Meet the Reformers Who Changed the World

Calvin wrote and wrote and wrote more Calvin wrote and wrote and wrote more than most people will ever read in their than most people will ever read in their than most people will ever read in their lifetimes. His collection of lifetimes. His collection of lifetimes. His collection of commentaries include the Old Testament commentaries include the Old Testament commentaries include the Old Testament minus the historical books and some of minus the historical books and some of minus the historical books and some of the wisdom literature, the entire New the wisdom literature, the entire New the wisdom literature, the entire New Testament minus Second and Third John Testament minus Second and Third John Testament minus Second and Third John and Revelation, which Calvin admitted he and Revelation, which Calvin admitted he and Revelation, which Calvin admitted he didn't really understand. And so years didn't really understand. And so years didn't really understand. And so years ago when I set out to preach a long ago when I set out to preach a long ago when I set out to preach a long series on revelation and I was telling series on revelation and I was telling series on revelation and I was telling my parents about it, my dear mother my parents about it, my dear mother my parents about it, my dear mother said,"I said,"I said,"I don't think even Calvin understood don't think even Calvin understood don't think even Calvin understood Revelation Revelation Revelation like what are you doing?" like what are you doing?" like what are you doing?" He wrote tracks and pamphlets and He wrote tracks and pamphlets and He wrote tracks and pamphlets and liturgies and catechisms. Many of you liturgies and catechisms. Many of you liturgies and catechisms. Many of you will be familiar with the first question will be familiar with the first question will be familiar with the first question and answer of the Westminster Shorter and answer of the Westminster Shorter and answer of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. But before Westminster, there Catechism. But before Westminster, there Catechism. But before Westminster, there was Calvin's Geneva Catechism. See if was Calvin's Geneva Catechism. See if was Calvin's Geneva Catechism. See if this sounds familiar. generations before this sounds familiar. generations before this sounds familiar. generations before Westminster. Here's the question. What Westminster. Here's the question. What Westminster. Here's the question. What is the chief end of human life? To know is the chief end of human life? To know is the chief end of human life? To know God by whom men were created. What God by whom men were created. What God by whom men were created. What reason have you for saying so? Because reason have you for saying so? Because reason have you for saying so? Because he created us and placed us in the world he created us and placed us in the world he created us and placed us in the world to be glorified in us. And it is indeed to be glorified in us. And it is indeed to be glorified in us. And it is indeed right that our life of which himself is right that our life of which himself is right that our life of which himself is the beginning should be devoted to his the beginning should be devoted to his the beginning should be devoted to his glory. What is the highest good of man?

glory. What is the highest good of man? glory. What is the highest good of man? The very same thing. The very same thing. The very same thing. Without a doubt, his most famous work is Without a doubt, his most famous work is Without a doubt, his most famous work is the Institutes of the Christian the Institutes of the Christian the Institutes of the Christian Religion, which had swelled by 1559 in Religion, which had swelled by 1559 in Religion, which had swelled by 1559 in its final edition to now 80 chapters in its final edition to now 80 chapters in its final edition to now 80 chapters in four different books. And it is not all four different books. And it is not all four different books. And it is not all about or even largely about about or even largely about about or even largely about predestination. Tulip did not come from predestination. Tulip did not come from predestination. Tulip did not come from Calvin. It is as best as we can figure Calvin. It is as best as we can figure Calvin. It is as best as we can figure maybe 100 or so years old. That acronym maybe 100 or so years old. That acronym maybe 100 or so years old. That acronym the five points of course come from the the five points of course come from the the five points of course come from the the Senate of Dors in the 17th century. the Senate of Dors in the 17th century. the Senate of Dors in the 17th century. There is so much more to Calvin than There is so much more to Calvin than There is so much more to Calvin than Tulip. Just listen to a couple of these Tulip. Just listen to a couple of these Tulip. Just listen to a couple of these quotations. Here's Calvin on the life of quotations. Here's Calvin on the life of quotations. Here's Calvin on the life of the Christian. the Christian. the Christian. Being a Christian is not a doctrine of Being a Christian is not a doctrine of Being a Christian is not a doctrine of the tongue, but of life. It is not the tongue, but of life. It is not the tongue, but of life. It is not apprehended by the understanding and apprehended by the understanding and apprehended by the understanding and memory alone as other disciplines are, memory alone as other disciplines are, memory alone as other disciplines are, but it is received only when it but it is received only when it but it is received only when it possesses the whole soul and finds a possesses the whole soul and finds a possesses the whole soul and finds a seat and resting place in the inmost seat and resting place in the inmost seat and resting place in the inmost affections of the heart. affections of the heart. affections of the heart. Or here's Calvin on the sum of the Or here's Calvin on the sum of the Or here's Calvin on the sum of the Christian life as denial of ourselves. Christian life as denial of ourselves. Christian life as denial of ourselves. He said, 'We are not our own. Let not He said, 'We are not our own. Let not He said, 'We are not our own. Let not our reason nor our will sway our plans our reason nor our will sway our plans our reason nor our will sway our plans and deeds. We are not our own. Let us and deeds. We are not our own. Let us and deeds. We are not our own. Let us therefore not set it as our goal to seek therefore not set it as our goal to seek therefore not set it as our goal to seek what is expedient according to the what is expedient according to the what is expedient according to the flesh. We are not our own. In so far as flesh. We are not our own. In so far as flesh. We are not our own. In so far as we can, let us therefore forget we can, let us therefore forget we can, let us therefore forget ourselves and all that is ours.

