I was recently involved in a friendly discussion with a fellow Christian minister. I was talking about the doctrines that sparked the Protestant Reformation, when out of nowhere, it seemed, my minister friend said, “The Holy Spirit is not stuck in the 16th Century. He has moved on. Why don’t you?”

I was a little taken aback to hear this, especially from a minister, but I then realized that he is perhaps speaking for many when he wonders why people like myself are enamored with the Reformation almost five centuries on. Many wonder about the relevance of the Reformation, and see no obvious relationship between that time and our own.

So, is it the case that I am seeking to go back in time and live in the 16th Century? Was that an era that simply thrills my soul?

Hardly! I can assure you that I have no desire to re-establish the dress, fashion, music or mindset of the 16th century. Those days are long gone and I am actually very thankful for that. However, there is a big difference between the time of the Reformation and the central truths of the Bible which the Protestant Reformation brought back to the Church. Here I would have to admit that I strongly desire that the Church comes back to these Bible truths. In this, I hold up my hands, and admit that I am guilty as charged. Modern day believers are largely ignorant of the issues and in this regard, I earnestly pray that the Holy Spirit will bring a new reformation back to the forefront of the Church in our day. Continue reading →

I very much recommend this recently recorded 1 hour podcast where my friend, Dr. James White is interviewed on the vital subject of Sola Gratia (Grace Alone), one of the five main slogans of the Protestant Reformation, explaining what it is both historically and biblically. There is also some interesting discussion concerning some of the modern day counterfeits to the biblical teaching on God’s grace. The interview with Dr. White can be heard here.