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How the Protestant Reformers are Still Changing the World

Category: Blog (Page 7 of 7)

Martin Luther on Relationships

September 29, 2020 /

How do you get along with your spouse, your kids, your relatives, your neighbors, your co-workers, etc in the midst of relational difficulties? Modern-day psychologists give lots of practical remedies, but I think most of us would confess these techniques rarely work. They just don’t get to the heart of the matter. And so, how do you get along with difficult people and heal broken relationships? Here is Martin Luther’s answer based on the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:1-5). Consider Luther’s thoughtful words as he applies Jesus’ teaching on the “speck” and the “log” to his own life…

“Therefore a Christian should follow a different practice. When he sees the mote in his brother’s eye, he should go look at himself in the mirror before passing judgment. He will then find beams in his eye big enough to make hog troughs. Consequently he will have to say: What is this anyway? My neighbor has done this once in a quarter, a half, a whole year; but I have become so old and have never yet kept the commandments of our Lord God, yea, I transgress them every hour and moment. How can I be such a desperate rascal? My sins are nothing but large oaks, thirty feet tall; and I allow the paltry motes, the specks of dust in my brother’s eye, to irritate me more than my large beams! But this should not be. I must first see how to get rid of my own sins. This will keep me so busy that I shall forget about the motes.”(Martin Luther, What Luther Says, Weimar Edition 52, p. 524)

Martin Luther, What Luther Says, Edwin M. Plass, ed. Weimar Edition 52, p. 524

In addition to the teaching of Jesus, the Bible also tells us, “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” (Proverbs 10:12) And, “Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends.” (Proverbs 17:9) Lastly, “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” (Proverbs 19:11) These verses address our tendency as human beings to “take up an offense” and become “easily offended.” How much better it would be if we could look to God to help us in “overlooking an offense” and truly forgiving others! Instead of holding onto these hurts and allowing them to keep burning, like the embers from a smoldering fire, we are instructed to “cover” all offenses with “love” and to forgive those who have hurt us. The Lord promises that he will help us to do what we ourselves cannot do in our own strength.

The Apostle Paul gives further instruction with this powerful rejoinder, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32) Therefore, the basis of covering offenses with “love” and extending genuine “forgiveness” in difficult relationships is found in the example of Jesus. And, the basis of all healing in broken relationships is found in the power of the Gospel that Jesus taught.

Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:21-22) This seems impossible to do! But that is the point! The disciples of Jesus are to look to Him by faith to help them in the midst of relational difficulties. As Christians, we must set aside our personal “offenses” and trust God to enable us to “cover” these smoldering hurts with “love”–the same kind of long-suffering “love” that Jesus has already shown to us. That is how we get along with difficult people and heal broken relationships.

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

One Man’s Impact on a City

September 14, 2020 /
A panorama of Geneva, Switzerland
Dr. Ronald S. Wallace

What was the overall impact of Calvin’s ministry; and did it bear good fruit? Calvin scholar and long-time pastor, Ronald S. Wallace, suggests a much wider achievement occurred for Calvin’s shepherding ministry than just within the walls of Geneva. Wallace asserts an influence with international scope that continues to this very day through the legacy of Calvin’s pastoral method and the prominence of his city. He perceptively writes, 

Calvin’s influence in the sixteenth century however was due not only to his writing, counsel and teaching but also to what Geneva itself became under his influence. The perplexed pastor of today finds much of what is written by experts, and given as advice even at heart-warming church conferences, does not really fit into his own actual situation in the parish ministry. Calvin, however, instead of writing a “Utopia”, actually produced it in Geneva. He translated his ideas into ecclesiastical and even political institutions. He influenced the kind of individual people could meet as they went about the city. Geneva itself therefore became a fact of great importance. It attracted people. They sent their children so that they could come under the influence of the place. They came to believe it was possible for them to have something like it where they themselves lived and worked. 

Ronald Wallace, Calvin, Geneva, and the Reformation, 43. 

In this way we see the ongoing influence of Calvin as pastor and shepherd to the church of Jesus Christ. He demonstrated this legacy in three ways: first, by a city that was transformed by the gospel and that served as a beacon of righteousness for many centuries; second, by a church which established patterns for ministry that are still being imitated by churches today; and third, by a worldwide institution that became known in time as the Reformed church. Indeed, John Calvin was a faithful and successful pastor.

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

Was the Protestant Reformation Merely a Revolution?