ourselves and all that is ours. ourselves and all that is ours. Conversely, we are gods. That's Conversely, we are gods. That's Conversely, we are gods. That's apostrophe s. We are gods. Let us apostrophe s. We are gods. Let us apostrophe s. We are gods. Let us therefore live for him and die for him. therefore live for him and die for him. therefore live for him and die for him. We are gods. Let his wisdom and will We are gods. Let his wisdom and will We are gods. Let his wisdom and will therefore rule our actions. We are gods. therefore rule our actions. We are gods. therefore rule our actions. We are gods. Let all the parts of our life Let all the parts of our life Let all the parts of our life accordingly. Strive toward him is our accordingly. Strive toward him is our accordingly. Strive toward him is our only lawful goal. only lawful goal. only lawful goal. The man could think and he could write The man could think and he could write The man could think and he could write and he could feel. Here's what he says and he could feel. Here's what he says and he could feel. Here's what he says on the centrality of Christ. on the centrality of Christ. on the centrality of Christ. If we seek salvation, we are taught by If we seek salvation, we are taught by If we seek salvation, we are taught by the very name of Jesus that it is of the very name of Jesus that it is of the very name of Jesus that it is of him. If we seek any other gifts of the him. If we seek any other gifts of the him. If we seek any other gifts of the spirit, they will be found in his spirit, they will be found in his spirit, they will be found in his anointing. If we seek strength, it lies anointing. If we seek strength, it lies anointing. If we seek strength, it lies in his dominion. If purity, then in his in his dominion. If purity, then in his in his dominion. If purity, then in his conception. If gentleness, it appears in conception. If gentleness, it appears in conception. If gentleness, it appears in his birth. If we seek redemption, it his birth. If we seek redemption, it his birth. If we seek redemption, it lies in his passion. If a quiddle, then lies in his passion. If a quiddle, then lies in his passion. If a quiddle, then in his condemnation. If remission of the in his condemnation. If remission of the in his condemnation. If remission of the curse, in his cross. If satisfaction, in curse, in his cross. If satisfaction, in curse, in his cross. If satisfaction, in his sacrifice. If purification in his his sacrifice. If purification in his his sacrifice. If purification in his blood. If reconciliation, then in his blood. If reconciliation, then in his blood. If reconciliation, then in his descent into hell. If mortification of descent into hell. If mortification of descent into hell. If mortification of the flesh, we find it in his tomb. If the flesh, we find it in his tomb. If the flesh, we find it in his tomb. If newness of life, in his resurrection. If newness of life, in his resurrection. If newness of life, in his resurrection. If immortality in the same. If inheritance immortality in the same. If inheritance immortality in the same. If inheritance of the heavenly kingdom in his entrance of the heavenly kingdom in his entrance of the heavenly kingdom in his entrance into heaven. If protection, if security, into heaven. If protection, if security, into heaven. If protection, if security, if abundant supply of all blessings in if abundant supply of all blessings in if abundant supply of all blessings in his kingdom, if untroubled expectation his kingdom, if untroubled expectation his kingdom, if untroubled expectation of judgment, in the power given him to of judgment, in the power given him to of judgment, in the power given him to judge. In short, since rich store of judge. In short, since rich store of judge. In short, since rich store of every kind of good abounds in Christ, every kind of good abounds in Christ, every kind of good abounds in Christ, let us drink our fill from this fountain

