After Darkness, Light: The Enduring Legacy of the Reformation

 

Summary

In the warmth of Florida, we gather to reflect on the profound impact of the Reformation, a movement that began 500 years ago and continues to resonate today. As we commemorate this anniversary, we are reminded of the light that the Reformation brought into a world shrouded in darkness. The Reformation was not without its flaws, but its core message was a beacon of hope and truth, illuminating the path to a deeper understanding of God's grace and glory.

The Reformation was a pivotal moment in history, challenging the status quo and bringing to light the transformative power of God's Word. It was a time when the message of justification by faith alone was rediscovered, offering assurance and joy to believers who had long been burdened by fear and uncertainty. This message, encapsulated in the phrase "After Darkness, Light," was a declaration of the sufficiency of Christ's atonement and the assurance of salvation for all who believe.

The Reformation's emphasis on the authority of Scripture and the glory of God reshaped the church and society. It dismantled the hierarchy that separated believers and emphasized the priesthood of all believers, fostering a sense of community and equality. This theological shift not only transformed individual lives but also had a profound impact on society, inspiring movements for social justice and reform.

Today, as we look to the future, we recognize that the darkness of self-dependence and false religion still looms. Yet, the light of the Reformation continues to shine, offering hope and transformation. We are called to live and die for this light, to proclaim the glory of God and the sufficiency of Christ to a world in need. As heirs of the Reformation, we have the privilege and duty to carry this message forward, confident that the same light that overcame the darkness 500 years ago can do so again today.

Key Takeaways:

- The Reformation was a movement that brought light into the darkness by rediscovering the message of justification by faith alone. This message offered assurance and joy to believers, freeing them from the fear of judgment and enabling them to live lives of gratitude and confidence in God's grace. [19:46]

- The authority of Scripture was central to the Reformation, challenging the existing religious hierarchy and emphasizing the priesthood of all believers. This shift fostered a sense of community and equality, transforming both the church and society. [26:39]

- The Reformation's message of God's glory and grace led to societal transformation, inspiring movements for social justice and reform. The light of God's Word prompted believers to extend mercy and fight against injustices such as slavery and poverty. [27:24]

- Today, the darkness of self-dependence and false religion persists, but the light of the Reformation continues to offer hope and transformation. We are called to live and die for this light, proclaiming the glory of God and the sufficiency of Christ to a world in need. [42:46]

- As heirs of the Reformation, we have the privilege and duty to carry its message forward. The same light that overcame the darkness 500 years ago can do so again today, offering hope and transformation to a world in need. [45:57]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:27] - Opening Prayer
- [01:06] - The Reformation's Legacy
- [03:08] - Misunderstandings of the Reformation
- [05:21] - The Message of Light
- [07:24] - 2 Corinthians 4:6
- [10:55] - Thomas Bilney's Testimony
- [12:25] - Martin Luther's Fear
- [13:09] - Richard Sibbes on Assurance
- [15:33] - The Sin of Presumption
- [19:46] - From Doomsday to the Happy Last Day
- [22:54] - The Chief End of Man
- [26:39] - The Light of God's Glory
- [30:01] - The Need for Reformation Today
- [39:28] - The Theology of the Cross
- [45:57] - The Unstoppable Power of Light

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Light of the Reformation

Bible Reading:
1. 2 Corinthians 4:6 - "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ."
2. Isaiah 9:2 - "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned."
3. Revelation 22:5 - "There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever."

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Observation Questions:
1. What was the core message of the Reformation, and how did it challenge the status quo of the church at the time? [05:21]
2. How does 2 Corinthians 4:6 relate to the theme of light overcoming darkness as discussed in the sermon? [07:24]
3. What societal changes were inspired by the Reformation's emphasis on God's glory and grace? [27:24]
4. How did the Reformation redefine the concept of the "priesthood of all believers"? [26:07]

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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways did the rediscovery of "justification by faith alone" provide assurance and joy to believers during the Reformation? [19:46]
2. How does the sermon suggest that the authority of Scripture can transform both individual lives and society as a whole? [26:39]
3. What does the phrase "After Darkness, Light" signify in the context of the Reformation, and how is it relevant today? [05:59]
4. How does the sermon describe the ongoing relevance of the Reformation's message in combating the darkness of self-dependence and false religion? [42:46]

