Out of the Depths

Sermons on the Psalms

by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Can we receive salvation from God unless we know what it is to repent? Is it possible for a person to be a Christian without true repentance?

For the answers to such thought-provoking questions, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones turns readers to Psalm 51, which is perhaps the classic statement on repentance in all of Scripture. It not only models the process involved in receiving salvation and forgiveness for sins--from the Holy Spirit's conviction and the sinner's confession to God's cleansing and renewal--but draws a profile of the truly repentant heart.

"There are certain things that we must realize, we must grasp, we must believe [before salvation can be ours], and the first of these is repentance.... Without repentance there is no knowledge of salvation, there is no experience of salvation. It is an essential step. It is the first step."

This moving study gives readers a fuller understanding of the importance of repentance both for the unsaved and for Christians. Enlightening and practical, Out of the Depths is necessary reading for the earnest seeker who wants to take that first step on the road to salvation, and for the troubled Christian desiring to find again the path to a restore relationship with God.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christianity, Christian Living, Devotional

112 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1987

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a series of sermons where Lloyd-Jones goes through Psalm 51, showing attitudes and feelings that every Christian has - conviction, repentance, peace, etc.
He has a few points of focus that I particularly noticed:
- To show the characteristics of a true Christian
- To show the mercy of God in a full and free forgiveness
- To show the freeness of God's forgiveness, and how we don't earn it or obtain it by our own means.

I appreciated from this the distinction between introspection and self-examination. I'd notice the distinction being made by Lloyd-Jones when reading Spiritual Depression, but this put it in context.

The way introspection destroys our joy, I think I'll particularly benefit from.

A particular example (P84-85):

I remember the sad case of a very godly man whom I knew who had two daughters who were the most excellent women. They had reached middle life when I met them. They lived, in a sense, for the things of God, and yet neither of them had ever become a member of a Christian church, or ever taken communion at the Lord's Table. As regards their life and conduct, you could not think of better people, and yet they had never become members of the church and they had never partaken of the bread and the wine. Why? They said they did not feel they were good enough. What was the matter with them? They were looking at themselves instead of at the finished, perfect work of Christ. You look at yourself and, of course, you will miserable, for within there is blackness and darkness. The best saint when he looks at himself becomes unhappy; he sees things that should not be there, and if you and I spend our whole time looking at ourselves we shall remain in misery, and we shall lose the joy. Self-examination is all right, but introspection is bad. Let us draw the distinction between these two things. We can examine ourselves in the light of Scripture, and if we do that we shall be driven to Christ. But with introspection a man looks at himself and continues to do so, and refuses to be happy until he gets rid of the imperfections that are still there. Oh, the tragedy that we should spend our lives looking at ourselves instead of looking at Him who can set us free!

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent series of sermons on Psalm 51. Preached in 1949. The change/development personally in DMLJ seems so apparent when you read his sermons pre and post 1950. If you compare this series of messages in 1949, with for example, his sermons on Romans 6, the development of his own spiritual understanding (and experience?) is clear - not just because these sermons on Psalm 51 are evangelistic OT sermons.
These sermons on Psalm 51 also remind us that he was an exemplary preacher of Old Testament gospel messages. (And an example of pastoral preaching too.)

[Bjorn Bakke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful exposition of Psalm 51 emphasizing the need for repentance and regeneration. A timeless message that cannot be shared enough.

[Jonn Louie Lim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book introduced me to Psalm 51 as one of the most profound pictures of repentance in the Old Testament. It helps that this side of the cross we see how all of David's petitions in this Psalm are made possible through Christ. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (MLJ) helps us to understand that and more in this short, easily digestible read. Dealing with sin doesn't end for the Christian as testified by David, the man after God's own heart, in this tragic episode in his life. The brevity of the piece allows for a reread of this book every now and then.

[Janina Jayme-Salubo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book when the seller told me that this is Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones best book.

