - are we rejoicing in the Lord Jesus Christ with a joy which is unspeakable and full of glory?" (231.)
Spiritual life, spiritual reality and unspeakable joy are described by, but are not found within, the propositional statements of Scripture. They come from Jesus himself: "You search the Scriptures thinking that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life." John 5:39-40. Commenting on this passage, Charles Spurgeon added, "You stop short at the Scriptures, and therefore short of eternal life."
Aside from giving the Rationalists a good poke in the eye, Lloyd-Jones recounts dozens of personal testimonies from prominent Christians throughout the ages who received direct, immediate, divine illumination of spiritual reality and who gave witness to their own rejoicing with joy unspeakable and full of glory. My one critique of Lloyd-Jones here is that while these witnesses recognized the Holy Spirit as active in their experiences, many did not attribute the experience specifically to "baptism with the Holy Spirit" as Lloyd-Jones does. Some of these witnesses were superb theologians and philosophers, such as John Owen and Jonathan Edwards, who placed their experiences within the context of a well-developed epistemology, theology and biblical exegesis. By lifting the experiences out of that context and linking them all to his own particular view of baptism with the Holy Spirit, Lloyd-Jones does something of a disservice to the works of these great thinkers and believers.
Moreover, as Lloyd-Jones himself acknowledged, the desire and search for spiritual experience can be fraught with personal and communal dangers. Owen and Edwards took pains to identify those dangers and to mark out the narrow path that leads to life. With that caveat, I recommend this book.
Martyn Lloyd-Jones was a Welsh Protestant preacher described by the MLJ Trust as "influential in the Reformed wing of the British evangelical movement in the 20th century." Some in the Reformed camp rued that influence, especially after publication of the sermons here on baptism with the Holy Spirit:
"The family of the Rev. Martyn Lloyd-Jones did not do the Reformed faith any favor when they published his defense of this doctrine in Joy Unspeakable." The Presbyterian Reformed Church in America
"Jones' prescription for new life in the church is wrong, dead wrong. This book is a bad book." The Reformed Free Publishing Association and The Standard Bearer.
What did these Reformed stalwarts have against Lloyd-Jones and his unspeakable joy? For starters, Lloyd-Jones considered the experience of baptism with the Holy Spirit, as described in the book of Acts, to be both available and desirable for Christians today. That is a major departure from the standard Reformed position that the occurrences in Acts were one-off, once for all experiences that were not intended for and should not be desired by believers today. The book of Acts, they say, is "descriptive, not prescriptive" meaning that it describes unique circumstances in the first century church and does not establish any regulatory or normative principles for subsequent believers.
To the extent baptism with the Holy Spirit is recognized at all, it is subsumed within one's initial conversion, and is decidedly non-experiential. John MacArthur speaks for many Reformed leaders when he writes, "Each of us possesses the entire Holy Spirit from the time we repent and believe" and "Holy Spirit baptism is not an extra experience you need to seek; it is something you have from the moment you are saved." But that is not how Lloyd-Jones saw it. He wrote, "what is established beyond any doubt is that one can be a believer without being baptized by the Holy Spirit." (31.) As for the John MacArthurs who equate Spirit baptism with regeneration, Lloyd-Jones said that they "seem to me not only to be denying the New Testament but to be definitely quenching the Spirit." (141.)
Lloyd-Jones repeatedly points out the wide disparity between the Christian life as seen in the New Testament and the Christianity promoted and practiced by a large segment of the church today: "[W]e look at the new Testament church, we see this amazing life that was in it - this power, this joy, this abandon, this thrill, and we ask ourselves, 'Are we like that?' We then read the subsequent history of the church and ... [w]e see that there have been periods in the church like this present era when the church has been weak and lethargic and ineffective." (199.) Many, if not most, in the church today "cannot say that they rejoice in Him 'with a joy unspeakable and full of glory.'" (183.)
The current state of affairs is largely blamed on church leaders who interpret the New Testament through the reductionist lens of their own limited experience and, consequently, "reduce everything to the ordinary." (18, 74). Without delving into philosophies of knowledge and epistemology, Lloyd-Jones exposes the real problem as an Enlightenment era rationalism that now permeates much of Protestant theology. Modernism might be dead everywhere else, but it is alive and well in mainline Reformed churches.