let us drink our fill from this fountain let us drink our fill from this fountain and from no other. and from no other. and from no other. That'll preach. [applause] Calvin was sickly throughout his entire Calvin was sickly throughout his entire life. He didn't eat well. He didn't life. He didn't eat well. He didn't life. He didn't eat well. He didn't sleep enough. He literally worked sleep enough. He literally worked sleep enough. He literally worked himself to death. So, let that be a himself to death. So, let that be a himself to death. So, let that be a necessary balance to all that I said a necessary balance to all that I said a necessary balance to all that I said a moment ago about the the virtue of hard moment ago about the the virtue of hard moment ago about the the virtue of hard work and endurance. work and endurance. work and endurance. He frankly did too much. Again, Bruce He frankly did too much. Again, Bruce He frankly did too much. Again, Bruce Gordon says Calvin's punishing routine Gordon says Calvin's punishing routine Gordon says Calvin's punishing routine and recurring illness aged him and put and recurring illness aged him and put and recurring illness aged him and put him in an early grave. him in an early grave. him in an early grave. He gives a long list at one point of all He gives a long list at one point of all He gives a long list at one point of all the things he suffered from. Arthritis, the things he suffered from. Arthritis, the things he suffered from. Arthritis, nefritis, kidney stones, hemorrhoids, nefritis, kidney stones, hemorrhoids, nefritis, kidney stones, hemorrhoids, ulcers, acute pain in the legs. He was ulcers, acute pain in the legs. He was ulcers, acute pain in the legs. He was coughing up fleg and blood. And he wrote coughing up fleg and blood. And he wrote coughing up fleg and blood. And he wrote toward the ends of his life that God had toward the ends of his life that God had toward the ends of his life that God had kept all of his faculties intact to kept all of his faculties intact to kept all of his faculties intact to allow him to feel pain up to the very allow him to feel pain up to the very allow him to feel pain up to the very end. end. end. He knew he had been used by God, but he He knew he had been used by God, but he He knew he had been used by God, but he was also keenly aware of his faults. was also keenly aware of his faults. was also keenly aware of his faults. Here's what he wrote to the political Here's what he wrote to the political Here's what he wrote to the political leaders shortly before his death. He leaders shortly before his death. He leaders shortly before his death. He said, "It is true.