September 4, 2020 /
J. H. Merle D’Aubigne (1794-1872)

Dr. J. H. Merle D’Aubigne, distinguished Professor at the Evangelical Theological School, Geneva, Switzerland answers this important question in the following manner:
“The Reformation is eminently distinguished from all the revolutions of antiquity, and from most of those of modern times. Political changes—the consolidation or the overthrow of the power of the one or of the many—were the object of the latter. The love of truth, of holiness, or immortality, was the simple yet mighty spring which set in motion that which I have to describe. It indicates a forward movement in human nature. In truth, man advances—he improves, whenever he aims at higher objects, and seeks for immaterial and imperishable blessings, instead of pursuing material, temporal, and earthly advantages. The Reformation is one of the brightest days of this glorious progress. It is a guarantee that the new struggle, which is receiving its accomplishment under our own eyes, will terminate on the side of truth, in a purer, more spiritual, and still nobler triumph.” (Merle D’Aubigne, History of the Reformation in the 16th Century, Preface, xviii)

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

The Ongoing Impact of the Protestant Reformation

August 31, 2020 /

What difference did the Protestant Reformation (1517-1650) make upon the religious practices of the world? Consider this thoughtful statement by Dr. Andrew Atherstone, Tutor in History and Doctrine, Wycliffe Hall, Oxford:

The sixteenth-century reformation was one of he most dramatic and significant series of events in the history of Christianity. It sent shock waves through the western world and changed the face of Europe forever. Its impact upon the church has sometimes been likened to a second Day of Pentecost, a crucial turning point and a moment of crisis. To some, this cataclysmic rupture in the fabric of catholic Christendom was interpreted as the labour pains of Christianity reborn. As one historian has put it, “No other movement or religious protest or reform since antiquity has been so widespread or lasting in its effects, so deep and searching in its criticism of received wisdom, so destructive in what it abolished or so fertile in what it created.”

Andrew Atherstone, The Reformation: Faith and Flames, 6

Atherstone’s quote tells us that the events of the Protestant Reformation were second only to the impact that the Day of Pentecost had upon the world. What specifically happened in the Reformation? By God’s grace, the Reformers clearly rediscovered the true Gospel and set about stripping away the “traditions of men” that clung like crusty barnacles to the hull of the true Church. In addition, new branches of Christendom were energized and established and the Gospel spread all over the world. Numerous Christian books and pamphlets were produced and widely distributed around the globe. Strenuous and sacrificial missionary endeavors took place so that people who lived in spiritual darkness were brought into the light. And finally, through the preaching and teaching of ministers, missionaries, and every day Christians the Gospel continued in its path of spiritual transformation and renewal.

Jesus instructed his disciples to “Go therefore and make disciples…baptizing them…[and] teaching them” (Matthew 28:18-20). That commission was pushed forward with new energy and zeal by the Reformers so that the Gospel spread into every dark corner of the world. Thus, we have much to be thankful for when we consider the work of the Protestant Reformers. The Reformation proved to be a decisive turning point in the history of the world and evangelical Christians everywhere should thank God for this great outpouring of revival.

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

My Two Favorite Quotes about the Reformation:

August 29, 2020 /

My interest in the Protestant Reformation is longstanding: I see it as significant time when the “traditions of men” were stripped away, the Bible was rediscovered and translated into the lingua franca, and the Gospel was widely preached throughout Europe. Many individuals came to faith in Jesus Christ, and indeed many nations were profoundly affected. These two quotations sum-up much of what I have come to believe about the importance of the Reformation. Both are pointed and powerful. Enjoy!

Dr. Roland Bainton, Professor of Ecclesiastical History, Yale University: “The Reformation was above all else a revival of religion. So much is this the case that some have looked upon it as the last great flowering of the piety of the Middle Ages.” (Roland Bainton, The Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, 3)

Dr. Timothy George, Dean of Beeson Divinity School, Samford University: “The abiding validity of Reformation theology is that, despite the many varied emphases it contains within itself, it challenges the church to listen reverently and obediently to what God has once and for all said (Deus dixit) and once and for all done in Jesus Christ. How the church will respond to this challenge is not a matter of academic speculation or ecclesiastical gamesmanship. It is a question of life or death. It is the decision of whether the church will serve the true and living God of Jesus Christ, the God of the Old and the New Testaments, or else succumb to the worship of Baal.” (Timothy George, Theology of the Reformers, 310)

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

Theology Study Group

August 27, 2020 /
Clockwise: Rick, David, Boyd, Albert, and Marcus

Each Thursday morning I have the joy of teaching four men from our church: Albert, Rick, David, and Boyd. We call ourselves the Theology Study Group or “TSG.” Currently we are investigating the Attributes of God–and this is a BIG subject to be sure! Besides rooting everything in the Bible I am trying to help each man apply these truths as they go about shepherding others. Jesus commissioned his followers to “make disciples,” and that is what we are seeking to do. Here are some of our study materials–all very fine books!

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

We all have Presuppositions:

August 26, 2020 /
Dr. Francis Schaeffer

“People have presuppositions, and they will live more consistently on the basis of these presuppositions than even they themselves may realize. By presuppositions we mean the basic way an individual looks at life, his basic world view, the grid through which he sees the world. Presuppositions rest upon that which a person considers to be the truth of what exists. People’s presuppositions lay a grid for all they bring forth into the external world. Their presuppositions also provide the basis for their values and therefore the basis for the decisions…most people catch their presuppositions from their family and surrounding society the way a child catches measles. But people with more understanding realize that their presuppositions should be chosen after a careful consideration of what world view is true. When all is done, when all the alternatives have been explored, ‘not many men are in the room’—that is, although world views have many variations, there are not many basic world views or basic presuppositions.” (Schaeffer, How Should We Then Live?, 20)