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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt burdened by fear or uncertainty. How might the message of justification by faith alone bring you assurance and joy in that situation? [19:46]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of Scripture's authority. How can you prioritize Scripture in your daily life to foster a deeper understanding of God's grace? [26:39]
3. Consider the societal issues mentioned in the sermon, such as slavery and poverty. How can you be an agent of change in your community, inspired by the Reformation's call for social justice? [27:24]
4. The sermon calls us to live and die for the light of the Reformation. What practical steps can you take to proclaim the glory of God and the sufficiency of Christ in your daily interactions? [42:46]
5. As heirs of the Reformation, we have a duty to carry its message forward. How can you actively participate in sharing this message with others in your sphere of influence? [45:57]
6. Reflect on the concept of the "priesthood of all believers." How can you foster a sense of community and equality within your church or small group? [26:07]
7. Identify a specific area in your life where you rely on self-dependence. How can you shift your focus to trust in God's grace and sufficiency instead? [42:46]

Devotional

Day 1: Rediscovering Justification by Faith Alone
The Reformation was a transformative period that brought the message of justification by faith alone back into the light. This rediscovery offered believers a profound sense of assurance and joy, freeing them from the oppressive fear of judgment. By understanding that salvation is a gift of grace through faith, not earned by works, believers were able to live lives filled with gratitude and confidence in God's grace. This message, encapsulated in the phrase "After Darkness, Light," continues to offer hope and transformation to those who embrace it. [19:46]

Galatians 2:16 (ESV): "Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified."

Reflection: Consider an area in your life where you might be relying on your own efforts for approval or acceptance. How can you shift your focus to trust in God's grace and the sufficiency of Christ's atonement today?


Day 2: The Authority of Scripture and Community
The Reformation emphasized the authority of Scripture, challenging the existing religious hierarchy and promoting the priesthood of all believers. This shift fostered a sense of community and equality, transforming both the church and society. By recognizing that all believers have direct access to God and His Word, the Reformation dismantled barriers and encouraged a communal pursuit of truth and understanding. This theological shift not only reshaped individual lives but also inspired movements for social justice and reform. [26:39]

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Reflection: Reflect on how you can contribute to fostering a sense of community and equality within your church or local community. What practical steps can you take to encourage others to engage with Scripture and embrace their role in the priesthood of all believers?


Day 3: God's Glory and Societal Transformation
The Reformation's message of God's glory and grace led to significant societal transformation, inspiring movements for social justice and reform. The light of God's Word prompted believers to extend mercy and fight against injustices such as slavery and poverty. By focusing on the glory of God, believers were motivated to reflect His character in their actions, leading to a more just and compassionate society. This legacy of transformation continues to challenge and inspire believers today. [27:24]

Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: Identify a specific injustice or area of need in your community. How can you actively participate in bringing about change and reflecting God's glory through acts of justice and mercy?


Day 4: The Persistent Darkness and the Light of Hope
Despite the ongoing darkness of self-dependence and false religion, the light of the Reformation continues to offer hope and transformation. Believers are called to live and die for this light, proclaiming the glory of God and the sufficiency of Christ to a world in need. As heirs of the Reformation, there is a privilege and duty to carry this message forward, confident that the same light that overcame darkness 500 years ago can do so again today. [42:46]

Ephesians 5:8-9 (ESV): "For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true)."

Reflection: In what ways can you be a beacon of hope and light in your daily interactions? Consider how you can intentionally share the message of God's grace and the sufficiency of Christ with someone who may be struggling in darkness.


Day 5: Carrying the Reformation's Message Forward
As heirs of the Reformation, believers have the privilege and duty to carry its message forward. The light that overcame the darkness 500 years ago continues to offer hope and transformation to a world in need. By embracing the core message of the Reformation and living it out in daily life, believers can be confident that God's light will continue to shine and overcome the darkness. This ongoing mission calls for dedication and courage, trusting in the unstoppable power of God's truth. [45:57]

2 Corinthians 4:6 (ESV): "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Reflect on how you can actively participate in carrying the message of the Reformation forward. What specific actions can you take to ensure that the light of God's truth continues to shine brightly in your community and beyond?