said, "It is true. said, "It is true. He does not deny," this is Calvin's He does not deny," this is Calvin's He does not deny," this is Calvin's statement about himself. "He does not statement about himself. "He does not statement about himself. "He does not deny that God has made use of him as an deny that God has made use of him as an deny that God has made use of him as an instrument for the little he has done. instrument for the little he has done. instrument for the little he has done. And if he said otherwise, he should be a And if he said otherwise, he should be a And if he said otherwise, he should be a hypocrite." So he admits, "God has used hypocrite." So he admits, "God has used hypocrite." So he admits, "God has used me." He begs then again to be excused me." He begs then again to be excused me." He begs then again to be excused for having done so little. Imagine for having done so little. Imagine for having done so little. Imagine Calvin saying, "I've done so little in Calvin saying, "I've done so little in Calvin saying, "I've done so little in proportion to what he was bound to do proportion to what he was bound to do proportion to what he was bound to do both in public and private." And he both in public and private." And he both in public and private." And he feels persuaded that the Messeniors have feels persuaded that the Messeniors have feels persuaded that the Messeniors have borne with his natural disposition too borne with his natural disposition too borne with his natural disposition too vehement by far and with which he is vehement by far and with which he is vehement by far and with which he is offended and with his other vice vices offended and with his other vice vices offended and with his other vice vices as God has been also. as God has been also. as God has been also. He later wrote just before death to the He later wrote just before death to the He later wrote just before death to the ministers in Geneva and he said, "I have ministers in Geneva and he said, "I have ministers in Geneva and he said, "I have many infirmities which you have been many infirmities which you have been many infirmities which you have been obliged to bear with. And what is more, obliged to bear with. And what is more, obliged to bear with. And what is more, all I have done has been worth nothing." all I have done has been worth nothing." all I have done has been worth nothing." I say it again. All I have I have done I say it again. All I have I have done I say it again. All I have I have done has been worth nothing and that I am a has been worth nothing and that I am a has been worth nothing and that I am a miserable creature. But certainly I can miserable creature. But certainly I can miserable creature. But certainly I can say this say this say this that I have willed what is good. That my that I have willed what is good. That my that I have willed what is good. That my vices have always displeased me. That vices have always displeased me. That vices have always displeased me. That the root of the fear of God has been in the root of the fear of God has been in the root of the fear of God has been in my heart and I pray you that the evil be my heart and I pray you that the evil be my heart and I pray you that the evil be forgiven me. And if there was any good forgiven me. And if there was any good forgiven me. And if there was any good that you conform yourselves to it and that you conform yourselves to it and that you conform yourselves to it and make it an example. Then he says this.

make it an example. Then he says this. make it an example. Then he says this. as to my doctrine. I have taught as to my doctrine. I have taught as to my doctrine. I have taught faithfully and God has given me grace to faithfully and God has given me grace to faithfully and God has given me grace to write what I have written as faithfully write what I have written as faithfully write what I have written as faithfully as it was in my power. I have not as it was in my power. I have not as it was in my power. I have not falsified a single passage of the falsified a single passage of the falsified a single passage of the scriptures nor given it a wrong scriptures nor given it a wrong scriptures nor given it a wrong interpretation to the best of my interpretation to the best of my interpretation to the best of my knowledge. And though I might have knowledge. And though I might have knowledge. And though I might have introduced subtle senses, I have studied introduced subtle senses, I have studied introduced subtle senses, I have studied never stutled studied subtlety. I cast never stutled studied subtlety. I cast never stutled studied subtlety. I cast that temptation under my feet and always that temptation under my feet and always that temptation under my feet and always aimed at simplicity. aimed at simplicity. aimed at simplicity. Do you hear him at the end of his life? Do you hear him at the end of his life? Do you hear him at the end of his life? I I I've been too angry. I I lost my I I I've been too angry. I I lost my I I I've been too angry. I I lost my patience. You borne with me in many patience. You borne with me in many patience. You borne with me in many ways. I haven't done nearly what I ways. I haven't done nearly what I ways. I haven't done nearly what I wanted to do. God has my witness that wanted to do. God has my witness that wanted to do. God has my witness that he's used me to do some things and I he's used me to do some things and I he's used me to do some things and I wish it could have been so much more. wish it could have been so much more. wish it could have been so much more. But he says this, I can testify to the But he says this, I can testify to the But he says this, I can testify to the best of my knowledge. I taught the word best of my knowledge. I taught the word best of my knowledge. I taught the word of God. Now, I did not falsify a single of God. Now, I did not falsify a single of God. Now, I did not falsify a single sentence. As far as I know, I was not sentence. As far as I know, I was not sentence. As far as I know, I was not duplicitus. I was not a hypocrite. I duplicitus. I was not a hypocrite. I duplicitus. I was not a hypocrite. I taught it to the best of my knowledge taught it to the best of my knowledge taught it to the best of my knowledge and to the very best of my ability.