No one mixed more philosophic rationalism into today's Christianity than Reformed philosopher Gordon Clark who substituted "Logic" for the Logos in John, Chapter 1, and read the opening verse as: "In the beginning was Logic, and Logic was with God, and Logic was God." Clarkian apologist John Robbins of the Trinity Foundation took this rationalism about as far as one could go with statements such as "truth always comes from propositions" and "the mind of God, that is, God himself, is propositional." If God is essentially logic and propositions, then the rational understanding of propositions becomes the ultimate spiritual experience.
While Clark and Robbins are at the extreme, the reduction of spiritual knowledge and spiritual life to logic, propositions and dogma is widespread. But mere orthodoxy is not enough. "It is not enough for us as Christian people to make sure that we are orthodox and to bemoan the statements that are made in the name of Christ that are denials of the Scriptural teaching. ... Are we - let us ask it again - are we rejoicing in the Lord Jesus Christ with a joy which is unspeakable and full of glory?" (231.)
Spiritual life, spiritual reality and unspeakable joy are described by, but are not found within, the propositional statements of Scripture. They come from Jesus himself: "You search the Scriptures thinking that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life." John 5:39-40. Commenting on this passage, Charles Spurgeon added, "You stop short at the Scriptures, and therefore short of eternal life."
Aside from giving the Rationalists a good poke in the eye, Lloyd-Jones recounts dozens of personal testimonies from prominent Christians throughout the ages who received direct, immediate, divine illumination of spiritual reality and who gave witness to their own rejoicing with joy unspeakable and full of glory. My one critique of Lloyd-Jones here is that while these witnesses recognized the Holy Spirit as active in their experiences, many did not attribute the experience specifically to "baptism with the Holy Spirit" as Lloyd-Jones does. Some of these witnesses were superb theologians and philosophers, such as John Owen and Jonathan Edwards, who placed their experiences within the context of a well-developed epistemology, theology and biblical exegesis. By lifting the experiences out of that context and linking them all to his own particular view of baptism with the Holy Spirit, Lloyd-Jones does something of a disservice to the works of these great thinkers and believers.
Moreover, as Lloyd-Jones himself acknowledged, the desire and search for spiritual experience can be fraught with personal and communal dangers. Owen and Edwards took pains to identify those dangers and to mark out the narrow path that leads to life. With that caveat, I recommend this book.
December 28, 2012
In Jack Hayford's The Charismatic Century, we learn one key fact about this movement (of which I'm a part), viz, the tendency to not write down and fully formulate doctrine.
Two books, however, written several decades apart, overcome this deficiency. The first is R.A. Torrey's The Baptism of The Holy Spirit written in 1895 and Joy Unspeakable by Lloyd-Jones.
For charismatics, I encourage the reading of both so that you have two perspectives from two men who on their own prayed and investigated whether or not the immersion of the Holy Spirit (the correct translation) is for today or not.
Lloyd-Jones gives a thorough Biblical view of why the baptism (immersion into) of the Holy Spirit may be a second experience for some, and also explains, contra many pentecostal perspectives, why at the time there might not be a speaking in tongues initially, or possibly at all.
This book has what is lacking in too many charismatic titles: exegesis!
For those who are cessationists, an excellent read giving you a balanced view of those (like me) on the "other side" of the divide.
Two books, however, written several decades apart, overcome this deficiency. The first is R.A. Torrey's The Baptism of The Holy Spirit written in 1895 and Joy Unspeakable by Lloyd-Jones.
For charismatics, I encourage the reading of both so that you have two perspectives from two men who on their own prayed and investigated whether or not the immersion of the Holy Spirit (the correct translation) is for today or not.
Lloyd-Jones gives a thorough Biblical view of why the baptism (immersion into) of the Holy Spirit may be a second experience for some, and also explains, contra many pentecostal perspectives, why at the time there might not be a speaking in tongues initially, or possibly at all.
This book has what is lacking in too many charismatic titles: exegesis!
For those who are cessationists, an excellent read giving you a balanced view of those (like me) on the "other side" of the divide.
July 12, 2023
Probably closer to 3.5/5.
A short-ish/medium length book (280 or so pages) in which MLJ defends the view that baptism with the HS is a separate event from regeneration and certain other roles of the HS such as sanctification. He states instead that the role of baptism in the Spirit is as witness - the highest form of assurance of Salvation.
On the style/form: I initially thought MLJ was overly sinplistic, but I realised it is more just that he employed a conversational style throughout the book. As result it is incredibly readable. MLJ certainly appeals to varied Scripture and gives one or two considerations to NT Greek grammar. It however is not intended to be nearly an exhaustive work and I would consider it as providing broad arguments without going into laborious detail.