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

A Review: Authentic Christianity

August 25, 2020 /
Authentic Christianity: An Exposition of the Theology and Ethics of the Westminster Larger Catechism, 2nd Edition, in 8 Volumes written by Dr. Joseph C. Morecraft III
Dr. Joseph Morecraft, III

There are some notable theological works that have clearly stood the test of time. You know the authors—Anselm, Augustine, Bavinck, Berkhof, Calvin, Dabney, Hodge, Luther, Machen, Murray, Rushdoony, Turretin, Van Til, and Warfield. The books that these insightful men have written are widely read, constantly reprinted, and lovingly treasured. With the publication of this second edition (2019) of Authentic Christianity: An Exposition of the Theology and Ethics of the Westminster Larger Catechism, I believe that Dr. Morecraft’s work is well on its way to becoming a classic of the same stature.

My initial copy of Authentic Christianity (1st edition, 2009) is well-worn, and I welcome the prospect of utilizing this new set for future reflection and serious study of the Westminster Larger Catechism. Keep in mind that these comprehensive volumes represent a lifetime of work by Dr. Morecraft. They show his love for the Bible and for the accurate summary of Christian doctrine that is contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism. Here are a few samples from the pages of Authentic Christianity regarding the Lord’s Prayer:

“The First Petition of the Lord’s Prayer as a Prayer for the Conversion of the Whole World: When we pray “hallowed be Thy Name,” we are not praying only for our own personal and individual situation, we are praying for the hallowing of God’s name generally and globally and universally, “that he would prevent and remove atheism, ignorance, idolatry, profaneness, and whatsoever is dishonorable to him.” Throughout the history of the church, men of God have recognized this inescapable implication of the first petition of the Lord’s Prayer. If we are to pray that God would “enable and incline us and others to know, to acknowledge, and highly to esteem,” and glorify God, then we are, by implication, praying that God “would prevent and remove atheism” (WLC 190).”

Morecraft, Authentic Christianity, Vol. 7, 3579

And, here are Dr. Morecraft’s remarks on the 5th Petition of the Lord’s Prayer (And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors):

“We and others are debtors to the Justice of God: Because of our guiltiness before God for disregarding the transgressing His Law, all human beings are “debtors to the justice of God.” God’s justice demands that all sin be punished: “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). Why? God’s justice is “that perfection of God by which He maintains Himself over against every violation of His holiness, and shows in every respect that He is the Holy One…Divine justice is originally and necessarily obliged to punish evil…Luke 17:10; 1 Cor. 4:7; Job 41:11” (Berkhof, Systematic Theology, 74-75). Sin is a real “debt.” It is an offense and insult to the holiness of God. It is a violation of His holy Law, making us deserving of everlasting punishment. We owe God the “debt” of complete obedience to God’s Law, which God demands of all intelligent creatures. We failed in our obedience to Him; therefore, God’s Law denounces us and threatens us with punishment. Thus, we owe God the “debt” of eternal punishment. Therefore, we should pray the Fifth Petition of the Lord’s Prayer continually, because, as we shall see, we cannot pay the debt we owe God. If it is not fully paid, we will perish eternally in our sins, because “the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness of men” (Rom. 1:18). Without forgiveness of sins by God, each day of our lives we are “storing up wrath [for ourselves] in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to every man according to his deeds” (Rom. 2:5-6).”

Morecraft, Authentic Christianity, Vol. 7, 3666-3667

Both citations, I trust, will give the reader a distinct impression of the depth of theological analysis and practical application that flows out of every volume. Dr. Morecraft not only loves the doctrines found in the Bible, but he also loves the people of God that he serves in pastoral ministry. His entire project of expounding the Westminster Larger Catechism is built upon the premise that God wants His people to become mature and stable disciples of Jesus Christ (cf. Col. 1:28-29; Heb. 5:12-14). Hence, there is no better way to accomplish this goal than to steep them in the riches found in the Bible. Since the Westminster Confession of Faith and its Catechisms accurately summarize the teachings of the Bible, that, of course, makes them an extremely valuable resource for all believers to study.

Last of all, it is important to note that Dr. Morecraft cites many great theologians throughout his exposition. You will find beneficial quotes from Augustine, Louis Berkhof, John Calvin, Charles Hodge, Martin Luther, William G. T. Shedd, Cornelius Van Til, and Benjamin B. Warfield, plus many others. This fact adds to the richness of these eight volumes. Where can you get these books? Here is the complete reference info:

Morecraft III, Joseph C. Authentic Christianity: An Exposition of the Theology and Ethics of the Westminster Larger Catechism. 8 Volumes. Second Edition. Centreville, AL: Four Falls Press, 2019. 

And a link to a website where copies of Authentic Christianity can be found:

Authentic Christianity

I pray that an entirely new generation of thoughtful pastors, students, and readers will benefit from Dr. Morecraft’s fine exposition of the Westminster Larger Catechism. Soli Deo Gloria!  

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven 

Talking theology and the current state of the church with Dr. Joe (January, 2024)

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