and to the very best of my ability. and to the very best of my ability. Would that it could be said of all of Would that it could be said of all of Would that it could be said of all of us. On May 27, 1564, us. On May 27, 1564, us. On May 27, 1564, just shy of his 55th birthday. And to just shy of his 55th birthday. And to just shy of his 55th birthday. And to die at 54 is seeming so so young to me. die at 54 is seeming so so young to me. die at 54 is seeming so so young to me. John Calvin passed away. He was buried John Calvin passed away. He was buried John Calvin passed away. He was buried in the common cemetery in an unmarked in the common cemetery in an unmarked in the common cemetery in an unmarked grave so that none would idolize him in grave so that none would idolize him in grave so that none would idolize him in his death. his death. his death. I believe Calvin would accept Isaiah I believe Calvin would accept Isaiah I believe Calvin would accept Isaiah 40:es 6-8 as a suitable life verse. 40:es 6-8 as a suitable life verse. 40:es 6-8 as a suitable life verse. Indeed, in life and in death, he Indeed, in life and in death, he Indeed, in life and in death, he testified to the truth of those words testified to the truth of those words testified to the truth of those words from the prophet. from the prophet. from the prophet. Opinion polls will come and go. You can Opinion polls will come and go. You can Opinion polls will come and go. You can hold your finger to the wind and you can hold your finger to the wind and you can hold your finger to the wind and you can check your mentions and you can check check your mentions and you can check check your mentions and you can check your comments on your blog. You can your comments on your blog. You can your comments on your blog. You can count how many people you have in your count how many people you have in your count how many people you have in your circle of influence and you can add up circle of influence and you can add up circle of influence and you can add up your money and you can look at your your money and you can look at your your money and you can look at your square footage and pundits will wax square footage and pundits will wax square footage and pundits will wax eloquent on everything under the sun and eloquent on everything under the sun and eloquent on everything under the sun and God's word will still be true. It is our God's word will still be true. It is our God's word will still be true. It is our north star, fixed and firm. We may north star, fixed and firm. We may north star, fixed and firm. We may wander. We may waver but the word will wander. We may waver but the word will wander. We may waver but the word will remain. It is the stately evergreen in a remain. It is the stately evergreen in a remain. It is the stately evergreen in a field of grass and tulips.

field of grass and tulips. field of grass and tulips. Grass gets green and dies. Tulips have Grass gets green and dies. Tulips have Grass gets green and dies. Tulips have their day. It's shortlived. But those their day. It's shortlived. But those their day. It's shortlived. But those trees survive the winter. They will not trees survive the winter. They will not trees survive the winter. They will not be moved. be moved. be moved. This is one of the great paradoxes in This is one of the great paradoxes in This is one of the great paradoxes in life. If we're honest, we all want life. If we're honest, we all want life. If we're honest, we all want significance. significance. significance. We want affirmation. We want to know We want affirmation. We want to know We want affirmation. We want to know that we're okay. We want to know that that we're okay. We want to know that that we're okay. We want to know that something we're doing makes a something we're doing makes a something we're doing makes a difference. We want to know that our difference. We want to know that our difference. We want to know that our life will amount to more than just a life will amount to more than just a life will amount to more than just a dash between a date of birth and a date dash between a date of birth and a date dash between a date of birth and a date of death. of death. of death. We want to leave a legacy. And some seek We want to leave a legacy. And some seek We want to leave a legacy. And some seek it in work or performance or others and it in work or performance or others and it in work or performance or others and the things they accumulate. A lot of us the things they accumulate. A lot of us the things they accumulate. A lot of us seek it in family. seek it in family. seek it in family. We have this God-given sense that for We have this God-given sense that for We have this God-given sense that for all of our bluster and all of our all of our bluster and all of our all of our bluster and all of our bravvada, we know deep down in our bones bravvada, we know deep down in our bones bravvada, we know deep down in our bones that it won't last and we won't last. that it won't last and we won't last. that it won't last and we won't last. We're grass We're grass We're grass and we all want to bloom. and we all want to bloom. and we all want to bloom. We all do. We all do. We all do. The preacher does.