Quotes

"For God who said, let light shine out of darkness has shone in our hearts to give the light to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." Now, you see, what Paul is doing here, is he's showing us why God’s Word going out should mean light shining into darkness. [00:07:47]

The glory of God is regularly associated in Scripture with shining light. Think of the blazing glory clouds that the Israelites saw in the wilderness. The shinning glory. Think, the glory of the Lord shone around the shepherds that night outside Bethlehem. Think of how, in the new Jerusalem in Revelation 22, we read, "She does not need the light of lamp or sun or moon. For the glory of God gives it light. And the Lamb is its lamp." [00:08:47]

When the Word of God goes out, the glory of God is manifested and therefore people are enlightened. Through the Word, God is manifested and glorified for who He is. As the Holy One. As the Lord of Lords. As the all-sufficient, all-gracious Savior. And that is what happened in the Reformation. The Word of God went out afresh so that God was glorified. [00:09:41]

Sibbes argued that without assurance of salvation, Christians simply cannot live lives as God would have us. So Sibbes said, "God would have us to be thankful, cheerful. Rejoicing, strong in faith." But Sibbes said, "We can be none of these things unless we are sure that God and Christ are ours for good." [00:12:57]

God requires a disposition in us that we should be full of encouragement, strong in the Lord, and that we should be courageous for His cause, in withstanding His enemies and our enemies. But, how can there be courage in resisting our corruptions, in resisting Satan's temptations? How can there be courage in suffering persecution and crosses in the world, if there is not confidence in Christ and in God.” [00:14:38]

And then, and then in God's Word he discovered sinners by faith alone are freely declared righteous clothed in the righteousness of Christ. And that meant suddenly, no longer was his confidence in that day dependent upon himself and his performance and his sufficient righteousness. It rested on Christ, and Christ’s super-sufficient, perfect righteousness. [00:19:02]

The difference it made was captured in the striking wording of the Heidelberg Catechism's question and answer 52. Get this, no one who'd drawn one of those medieval frescoes would ever write this. "What comfort is it to you that Christ will return to judge the living and the dead?" What comfort is it to you that He will come to judge the living and the dead? Answer? "That I with uplifted head do look to come from heaven as judge the very same one who before offered Himself to God on my behalf for my sins, and who has removed all curse from me." [00:20:09]

For through justification by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ, God was glorified as utterly merciful, utterly good. Both supremely holy and compassionate. Therefore people could find their comfort, their delight, their satisfaction in him. Through union with Christ. Knowing themselves clothed with him, their first-born brother. In His righteousness. [00:24:50]

The light of God’s glory in the Reformation, in the Word going out, it was like the rising of the sun on a spring morning. It scattered the darkness of religious self-dependence. It started a sweet dawn chorus, as people began to come alive in this light. And lives began to blossom. Society began to be transformed, as the Reformers and their heirs, out of new biblical convictions, particularly the greatness of God’s mercy, made those of the Reformation concerned to extend God’s mercy. [00:26:39]

A theology of glory is nothing to do with the Reformation appreciation for God’s glory. It's nothing to do with the desire to do everything in the light of God’s glory, to do everything for the glory of God alone. No, a theology of glory, well, it's the triumphalist idea that God must be pretty much like me. Pretty much like us. Perhaps God is a little bit bigger. Little bit better. But basically like us. [00:32:21]

Luther saw a message that throws us entirely off our self-dependence. For we are demolished as utterly helpless. And we're thrown entirely, entirely onto Christ. And so Luther would write, "He is not righteous who does much. But he who without work believes much in Christ." No one had heard that one, when the Scripture hadn't been opened for a thousand years. "The law says do this and it is never done. Grace says believe in this and everything is already done." [00:36:04]

For only when God is glorified and revealed for who He truly is, will mankind find life, satisfaction and rest. For what is the chief end of man? The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever. It all leaves us with a challenge and a comfort. The challenge is this, today. Since only this light, found in the Word of God has the power to dispel the darkness that is in human hearts and in the world – friends, let us live and let us die for this. [00:39:51]

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Transcript
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