On October 31st, Christians around the world will celebrate the 506th anniversary of the protestant Reformation. The historical and theological significance of the Reformation cannot be overstated. Roused to action by the corruption that they saw in the Catholic church, men like Martin Luther, John Calvin, Ulrich Zwingli, and others spearheaded a gospel-based movement that overthrew the ironclad grip of Catholicism over Europe. Through their influence, the core truths of the gospel were “rediscovered,” the Bible was put back into the hands of the common person, and spiritual darkness was overcome with light of God’s Word.

In reflecting on the events, personalities, and impact of the Reformation, a couple of thoughts came to mind…

The Solas are Just as Essential Today as They Were During the Reformation Era

The core doctrines of the Reformation can be summarized in the five “solas” (a Latin term that means “alone”). The Reformers defended the Biblical truth that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone. They rightly affirmed that the Scriptures alone are the only authoritative foundation for faith and practice.

In a day when theological substance has been replaced by political, social, and tertiary causes, we desperately need to recover a robust understanding of how the “solas” shape who we are and what we value as God’s chosen people. I would highly recommend Michael Horton’s thought-provoking essay on how each “sola” should impact the practices of the church today.

God Advances His Kingdom through Flawed People

The Reformation is a striking historical example of the reality of 2 Corinthians 4:7 – “But we have this treasure [the gospel] in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” Although there is much to commend about the lives of the Reformers, many had massive flaws that cannot be sugarcoated. Under the leadership of Calvin in Geneva, Michael Servetus was burned at the stake for holding heretical beliefs. Luther was not exactly sympathetic towards Jews. Zwingli and Luther severely persecuted the Anabaptists. Through their influence, many of these dear brothers and sisters in Christ were executed, drowned, or died in prison simply for holding a Biblical view of baptism.

How do we process such heinous acts committed by seeming heroes of the faith?

First, we must recognize that even the best of men are nonetheless men. We should not disregard the good things that they did because of their imperfections. They were finite people with sinful passions and limitations just like us. It’s also important to bear in mind that the Reformers were heavily influenced by their culture and historical context. Although these men made great strides in breaking from the errors and abuses of the Catholic Church, some of their practices and beliefs (especially regarding the relationship between church and government) were nevertheless influenced by the Catholicism and culture of their day.

Second, we must remember that there is a real danger in placing any leader on too lofty a pedestal. We all are subtly tempted to take the teachings of our favorite Bible preacher and make them the ultimate index of truth. Idolizing individuals, regardless of how godly they might be, is a grave mistake. My mom frequently remarked that the flaws of great people are recorded for us in the Scriptures and history so that our faith would not rest in people but in the power of God’s truth (I Cor.2:5).

Standing for Truth is a Risky Business

Every one of the Reformers risked their lives standing for the truth. Like the apostle Paul, these men did not count their lives “dear unto themselves,” but were consumed with a holy ambition to “testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). Luther spent most of his post-conversion life under the constant pressure of life-threatening punishment from the Catholic church. Calvin had to flee France because of persecution and was exiled from his beloved Geneva for three years because of his theological beliefs. Many who embraced the Biblical teachings that sprung from the Reformation were forced to leave their houses and lands for the sake of the gospel. Of course, they could have catered to the pressures they faced from the Catholic church, but they recognized that truth is greater than comfort.

As I think on their courage in the midst of the prospects of intense persecution, I wonder how many of us are genuinely willing and ready to make bold, costly sacrifices like the Reformers did for the sake of Christ and His gospel?

Conclusion

Although the movement was not without its flaws, I’m thankful for the Reformation and the truths that were “rediscovered” by the Reformers. May the Lord continue to reform His church as we embrace and live out the implications of the “solas” in our present time.