The preacher does. The preacher does. People do. People do. People do. Someone asked me years ago a student Someone asked me years ago a student Someone asked me years ago a student said, "Well, well, said, "Well, well, said, "Well, well, pastor, how how do you know when you get pastor, how how do you know when you get pastor, how how do you know when you get up into the pulpit that there's not part up into the pulpit that there's not part up into the pulpit that there's not part of you that's that's preaching to be of you that's that's preaching to be of you that's that's preaching to be seen and noticed by other people?" And I seen and noticed by other people?" And I seen and noticed by other people?" And I said, "I don't know. Well, I I'll let said, "I don't know. Well, I I'll let said, "I don't know. Well, I I'll let you know if I ever I ever come to that you know if I ever I ever come to that you know if I ever I ever come to that conclusion conclusion conclusion because we all want to bloom. because we all want to bloom. because we all want to bloom. We all want to matter. We all want to matter. We all want to matter. We all want to have some significance, We all want to have some significance, We all want to have some significance, some legacy. And so, we pour our lives some legacy. And so, we pour our lives some legacy. And so, we pour our lives into degrees and professional into degrees and professional into degrees and professional advancement. And sometimes it's even advancement. And sometimes it's even advancement. And sometimes it's even ministry or business or homes or ministry or business or homes or ministry or business or homes or children. And all the while, we can have children. And all the while, we can have children. And all the while, we can have this deep down feeling, this sense that this deep down feeling, this sense that this deep down feeling, this sense that it's fleeting, that it's passing us by. it's fleeting, that it's passing us by. it's fleeting, that it's passing us by. and we desperately want to hold on to and we desperately want to hold on to and we desperately want to hold on to something eternal. something eternal. something eternal. This is the paradox of permanence. This is the paradox of permanence. This is the paradox of permanence. The only way our lives will ever touch The only way our lives will ever touch The only way our lives will ever touch that which is eternal is to admit that that which is eternal is to admit that that which is eternal is to admit that our lives in and of themselves are our lives in and of themselves are our lives in and of themselves are hopelessly temporal.

hopelessly temporal. hopelessly temporal. One commentator on that passage in One commentator on that passage in One commentator on that passage in Isaiah says this, "If I insist I I am Isaiah says this, "If I insist I I am Isaiah says this, "If I insist I I am permanent, then I become nothing. If I permanent, then I become nothing. If I permanent, then I become nothing. If I admit that God alone is permanent, then admit that God alone is permanent, then admit that God alone is permanent, then he breathes his permanence on me. he breathes his permanence on me. he breathes his permanence on me. You want a legacy? You want a legacy? You want a legacy? You want to transcend your own meager You want to transcend your own meager You want to transcend your own meager existence, dust, worm, creaturliness. existence, dust, worm, creaturliness. existence, dust, worm, creaturliness. Then let us, you and me, let us let go Then let us, you and me, let us let go Then let us, you and me, let us let go of our vain supposed success and grab of our vain supposed success and grab of our vain supposed success and grab hold of that which will outlast us all. hold of that which will outlast us all. hold of that which will outlast us all. The word of God. Isaiah 66:2. This is The word of God. Isaiah 66:2. This is The word of God. Isaiah 66:2. This is the one I esteem. the one I esteem. the one I esteem. He who is humble and contrite in spirit He who is humble and contrite in spirit He who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles and trembles and trembles at my word. If you think of men and at my word. If you think of men and at my word. If you think of men and women in your life who have deeply women in your life who have deeply women in your life who have deeply influenced you for the Christian faith influenced you for the Christian faith influenced you for the Christian faith and it could be a great preacher, it and it could be a great preacher, it and it could be a great preacher, it could be your grandmother and her could be your grandmother and her could be your grandmother and her saintless. If you think of those who saintless. If you think of those who saintless. If you think of those who have deeply influenced you, I I imagine have deeply influenced you, I I imagine have deeply influenced you, I I imagine I don't have to imagine. I think we can I don't have to imagine. I think we can I don't have to imagine. I think we can know that among their qualities are know that among their qualities are know that among their qualities are these things. They were humble.