On the content: MLJ, being Reformed, was not focusing on the 'experimental' (experiential) aspect of faith to the detriment of sound theology. I have more reading to do on the topic myself, this being introductory, and other topics such as gifts of the HS are not touched upon. Aside from Scripture, MLJ is fond of referring to Puritans and the 18th C Evangelicals in England/America as reinforcing the role of the experimental as a driving force in being effective/persistent in evangelistic witness.
Personally this book has reminded me that there is a danger in under-emphasising the role of the experimental in living out bold lives of faith, and I think I relate with MLJ bemoaning how in Evangelical Christianity, emphasising experimental aspects of the faith can be taken to be as to the determinant of the necessity of sound doctrine. Instead MLJ insists both are needed, and this to me seems to be appropriate, with the HS having an active role in both regards.
A short-ish/medium length book (280 or so pages) in which MLJ defends the view that baptism with the HS is a separate event from regeneration and certain other roles of the HS such as sanctification. He states instead that the role of baptism in the Spirit is as witness - the highest form of assurance of Salvation.
On the style/form: I initially thought MLJ was overly sinplistic, but I realised it is more just that he employed a conversational style throughout the book. As result it is incredibly readable. MLJ certainly appeals to varied Scripture and gives one or two considerations to NT Greek grammar. It however is not intended to be nearly an exhaustive work and I would consider it as providing broad arguments without going into laborious detail.
On the content: MLJ, being Reformed, was not focusing on the 'experimental' (experiential) aspect of faith to the detriment of sound theology. I have more reading to do on the topic myself, this being introductory, and other topics such as gifts of the HS are not touched upon. Aside from Scripture, MLJ is fond of referring to Puritans and the 18th C Evangelicals in England/America as reinforcing the role of the experimental as a driving force in being effective/persistent in evangelistic witness.
Personally this book has reminded me that there is a danger in under-emphasising the role of the experimental in living out bold lives of faith, and I think I relate with MLJ bemoaning how in Evangelical Christianity, emphasising experimental aspects of the faith can be taken to be as to the determinant of the necessity of sound doctrine. Instead MLJ insists both are needed, and this to me seems to be appropriate, with the HS having an active role in both regards.
September 27, 2025
Fantastic. I appreciate Lloyd-Jones' careful and clear exegetical work to give abundant evidence for the belief that the baptism with the Spirit does not automatically happen at conversion. I disagree that this experience has no direct connection with sanctification, however. This powerfully challenged me to seek God for more of the Spirit's power for ministry and revival.
August 6, 2018
I had been "warned" that Lloyd-Jones' book on the Holy Spirit was somewhat different to the "traditional" perspective on his work in the life of a believer so was interested to see what he had to say and to weigh it against Scripture first and foremost.
I have found much of what he has expounded her to be a refreshing and thought-provoking approach to the work of the Spirit and find his emphasis on the distinction between his ongoing work in sanctification and his specific work through baptism by the Spirit to be worth further thought and meditation. It certainly accords with something of my experience of a Christian of 20-something years.
Of the books I've read so far this year on the topic of the Spirit this is by far the one that will cause most reflection, and I pray, perhaps have the most dramatic effect on my spiritual life going forward. A book of immense implications and well worthy of 5 stars.
I have found much of what he has expounded her to be a refreshing and thought-provoking approach to the work of the Spirit and find his emphasis on the distinction between his ongoing work in sanctification and his specific work through baptism by the Spirit to be worth further thought and meditation. It certainly accords with something of my experience of a Christian of 20-something years.
Of the books I've read so far this year on the topic of the Spirit this is by far the one that will cause most reflection, and I pray, perhaps have the most dramatic effect on my spiritual life going forward. A book of immense implications and well worthy of 5 stars.
