Why Does the Reformation Matter?

We live in a time of unparalleled access. To each other, to different viewpoints, to anything, really. After Christ, we also live in a time of unparalleled access to God, as a result of that one perfect sacrifice, sealed and delivered as a result of his glorious resurrection.

The Reformation is often seen as a historical anomaly - some academics and Germans making a bit of a fuss about minor theological issues things on the eve of the explosion of western 'Christian' society in colonising, war and science.

The reality, though, is different.

The reality is that the Reformation is all about access.

Access to truth.

Access to God.

Access to the Bible.

Access to Grace.

Access to the Church.

The Reformation was highly exclusive in its conclusions. And it was exclusive by being as inclusive as the Gospel allows.

In the Reformation, the whispers of grace in the Lords supper were turned into shouts of welcome. Once for all, the Gospel cries, in the face of a power-driven, power-hungry church.

In the Reformation, the wild lion of the Bible is unleashed in the popular languages of the day – not caged in towers of knowledge. Welcome, come and learn, come and think, come and question, the Reformation cried.

In the Reformation, the traditional understanding of a religious figure we call a Priest, sat or stood at an altar, was  hugely challenged by the radical idea of a priesthood of all believers, following the way of that great high priest whose name is love.

The Reformation is all about access. The Reformation is all about Grace. The Reformation is all about Jesus.

 Jesus, the great high Priest. Jesus, the one who stands over and above time, intervening and inviting regardless of our religion. Jesus, the Word of God, of and about whom the written word, the Bible, so freely and comprehensively speaks. Jesus, the one whose body is the church, not buildings or organisations, but rather the gathering into the loving arms of the Father a group of people called by the Holy Spirit.

What do you make of the Reformation? Dusty history or powerful movement of the Holy Spirit? Or something else entirely? Whatever you do this Reformation day, please consider the access you have to God and the freedom you have to worship. Don't wonder what might have been - ask questions about what God has done, is doing, and continues to do.

For more on the Reformation, you could check out the books recommended below (And some in our listicle!), and two short videos made by Tim Chester on our YouTube Channel.

Is the Reformation Still Relevant?

How has the Reformation changed relationships between churches?