Matthew 16v13-20
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then He strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that He was the Christ. (ESV)
Important information regarding the Reformation:
- Early Reformers
a) John Wycliffe was first to translate the Bible known as the Morning Star of the Reformation.
b) William Tyndale continued translating the Bible in English.
c) John Hus who for preaching the Gospel was executed by fire. This brother died singing: “Christ, Thou Son of the living God, have mercy upon me!” - Magisterial Reformers
They were supported by magistrates or ruling authorities.
a) Martin Luther – most consider him responsible for the reformation. His convictions regarding justification through faith alone made a lasting impact on his students. His opposition to indulgences and the posting of his 95 theses would make him the scourge of the [Roman Catholic] church. He was not a revolutionary, but a reformer like us who do not wreck things as revolutionaries do.
b) John Calvin – his theology is often referred to as Calvinism. His scholarship was hugely influential on Christianity. He is the kind of brothers we need around today.
c) Ulrich Zwingli – he began his ministry in Zurich and preached systematically through the New Testament with the exception of Revelation and the Psalms. He sought reformation in his teachings. - The Five Solas
Man’s salvation is:
a) Sola Fide – by faith alone.
b) Sola Gratia – by grace alone.
c) Solus Christus – in Christ alone.
d) Sola Scriptura – according to the Holy Scriptures alone.
e) Soli Deo Gloria – to the glory of God alone – not priests, Popes or anyone else. - Vital Questions
a) Who are we?
b) How did we get here?
c) What is wrong with us?
d) How can it be fixed?
God requires us to be perfect, which we cannot accomplish.
Reformed theology is a return to Scripture. It is Biblical theology and encompasses everything we need to know – a proper understanding of all of life and begins with an affirmation of the five battle cries of the Reformation – the Five Solas!