August 29, 2025
haven't read much MLJ but i really appreciated his style - makes me wanna read more!
i feel really benefited by this book's exploration of the baptism of the holy spirit even as i think i disagree with some of the main conclusions MLJ takes lol. but the way he wrestles with scripture, the history of the church, and the difference between empty religion and spirit-filled christians is really helpful!
now for the bigger debate... did i meet my goal of 15 books in summer? this is book 15 but it depends how you define summer... personally, i'm gonna conclude that i met the goal😎
i feel really benefited by this book's exploration of the baptism of the holy spirit even as i think i disagree with some of the main conclusions MLJ takes lol. but the way he wrestles with scripture, the history of the church, and the difference between empty religion and spirit-filled christians is really helpful!
now for the bigger debate... did i meet my goal of 15 books in summer? this is book 15 but it depends how you define summer... personally, i'm gonna conclude that i met the goal😎
September 23, 2017
I read this book as a requirement for a course I am taking. So many told me how powerful the book was. If I did not have to read it I would have quit long ago. The author has passion for his subject. I though had a hard time following him and understanding some of his points. What I did learn is I have much to learn about the Holy Spirit and perhaps this book was the first in my journey of learning.
March 20, 2024
Martyn Lloyd-Jones writing about the baptism of the Holy Spirit was enlightening, clearly written, and incredibly encouraging.
February 10, 2025
A very thought provoking and encouraging though challenging book.
December 28, 2024
This is an expansive and inspiring collection of sermons from the great preacher - "the Doctor" - on the work of the Holy Spirit. I have never read such a thorough treatment on the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and though it has left me with some questions, I found this book to be amazing. I felt downright childlike (like a true beginner) in the things of the Spirit as I read it. It felt fresh and appealing and vital and remindful all at the same time. I felt like it took me back to earlier years when I was so excited about these things - things that Martyn Lloyd-Jones clearly hasn't lost his zeal for in his own life as he preached these chapters. Note: I read the longer 442-page version published by Kingsway that includes the sermons/chapters on the gifts of the Spirit (those chapters were previously published under the title, Prove All Things), as there is a 280-page abridged version of this book out there that doesn't include those chapters.
September 22, 2008
This book explains the Baptism of the Holy Spirit tat Christians recieve it also explains the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The author explains that one can be a Christian without recieveing the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
All Christians should read this book.
All Christians should read this book.
April 22, 2009
Excellent?
March 1, 2015
Makes up for some lack of precision with warmth and intensity.
June 21, 2020
While a welcome encouragement to Christians to continue seeking and desiring the work of the Spirit in our lives, I found Lloyd-Jones’ exegesis inconsistent and often hyper-modernist/mechanical in distinguishing Scriptural language regarding the work of the Spirit in the believers’ life. I think what he is urging us all to seek as “a second blessing of the Spirit,” is biblically just many different ways of apostolic writers urging us to depend on the Spirit in our sanctification, to seek His continued illumination in our understanding of God’s Word, and to realize our need of Him in producing spiritual fruit and ministry. I’m afraid that some of Lloyd-Jones’ teaching could be taken to create a sort of false elitism among Christians regarding those “who have received the second blessing” and those who haven’t. I just don’t think the proper exegesis of the canon as a whole supports his reading, here. However, for those who do hold to a “second blessing” theology, Lloyd-Jones’ view is a significant improvement on what many charismatic/Pentecostal groups teach. All that to say, if I were going to move to a “second blessing” view of the Spirit’s baptism, Lloyd-Jones’ view would be the one I would adopt.
December 14, 2020
It is a must read for everyone in the evangelical circles.
Dr Martin Lloyd Jones is highly appreciated by strong leaders in the church today.
This book contains quotes and studies of the revival eras. It's very obvious that the author prayed and hoped for revival.
The book focuses on the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Without this baptism, revival (for the individual and for the society) won't come..I agree 100% - a holy seeking of the Holy Spirit is what The Church laks mostly today, as The Holy Spirit has a crucial role in sanctification and witnessing.
I like that he doesn't shy away from conclusions, but I won't agree with everyone of his conclusions. I find him inconsistent with some of his conclusions:
1. He will agree that a prayer like that presented in Luke 11 is necessary for the baptism, but won't agree with prolonged meetings focused on this kind of prayer.
2. He agrees with the fact that spiritual gifts didn't ceased, but won't want to hear anything about tongues or prophecy.
But, Dr Martin Lloyd Jones loves his Scriptures and his Lord with all of his heart - I will read and love this kind of man.
Dr Martin Lloyd Jones is highly appreciated by strong leaders in the church today.
This book contains quotes and studies of the revival eras. It's very obvious that the author prayed and hoped for revival.
The book focuses on the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Without this baptism, revival (for the individual and for the society) won't come..I agree 100% - a holy seeking of the Holy Spirit is what The Church laks mostly today, as The Holy Spirit has a crucial role in sanctification and witnessing.
