Forsyth and Lloyd-Jones

Dr P. T. Forsyth’s influence on DML-J is seen at this fundamental level where the Cross is not to be viewed in sentimental terms. The Cross is crucial in God’s plan of salvation for the world and the Cross must be preached and preached about in our evangelistic preaching.  DML-J’s departure in 1955 from preaching doctrine per se may be put down to the influence of Forsyth on his thinking because mere academic discourses do not lead to edification and mere edifying sermons without doctrinal instruction becomes feeble and ineffectual.[1]  DML-J saw this danger and successfully avoided falling into this trap.  Preaching and theology must therefore be finely balanced.  DML-J defined preaching in terms of theology coming through a man who is on fire.

How then did Forsyth understand the atonement?  Let him speak for himself.  He sees the work of Christ in its truly cosmic dimensions when he writes, “God ... is saving ... a whole world of human society.”[2]  A universal aspect of God’s work in the world is hereby set forth.  He sees cosmic significance in what God accomplished in Christ.  Indeed, he goes so far as to attribute the world’s existence to the death of Christ.[3]  His was a death on behalf of people within whom the power of responding positively had to be created.[4]  Man is dead in trespasses and sins and until he is quickened, enlivened, regenerated,[5] he will not make a positive saving response to the overtures of the Gospel, for two reasons: he will not therefore he cannot.  Christ’s death was not a mere display of simple heroism; it was a demonstration of redemption. 

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[1]    Forsyth, The Work of Christ, 1909:3.

[2]    Forsyth, 1909:6.

[3]    Forsyth, 1909:11-14.

[4]    Forsyth, 1909:15.

[5]    Eph.2:1.