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The Reformation was movement that involved theological issues, but also political, cultural, and ecclesiology issues, in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It was a reaction to errors in the RCC and the Holy Roman Empire. The administration of the church grew increasingly into a hierarchy, putting power into the hands of a few, and finally into one; the pope. Authority moved away from authority of scripture and gave that authority instead to the church, via the pope. It was through belonging to the RCC, and being faithful to its traditions, that one was saved. The life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus saved no one. It only made it possible, that is, extended enough grace for all to be capable of attaining to salvation through their own works. It was the church who determined and established the way in which this was done. Confessing sins to a priest and receiving absolution from him, plus pope ordained pennance became the way of forgiveness. Prayers could be said for the dead, indulgences and pilgrimages could buy them out of a supposed purgatory and into heaven. The system was rife with corruption and greed, and theological heresy. It was a theological disease that needed a theological cure, and this is what the reformers did. The cure is summed up in the five solas. Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), sola gratia (grace alone), sola fide (faith alone), solus Christus (Christ alone), soli Deo gloria To God alone be the glory.
What had been lost was apostolic Christianity as we see in the epistles. The primacy of preaching had been displaced by the domination of the Mass and ritual and ceremonies. It was not the truth that the people heard but ecclesiastical traditions and papal decrees. With the reformation came the reestablishment of biblical preaching, with the Bible itself being the very center from which this preaching flowed.
Study of the Reformation often focuses on Luther and Calvin, and they indeed were crucial in setting it in motion, and being the wind beneath its wings. What is often not recognized is the men who took to the pulpit, restoring the sermon (something that had been lost since the fifth century), and the impact they had in spreading this refining fire, far and wide. And why, it was so effective. And the reason for it effectiveness can be found, I believe, in their style and method of preaching. It deserves a closer look.
First of all they considered that everything that could not place its foundation in the Word of God was futile. And when they stepped to the pulpit they always had a specific text in front of them and their language scarcely moved away from Biblical terminology. They used words such as elect, redeem, justify, repentance, sin, even grace, prayer, judgment. And they did not use these words casually, but always with their meaning attached and explained.
The predominant method of Reformation preaching was sequential. In other words, it went systematically through entire books. They had a tota as well as the solas. Tota Scriptura (all of Scripture). This gave scripture its power in consistence and accuracy. Scripture interpreting scripture. Each message built upon the sermons preceding it. As this unfolding and unpacking of each text went forward the congregation was exposed to its saving as well as sanctifying power.
They believed that the biblical authors wrote according to normal historical exegesis, that is, they wrote with a specific intention to convey one main truth in each sentence they wrote. That it was the job of the preacher to find and unfold this truth as the basis for his sermon.
There preaching was fearless. They believed Christ was the head of the church. They bravely opposed the established papal supremacy, governmental authorities, ecclesiastical councils, and centuries of lifeless traditions. They did not seek popularity by withholding any part of the truth from the congregation. They confronted the errors of the day, not toning it down out of fear of reprisals. And unlike today, reprisals in those days was often a cruel and barbaric death.
They were passionate preachers. They realized that neither doctrinal correctness or assent to the truth was enough for effective gospel influence. That it took the power of the Holy Spirit to accompany truth in both preacher and the listener. Knowing this, they did not stoically read from a manuscript in monotone, but rather stood with open Bible in hand and delivered with a passion what flowed from deep conviction. They believed they were feeding the bread of life to starving beggars. It was the force of their firm belief in the truth of God's word that had such a compelling influence over the listeners. And their preaching was understandable. Though some were brilliant scholars, they chose to speak in simple, understandable language. They treated the message of scripture as a personal matter, rather than philosophical musings that could not be understood,
In all this, their preaching was pastoral. They exhorted their hearers in a loving way by connecting truth to everyday circumstances. Their intent was to encourage their listeners to follow the teachings of Scripture. They used personal pronouns, including themselves in the application to obedience.