I like that he doesn't shy away from conclusions, but I won't agree with everyone of his conclusions. I find him inconsistent with some of his conclusions:
1. He will agree that a prayer like that presented in Luke 11 is necessary for the baptism, but won't agree with prolonged meetings focused on this kind of prayer.
2. He agrees with the fact that spiritual gifts didn't ceased, but won't want to hear anything about tongues or prophecy.
But, Dr Martin Lloyd Jones loves his Scriptures and his Lord with all of his heart - I will read and love this kind of man.
February 24, 2021
Le fond est intéressant, plein de références historiques et de pensées faisant réfléchir. Lloyd-Jones ne se situant ni dans le charismatisme évangélique ni dans la réaction à celui-ci mais dans ce qui est, selon lui, la ligne historique propose vraiment un tas de réflexions de valeurs.
Mais la forme....
Ce livre est, à la base, un rassemblement de deux livres qui sont eux même des rassemblement de prédications.
Et.... Le livre, bien édité, pourrait être diminué de moitié. Car Lloyd-Jones se répète, beaucoup, énormément. Si en prédication ça peut se comprendre car d'une semaine à l'autre l'auditoire n'est pas forcément composé des mêmes personnes ou qu'un laps de temps entre deux prédications sur un sujet peut nécessiter de résumer ou rappeler certains points à l'écrit ça passe très mal.
Avoir l'impression de lire cinq fois le même chapitre à la suite est très lourd.
Mais la forme....
Ce livre est, à la base, un rassemblement de deux livres qui sont eux même des rassemblement de prédications.
Et.... Le livre, bien édité, pourrait être diminué de moitié. Car Lloyd-Jones se répète, beaucoup, énormément. Si en prédication ça peut se comprendre car d'une semaine à l'autre l'auditoire n'est pas forcément composé des mêmes personnes ou qu'un laps de temps entre deux prédications sur un sujet peut nécessiter de résumer ou rappeler certains points à l'écrit ça passe très mal.
Avoir l'impression de lire cinq fois le même chapitre à la suite est très lourd.
February 16, 2019
Wonderful book. This book, more than most others I've read over the last few years, really challenged my thinking. Many books I read challenge my Christian walk and godliness, however this one challenged my doctrine. The Baptism with the Holy Spirit was not a doctrine I had much knowledge of and Lloyd-Jones really helped flesh it out for me. I've done much study of the Scriptures myself on the topic since then and believe the Dr. is very sound in his doctrine. I would most certainly recommend this book to my brothers and sisters.
November 24, 2020
Lloyd-Jones is hard to read at times. Mainly because these are collected sermons. This collection was at times difficult because he was referencing contemporary issues and teachers but I was able to track with him most of the way through. There are lots of gems and nuggets here. I think his overarching view about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as a means for revival is intriguing and I am excited to see where I see that as I continue my study of the Holy Spirit. Recommended
August 25, 2021
Another excellent offering from the late Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones. His sharp exegesis of scripture always makes his sermons and books intellectually satisfying.
In this book, Jones examines the subject of the Baptism of the Spirit and what that means for us today. Besides careful scriptural exegesis, he cites multiple examples in church history to make the case for his position. I'm glad I read it and I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in the subject.
In this book, Jones examines the subject of the Baptism of the Spirit and what that means for us today. Besides careful scriptural exegesis, he cites multiple examples in church history to make the case for his position. I'm glad I read it and I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in the subject.
October 10, 2018
I read this book as a convinced 'One Baptism' man, but found myself re-evaluating that position while reading this. I must be honest and say that most of Lloyd Jones arguments for a second baptism have been refuted in other works on this topic, but there was one argument he puts forth quite early in the book that tipped the balance for me, and that was the fact that when Scripture talks about 'baptized by one Spirit into the body of Christ,' the One doing the baptism is the Spirit, and we are put 'into' Christ, whereas when John the Baptist speaks on the baptism of the Spirit, he says that Christ (not the Spirit) will 'baptize you with the Holy Ghost.' So one baptism (salvation) is by the Spirit into Christ, and the subsequent baptism (Spirit baptism) is by Christ with the Spirit. I couldn't escape the fact that these were two distinct Trinitarian Persons administering two separate baptisms. I have presented this argument to many critics and never had a good response to it yet. So I was personally convinced, even if it was only by one argument. Here is Lloyd Jones presentation of that argument:
"You notice in the teaching in first chapter of John's Gospel and which we see so clearly in the preaching of John the Baptist, the baptism of the Holy Spirit is something that is done by the Lord Jesus Christ, not by the Holy Spirit. 'I indeed baptize with water...he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.' This is not primarily some work of the Holy Spirit. It is the Lord Jesus Christ's act.
