Recovering the Gospel: The Ongoing Relevance of the Reformation

 

Summary

The Reformation remains a pivotal moment in church history, not merely as a historical event but as a movement that continues to hold profound relevance today. The Reformation was not just about addressing moral corruption within the church, as some might think, but about recovering the true gospel message that had been obscured by centuries of tradition. Martin Luther's discovery of justification by faith alone, as revealed in Romans 1:17, was revolutionary. It shifted the focus from human efforts to earn righteousness to the grace of God, who declares sinners righteous through faith in Christ. This message was not just a theological correction but a spiritual awakening that brought light into the darkness of the medieval church.

The Reformers, including Luther, Calvin, and others, were not innovators but renovators, seeking to return to the apostolic faith as set out in Scripture. They emphasized the five solas: sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), sola fide (faith alone), sola gratia (grace alone), solus Christus (Christ alone), and soli Deo gloria (to the glory of God alone). These principles were not only foundational to the Reformation but remain essential for the church today. The Reformation was a revival of the gospel, a return to the pure worship of God, and a call to proclaim the true gospel in every generation.

The Roman Catholic Church's response to the Reformation was initially mixed but eventually hardened, as seen in the Council of Trent, which rejected the Reformers' theological claims. Despite calls for unity, the fundamental differences in authority and the essence of the gospel message between Protestantism and Catholicism remain significant. The Reformation's emphasis on Scripture and justification by faith alone continues to challenge the church to remain faithful to the gospel.

Today, the work of reformation involves being people of the solas, committed to the authority of Scripture and the proclamation of the gospel. It means engaging in expository preaching, valuing doctrinal continuity with the apostles, and cultivating a taste for spiritual beauty over physical aesthetics. The Reformation teaches us that the power for change lies not in human efforts but in the Word of God, which remains the power of God for salvation.

Key Takeaways:

- The Reformation was not merely a historical correction of church corruption but a profound recovery of the gospel message, emphasizing justification by faith alone, which remains relevant today as it addresses the core of human identity and salvation. [04:26]

- The Reformers were renovators, not innovators, seeking to return to the apostolic faith as set out in Scripture. Their emphasis on the five solas continues to be foundational for a faithful biblical Christianity. [13:43]

- The Roman Catholic Church's response to the Reformation, particularly through the Council of Trent, highlighted the enduring theological differences, especially regarding authority and justification, which remain significant barriers to unity. [30:33]

- The Reformation's emphasis on sola Scriptura and justification by faith alone challenges the church to remain faithful to the gospel, recognizing that true unity is found in doctrinal continuity with the apostles, not organizational structures. [37:12]

- The ongoing relevance of the Reformation lies in its call to be people of the solas, committed to the authority of Scripture, the proclamation of the gospel, and the cultivation of spiritual beauty, recognizing that the power for change lies in the Word of God. [56:34]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:25] - Introduction of Guests
- [01:04] - Importance of Preaching
- [02:12] - Defining the Reformation
- [02:55] - Luther's Discovery
- [04:26] - The Gospel of Grace
- [06:00] - Relevance Today
- [08:00] - The Need for Reformation
- [09:20] - Translation of Scripture
- [12:05] - Unity and Schism
- [13:43] - The Five Solas
- [15:45] - Necessity of Reforming the Church
- [17:27] - Relevance of Justification by Faith
- [19:00] - Revival and Reformation
- [22:50] - The Power of God's Word
- [25:03] - Apostolic Faith and Sola Scriptura
- [29:06] - Roman Catholic Reaction
- [31:57] - Persecution and Martyrdom
- [35:33] - Unity and False Teaching
- [41:52] - Calls for Unity
- [46:54] - True Christians in Catholicism
- [49:03] - Attraction to Catholicism
- [55:50] - Continuing Reformation Today
- [01:03:03] - Hope for Reformation
- [01:05:30] - Conclusion and Resources

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Reformation's Relevance Today

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 1:17 - "For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'"
2. Philippians 1:27 - "Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel."
3. Hebrews 7:27 - "He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself."

Observation Questions:
1. What was Martin Luther's significant discovery in Romans 1:17, and how did it impact the Reformation? [03:36]
2. How did the Reformers view the authority of Scripture compared to the traditions of the church? [24:16]
3. What were the five solas emphasized by the Reformers, and why were they important? [13:43]
4. How did the Roman Catholic Church respond to the Reformation, particularly at the Council of Trent? [30:33]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "justification by faith alone" challenge the idea of earning righteousness through personal efforts? [04:26]
2. In what ways did the Reformers' emphasis on sola Scriptura influence the church's understanding of unity and authority? [12:05]
3. How does the Reformation's focus on the gospel's purity relate to the church's mission today? [19:00]
4. What are the implications of Hebrews 7:27 for understanding Christ's role as an all-sufficient Savior? [40:19]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your understanding of justification by faith. How does this doctrine affect your personal relationship with God? [04:26]
2. In what ways can you prioritize the authority of Scripture in your daily life and decision-making? [56:34]
3. How can you cultivate a taste for spiritual beauty over physical aesthetics in your worship and church experience? [51:37]
4. Consider the five solas. Which one resonates most with you, and how can you incorporate it into your spiritual practice? [13:43]
5. How can you engage in conversations about the gospel with those who may have different theological perspectives, such as Roman Catholics? [41:52]
6. Identify a specific area in your church or community where you can contribute to a modern-day reformation by upholding the gospel's truth. [55:50]
7. Think about a time when you felt spiritually revived. What role did the Word of God play in that experience, and how can you seek similar revival today? [22:03]

Devotional

Day 1: Rediscovering the True Gospel Message
The Reformation was a transformative period in church history, not just because it addressed corruption, but because it brought to light the true gospel message that had been overshadowed by tradition. Martin Luther's revelation of justification by faith alone, as found in Romans 1:17, was groundbreaking. It shifted the focus from human efforts to earn righteousness to the grace of God, who declares sinners righteous through faith in Christ. This was not merely a theological adjustment but a spiritual awakening that illuminated the darkness of the medieval church. The relevance of this message today lies in its ability to address the core of human identity and salvation, reminding us that our worth and redemption are found in God's grace alone. [04:26]

"For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe." (Romans 3:20-22, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you been relying on your own efforts to earn God's favor? How can you shift your focus to embrace the grace of God more fully today?


Day 2: Returning to Apostolic Faith
The Reformers, including figures like Luther and Calvin, were not creating something new but were returning to the apostolic faith as outlined in Scripture. They emphasized the five solas, which are foundational to a faithful biblical Christianity: sola Scriptura, sola fide, sola gratia, solus Christus, and soli Deo gloria. These principles were not only central to the Reformation but continue to be essential for the church today. By focusing on these solas, the Reformers sought to purify the worship of God and ensure that the true gospel was proclaimed in every generation. This call to return to the roots of apostolic faith challenges us to evaluate our own beliefs and practices in light of Scripture. [13:43]

"Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter." (2 Thessalonians 2:15, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate the principles of the five solas into your daily walk with God? What changes might this require in your understanding or practice of faith?


Day 3: Theological Differences and Unity
The Roman Catholic Church's response to the Reformation, particularly through the Council of Trent, highlighted the enduring theological differences between Protestantism and Catholicism, especially regarding authority and justification. These differences remain significant barriers to unity. While calls for unity are important, the Reformation teaches us that true unity is found in doctrinal continuity with the apostles, not merely in organizational structures. This challenges the church today to remain faithful to the gospel and to seek unity based on shared beliefs rather than superficial agreements. [30:33]

"Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?" (Amos 3:3, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take to promote unity within your church community while remaining faithful to the core doctrines of the faith?


Day 4: The Power of Scripture and Faith
The Reformation's emphasis on sola Scriptura and justification by faith alone continues to challenge the church to remain faithful to the gospel. It reminds us that the power for change lies not in human efforts but in the Word of God, which is the power of God for salvation. This calls for a commitment to expository preaching, valuing doctrinal continuity with the apostles, and cultivating a taste for spiritual beauty over physical aesthetics. By focusing on the authority of Scripture, we are encouraged to proclaim the gospel boldly and to trust in its transformative power. [37:12]

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you deepen your engagement with Scripture this week? What specific steps will you take to allow God's Word to shape your thoughts and actions?


Day 5: Living as People of the Solas
The ongoing relevance of the Reformation lies in its call to be people of the solas, committed to the authority of Scripture, the proclamation of the gospel, and the cultivation of spiritual beauty. Recognizing that the power for change lies in the Word of God, we are encouraged to live out these principles in our daily lives. This involves engaging in expository preaching, valuing doctrinal continuity with the apostles, and prioritizing spiritual beauty over physical aesthetics. By doing so, we honor the legacy of the Reformation and ensure that the true gospel continues to be proclaimed in every generation. [56:34]

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16, ESV)

Reflection: What practical steps can you take to live as a person of the solas today? How can you ensure that the principles of the Reformation are reflected in your daily life and interactions with others?

Quotes


And the Reformation really began when he started reading through Paul's letter to the Romans, and particularly chapter 1, where he saw that the gospel does not teach what he thought the gospel was. He saw in the gospel, Romans 1:17, "The grace of God is revealed from faith to faith, and so the righteous shall live by faith." [00:04:00]

And Luther said that that was a moment where he said, "I felt as if I had entered paradise itself through open gates. I felt as if I had been born again," because this revelation of a gracious, all-gracious God who counts sinners to be righteous, not because of how they've done, but because of how Jesus is and His all-sufficient salvation, that was a message that revolutionized his life, and that was the beginning of the Reformation. [00:05:10]

And so, the Reformation gives really the only answer, which is the gospel revealed in Jesus Christ, and that we are justified by faith. But here was the problem, the church was supposed to have that answer for the world, and they didn't. If someone was struggling with their sin and wanting to have peace with God, they wouldn't find it in the church. [00:06:46]

And Luther and the Reformers wanted to say, "No, Scripture must be supreme. The rock on which the church is built is not any man other than Jesus Christ and His words. And if we depart from His words, that's when we're being schismatic." He saw, for example, when Paul writes of what Christian unity looks like, "Unity," says Paul in Philippians 1:27, "is striving together with one mind, side by side for the faith of the gospel. Unity is found in united faithfulness to the gospel, not in an organizational unity." [00:12:30]

And so, it is the reforming message of the gospel that creates the new life that humbles sinners and makes them realize, "I must, if I would have life, turn to the source of life. I cannot find it in myself. I do not summon it up within myself. And therefore, I look out to God's Word, and there light shines into darkness." [00:23:00]

The Reformers believe that they were renovators, not innovators. They were seeking to recover the apostolic faith set out in Scripture that had been covered over by centuries of human tradition. And this was why sola Scriptura was so important for them. Because unlike the Roman Catholic Church, which held that Scripture and tradition were either equal authorities, or perhaps even that the word of the pope could trump what God’s Word said, the Reformers wanted to say, "No, it is God's Word that tells us God's will and God's ways." [00:23:50]

And the other way in which there is an incompatibility between these two messages is the essence of the message itself. So again, let's take the Roman Catholic Catechism, it teaches that justification includes our sanctification. It includes our progress into internal righteousness. So, by becoming more and more righteous in ourselves, we become righteous, more and more righteous in our status before God. [00:38:26]

And there's a word in Scripture that really captures this difference, and was really important for the Reformation in France. It comes up in Hebrews 7:27 talking about the high priest who makes an offering. And the Greek word is hapax, once for all. The Roman Catholic belief had been that priests need to make sacrifices daily to continually atone for sin. [00:40:14]

And therefore, what you saw at the Reformation, the most practical change to happen in churches, was the rise of expository preaching of Scripture. So most of the Reformers, we tend to think of them as theologians, and therefore not pastors or preachers. But in fact, you look at, say, John Calvin's ministry, or Martin Luther's ministry, and you see the bulk of their time is taken up with preaching because they wanted the Word of God to go out. [00:56:49]

And so, all through history, you see times of refreshment in the church have always been marked by that glorying in God, that enjoyment of Him, of saying, "He must increase; I must decrease." [00:58:36]

And then I think the other thing that we also miss sometimes with the Reformers is their emphasis on missions. There were missionaries trained in Geneva that made it to the shores of Brazil in the 1550s. And of course, from Geneva, students would come out of France, come to Geneva, be funded by the citizens of Geneva, study at Calvin's Academy, then be funded to go back into France and plant underground churches. [01:01:07]

And so, the power for the reformation of the church, the power to drive away the darkness and the unbelief and the evil in our world is not found in our abilities, but in the Word of God. The Word of God reformed the church, brought it refreshment 500 years ago, and it's lost none of its power. [01:04:25]

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