these things. They were humble. these things. They were humble. They were contrite They were contrite They were contrite and they trembled at the word of God. and they trembled at the word of God. and they trembled at the word of God. The truly significant people in this The truly significant people in this The truly significant people in this world know that God is everything and by world know that God is everything and by world know that God is everything and by comparison we are nothing. Fads and comparison we are nothing. Fads and comparison we are nothing. Fads and fashions will rise and fall. The 24-hour fashions will rise and fall. The 24-hour fashions will rise and fall. The 24-hour news cycle is now a 24-minute news news cycle is now a 24-minute news news cycle is now a 24-minute news cycle. It's always swirling, churning, cycle. It's always swirling, churning, cycle. It's always swirling, churning, but the word will outlast us all. The but the word will outlast us all. The but the word will outlast us all. The church will keep on going. The only church will keep on going. The only church will keep on going. The only institution that Jesus Christ himself institution that Jesus Christ himself institution that Jesus Christ himself has promised to build. Not the United has promised to build. Not the United has promised to build. Not the United States of America, the UN, the European States of America, the UN, the European States of America, the UN, the European Union, the UK, the church, Union, the UK, the church, Union, the UK, the church, the church that is built upon the word the church that is built upon the word the church that is built upon the word of God alone. So let our reading, let of God alone. So let our reading, let of God alone. So let our reading, let our memorizing, let our catechizing be our memorizing, let our catechizing be our memorizing, let our catechizing be saturated with the word, let our songs, saturated with the word, let our songs, saturated with the word, let our songs, let our ministries, let our mission let our ministries, let our mission let our ministries, let our mission submit to the word. May all of our submit to the word. May all of our submit to the word. May all of our theological questions, all of our theological questions, all of our theological questions, all of our relational conundrums, all of our family relational conundrums, all of our family relational conundrums, all of our family issues be submitted to the word.

A voice says, A voice says, "Cry out." "Cry out." "Cry out." And I said, "What shall I cry? All men are like grass, All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers and all their glory is like the flowers and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the of the field. The grass withers and the of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall because the breath of the flowers fall because the breath of the flowers fall because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people, Lord blows on them. Surely the people, Lord blows on them. Surely the people, even people like John Kelvin, and he even people like John Kelvin, and he even people like John Kelvin, and he would have been the very first to affirm would have been the very first to affirm would have been the very first to affirm it, surely the people are grass. The it, surely the people are grass. The it, surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flowers fall, but the grass withers, the flowers fall, but the grass withers, the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands word of our God stands word of our God stands forever. But I want to look at it theologically But I want to look at it theologically and ecclesiologically with you. What and ecclesiologically with you. What and ecclesiologically with you. What what was going on at the turn of the what was going on at the turn of the what was going on at the turn of the 1500s? 1500s? 1500s? We can use two slogans to get at it. I We can use two slogans to get at it. I We can use two slogans to get at it. I don't think they had bumper stickers don't think they had bumper stickers don't think they had bumper stickers back then. But if they did have bumper back then. But if they did have bumper back then. But if they did have bumper stickers, one of them would have been stickers, one of them would have been stickers, one of them would have been this.