The Reformers believed biblical teaching demanded a defense of the faith. The truth must be guarded from the encroachment of false teaching. They felt that they must have two voices, One for gathering the sheep, another for warding off the wolves. Whenever truth was attacked they ran to the defense of the gospel, and they did it with the gospel and systematic exposition of scripture. And they did it fearlessly. In their hands the Word of God was wielded as the the double edged sword, that tore down, and built up, that struck dead, and made alive.
Their preaching was evangelistic, even though they believed in the doctrine of predestination. They knew it was their job to preach the message of the cross and leave the results to God.
And through and in all this, their highest goal was to leave the listener with a deep sense of the soli Deo gloria.
May all these things be not forgotten, or cast aside, but rather emulated, and blessed.
What had been lost was apostolic Christianity as we see in the epistles. The primacy of preaching had been displaced by the domination of the Mass and ritual and ceremonies. It was not the truth that the people heard but ecclesiastical traditions and papal decrees. With the reformation came the reestablishment of biblical preaching, with the Bible itself being the very center from which this preaching flowed.
Study of the Reformation often focuses on Luther and Calvin, and they indeed were crucial in setting it in motion, and being the wind beneath its wings. What is often not recognized is the men who took to the pulpit, restoring the sermon (something that had been lost since the fifth century), and the impact they had in spreading this refining fire, far and wide. And why, it was so effective. And the reason for it effectiveness can be found, I believe, in their style and method of preaching. It deserves a closer look.
First of all they considered that everything that could not place its foundation in the Word of God was futile. And when they stepped to the pulpit they always had a specific text in front of them and their language scarcely moved away from Biblical terminology. They used words such as elect, redeem, justify, repentance, sin, even grace, prayer, judgment. And they did not use these words casually, but always with their meaning attached and explained.
The predominant method of Reformation preaching was sequential. In other words, it went systematically through entire books. They had a tota as well as the solas. Tota Scriptura (all of Scripture). This gave scripture its power in consistence and accuracy. Scripture interpreting scripture. Each message built upon the sermons preceding it. As this unfolding and unpacking of each text went forward the congregation was exposed to its saving as well as sanctifying power.
They believed that the biblical authors wrote according to normal historical exegesis, that is, they wrote with a specific intention to convey one main truth in each sentence they wrote. That it was the job of the preacher to find and unfold this truth as the basis for his sermon.
There preaching was fearless. They believed Christ was the head of the church. They bravely opposed the established papal supremacy, governmental authorities, ecclesiastical councils, and centuries of lifeless traditions. They did not seek popularity by withholding any part of the truth from the congregation. They confronted the errors of the day, not toning it down out of fear of reprisals. And unlike today, reprisals in those days was often a cruel and barbaric death.
They were passionate preachers. They realized that neither doctrinal correctness or assent to the truth was enough for effective gospel influence. That it took the power of the Holy Spirit to accompany truth in both preacher and the listener. Knowing this, they did not stoically read from a manuscript in monotone, but rather stood with open Bible in hand and delivered with a passion what flowed from deep conviction. They believed they were feeding the bread of life to starving beggars. It was the force of their firm belief in the truth of God's word that had such a compelling influence over the listeners. And their preaching was understandable. Though some were brilliant scholars, they chose to speak in simple, understandable language. They treated the message of scripture as a personal matter, rather than philosophical musings that could not be understood,
In all this, their preaching was pastoral. They exhorted their hearers in a loving way by connecting truth to everyday circumstances. Their intent was to encourage their listeners to follow the teachings of Scripture. They used personal pronouns, including themselves in the application to obedience.
The Reformers believed biblical teaching demanded a defense of the faith. The truth must be guarded from the encroachment of false teaching. They felt that they must have two voices, One for gathering the sheep, another for warding off the wolves. Whenever truth was attacked they ran to the defense of the gospel, and they did it with the gospel and systematic exposition of scripture. And they did it fearlessly. In their hands the Word of God was wielded as the the double edged sword, that tore down, and built up, that struck dead, and made alive.
Their preaching was evangelistic, even though they believed in the doctrine of predestination. They knew it was their job to preach the message of the cross and leave the results to God.
And through and in all this, their highest goal was to leave the listener with a deep sense of the soli Deo gloria.
May all these things be not forgotten, or cast aside, but rather emulated, and blessed.