Now here it seems to me is something that is there, plain and clear, on the very surface of this whole subject and yet people get confused over it, and quote 1 Corinthians 12:13 'For by one Spirit are we all baptized.' Of course we are. Our being baptized into the body of Christ is the work of the Spirit, as regeneration is His work, but this is something entirely different; this is Christ baptizing us with the Holy Spirit. And I am suggesting that this is something which is therefore obviously distinct from and separate from becoming a Christian."
- Martyn Lloyd Jones, "Joy Unspeakable", Pg. 22
The remainder of the book serves as an edifying read, and certainly is the best and most theologically reliable book on the 'subsequent baptism' side of the argument. Even if you are not convinced on a subsequent Spirit baptism, or do not want to waste time reading about it, I would suggest not to reject this book on those grounds, because it is a genuinely expositional read which I think would edify all. I say that as a convinced cessationist. I have read extensively on this topic, and continue to do so, and Lloyd Jones gets the credit for having won me back to the 'Spirit baptism' side.
"You notice in the teaching in first chapter of John's Gospel and which we see so clearly in the preaching of John the Baptist, the baptism of the Holy Spirit is something that is done by the Lord Jesus Christ, not by the Holy Spirit. 'I indeed baptize with water...he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.' This is not primarily some work of the Holy Spirit. It is the Lord Jesus Christ's act.
Now here it seems to me is something that is there, plain and clear, on the very surface of this whole subject and yet people get confused over it, and quote 1 Corinthians 12:13 'For by one Spirit are we all baptized.' Of course we are. Our being baptized into the body of Christ is the work of the Spirit, as regeneration is His work, but this is something entirely different; this is Christ baptizing us with the Holy Spirit. And I am suggesting that this is something which is therefore obviously distinct from and separate from becoming a Christian."
- Martyn Lloyd Jones, "Joy Unspeakable", Pg. 22
The remainder of the book serves as an edifying read, and certainly is the best and most theologically reliable book on the 'subsequent baptism' side of the argument. Even if you are not convinced on a subsequent Spirit baptism, or do not want to waste time reading about it, I would suggest not to reject this book on those grounds, because it is a genuinely expositional read which I think would edify all. I say that as a convinced cessationist. I have read extensively on this topic, and continue to do so, and Lloyd Jones gets the credit for having won me back to the 'Spirit baptism' side.
March 28, 2020
Lloyd-Jones systematically swept away my objections to the idea of baptism in the Holy Spirit as separate from the indwelling of the Spirit through conversion. An answer to prayer even though it left me with more questions than answers; it gave me the one answer that I needed, which was: "Plead with God relentlessly for the baptism and the gifts of the Spirit."
April 28, 2020
Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones explores the doctrine of the baptism of the Holy Spirit with powerful exposition. This book is a call to the church today to recognize that we are missing out on the fullness of New Testament Christianity that can only come with a return to this doctrine. It helped me in understanding what the baptism of the Spirit really is.
May 7, 2018
As in his sermons, MLJ both encourages and challenges the reader to a deeper understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit. He is currently my favorite preacher, thanks to the sermons available publicly from http://mljtrust.org
August 14, 2019
I was surprised by his sloppy exegesis and rushing to conclusions that are not necessarily warranted by the text of Scripture. I am glad that I have read some of his other books before, so this one did not put me off from reading him in the future.
October 13, 2020
This is a classic and needs to be read by every seminarian and post graduate student. Superbly theological and biblical at the same time with great insight, logic on fire, and solid commentary. Great balance and sound thought.
July 9, 2024
Not always convinced of his exegesis and arguments, but where he is convincing, his insights are compelling and provocative. Great read, especially for those of us who are less charismatic by conviction (and temperament).
January 3, 2025
The best book I have read on recieving the baptism and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Lloyd-Jones puts his thoughts across very clearly but the best thing about this book is his desire to ground everything in scripture.
October 11, 2019
Balanced and exegetically sound. Logic on fire. Classic Lloyd-Jones.
February 7, 2020
Dr Lloyd-Jones' most controversial work, but also one of his best. One of the best and most important books I've ever read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews