Our debt to the Reformers
Saturday, April 26th, 2008All of the major Reformers contributed something essential to our understanding of the Gospel. We are indebted to Martin Luther for his teachings on salvation, Hulrich Zwingli on the Lord’s supper, Menno Simons on baptism and John Calvin on God’s sovereignty.
It needs to be pointed out that the Reformers in no way actually changed the Gospel. They highlighted (brought to light) truths that were not only inextricable from the Gospel itself but also self-evident if one is to return to Scripture, apostolic teachings and the Church fathers - which are all in agreement with themselves and each other.
For a clearer view of the Gospel and Christ’s work for us, we need go no further than the writings of the Reformers and the Puritans who closely followed them. What a glorious body of literature they have left us! And what a magnification of the splendour of Christ they provide!
For those floundering because they lack the doctrines of grace, I recommend you take serious note of them as soon as possible. Don’t let the teachings of Jacobus Arminius and his followers (of which today there are many, despite themselves not knowing it) rob you of the full richess of the Gospel.
Sola Scriptura! Soli Deo Gloria! Solo Christo! Sola Gratia! Sola Fide!