Finally finished reading it after a long slump. Though as basic as it seems, Dr. Jones expound on the topic of repentance. I had so many life-changing realizations while reading this book. It's convicting, at the same time, comforting. Truly a must-read! Such a gift!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reminders, bringing down the steps of calling, justification, and sanctification to a very simple level. Odd that he says one must stop and think before being converted, while quoting a Psalm by David who had already become converted and needed new life breathed in.

[Reinhard · Rating 5 out of 5]

For many of us, we have past sin or even present sin that stagnates our growth in the Lord and that can pull us from the purpose God has for us. In this book it goes through David's repentance in Psalm 51 and uses it as a Manuel for true revival in your personal relationship with God.

[Naveen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

Good tests and guidance for true repentance.
Martyn lloyd Jones has this special gift to diagnose the soul's condition. There is lot of arguements, logic

[Peter Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent example of Lloyd-Jones preaching! Logic on fire! This short little book will feed your soul and is a wonderful book to give someone inquiring about Christianity! Highly recommended!

[Myra-Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on Psalm 51, this was a deeply convicting read as Lloyd-Jones takes us through what true repentance looks like. Positively challenged to re-examine my heart every now & then.

[Samuel Gomes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente exposição do Salmo 51. Recomendo com entusiasmo para aqueles que querem estudar sobre justificação, arrependimento e vida cristã real. Vale a leitura!

[Cofedrunkard · Rating 5 out of 5]

By analyzing Psalm 51, Martin Lloyd-Jones shows us what are the true Christian's experiences regarding salvation, step by step. First, one must realizes he is a sinner (Chapter 1), then he would realizes the need for God's forgiveness, mercy and compassion (Chapter 2). Next, he should see his central need is a new heart from God, namely, regeneration (Chapter 3). Last, as the consequence of the first 3 points, he would enjoy the 'joy of salvation' (Chapter 4).

Dr. Lloyd-Jones urges Christians to sit down and to face themselves on Chapter 1, and I find it particular helpful for me, I quote it as the following:

'We must stop and think, we must pause for a moment and face ourselves, and face the life we have lived and what we have done and what we are doing... Did you spend a night with yourself and ask "What kind of life am I living? What are the things I fondle in my imagination and in my mind?"... There is NO HOPE for a man who does not do that, and the truth about the modern world is that people are running away from just this. They are crowding into cinemas, reading novels - anything to fill up their lives and keep them from thinking.'

Again, you will never go wrong with any of his book.

[Jennifer Tse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book about what being a Christian is about. Lloyd-Jones especially focuses on the need for repentance, confession, and humility before God. He explains how we are sinners and why we need a change of heart, instead of merely trying to change a little bit. This is a good book explaining the need to examine our hearts and have some private time to examine our lives. I especially liked how he linked it to Psalm 51 and used the example of David's story to explain what repentance really means.

[Emiley]

I clearly remember the first time I opened this book. It was the summer after graduation, and I had just finished writing a full page letter to myself in faint spidery lettering on a yellow legal pad. It was one of the most miserable moments in my life--the weight of my sin was so palpable, I felt as if I was being crushed by it. What perfect timing, then, to have a friend loan this book to me--a book about repentance and the forgiveness of sin.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series of messages from Psalm 51, originally preached in October 1949, addresses the true nature and reality of sin using David’s life as a launching point. Lloyd-Jones also points out the differences between remorse and repentance, as well as self-examination and introspection. With his usual blend of candor and concern, Lloyd-Jones reveals the necessary steps required to enter the Christian life and appeals to Scripture as the only guide for the Christian disciples’ ongoing pilgrimage.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sat down one Saturday and basically read this book. Wish I were able to glean more from it, but it reinforced and reminded me of many truths that I need to constantly go back to. The need to be born again really stuck as I thought about how true it is that we need to have a new life in Christ altogether as we recognize how wretched and hopeless we are because of sin.

[Paul Bugriyev · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh so good

[Joshua · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good in general, though I think it contains some serious theological errors, or at least inaccuracies. But don't we all?