this. this. In the midst of life, In the midst of life, In the midst of life, we die. we die. we die. What a bleak world view that is. What a bleak world view that is. What a bleak world view that is. But as bleak as it is, it's actually But as bleak as it is, it's actually But as bleak as it is, it's actually pretty close to the mark. I don't think pretty close to the mark. I don't think pretty close to the mark. I don't think that phrase would do well in our world that phrase would do well in our world that phrase would do well in our world today. We've distanced ourselves from today. We've distanced ourselves from today. We've distanced ourselves from death. We quarantine our elderly off and death. We quarantine our elderly off and death. We quarantine our elderly off and we have bought into the myth that we we have bought into the myth that we we have bought into the myth that we just might live forever. just might live forever. just might live forever. But in those days, But in those days, But in those days, you didn't have such uh you didn't have such uh you didn't have such uh abilities and you didn't have those abilities and you didn't have those abilities and you didn't have those opportunities at your disposal. opportunities at your disposal. opportunities at your disposal. Death confronted you harshly and Death confronted you harshly and Death confronted you harshly and relentlessly. relentlessly. relentlessly. And so it worked its way into the And so it worked its way into the And so it worked its way into the liturgy and even up until recently was liturgy and even up until recently was liturgy and even up until recently was in the book of common prayer. is saying in the book of common prayer. is saying in the book of common prayer. is saying in the midst of life we die. So one way in the midst of life we die. So one way in the midst of life we die. So one way to get at this world into which Luther to get at this world into which Luther to get at this world into which Luther was born where is he coming from? He's was born where is he coming from? He's was born where is he coming from? He's coming from a point of death coming from a point of death coming from a point of death and that death was there because it was and that death was there because it was and that death was there because it was a place of darkness. We're going to hear a place of darkness. We're going to hear a place of darkness. We're going to hear about John Calvin soon and that great about John Calvin soon and that great about John Calvin soon and that great motto of Calvin's Geneva. It's all over motto of Calvin's Geneva. It's all over motto of Calvin's Geneva. It's all over the city if you get an opportunity to the city if you get an opportunity to the city if you get an opportunity to visit there. Post Tennibros looks after visit there. Post Tennibros looks after visit there. Post Tennibros looks after darkness light. But let's flip it

darkness light. But let's flip it darkness light. But let's flip it around. Pre-looks. around. Pre-looks. around. Pre-looks. Tennibros. Tennibros. Tennibros. The time of the 1500s was a time of The time of the 1500s was a time of The time of the 1500s was a time of darkness. darkness. darkness. Now, we're talking about what is going Now, we're talking about what is going Now, we're talking about what is going to become, as it was mentioned earlier, to become, as it was mentioned earlier, to become, as it was mentioned earlier, the formal principle of the reformation the formal principle of the reformation the formal principle of the reformation and the material principle of the and the material principle of the and the material principle of the reformation. The darkness was there reformation. The darkness was there reformation. The darkness was there because the Bible was obscured. The light of the gospel The light of the gospel was taken by that institution which was taken by that institution which was taken by that institution which should have known better should have known better should have known better and should have been better. and should have been better. and should have been better. But instead that institution, But instead that institution, But instead that institution, the Roman Catholic Church obscured that the Roman Catholic Church obscured that the Roman Catholic Church obscured that light. light. light. And because the light of the gospel was And because the light of the gospel was And because the light of the gospel was not proclaimed, death death and no clear solution to that.

and no clear solution to that. and no clear solution to that. If we were to poll, If we were to poll, If we were to poll, do a Gallup poll in the 1500s, do a Gallup poll in the 1500s, do a Gallup poll in the 1500s, what is it that you fear the most? what is it that you fear the most? what is it that you fear the most? Put that question to yourself. I'll put Put that question to yourself. I'll put Put that question to yourself. I'll put it to myself. What do I fear the most? I it to myself. What do I fear the most? I it to myself. What do I fear the most? I don't know. Speaking to 8,000 people don't know. Speaking to 8,000 people don't know. Speaking to 8,000 people after being introduced by Tim Keller, after being introduced by Tim Keller, after being introduced by Tim Keller, [snorts] Fear of death. Fear of death. This is where Luther is coming from. And This is where Luther is coming from. And This is where Luther is coming from. And no one knew the harsh realities of the no one knew the harsh realities of the no one knew the harsh realities of the beginning of the 16th century. more than beginning of the 16th century. more than beginning of the 16th century. more than Martin Luther. Martin Luther. Martin Luther. This was not some abstract historical This was not some abstract historical This was not some abstract historical description for him. It was the reality description for him. It was the reality description for him. It was the reality that death that death that death was right in front of him and there was was right in front of him and there was was right in front of him and there was no solution.

no solution. no solution. There were pretended solutions. There were pretended solutions. There were pretended solutions. We go back to Luther's home. What is at We go back to Luther's home. What is at We go back to Luther's home. What is at the center of his home? There's a shrine the center of his home? There's a shrine the center of his home? There's a shrine to St. Anne. tradition has her to be the mother of tradition has her to be the mother of Mary. Mary. Mary. We don't know what Mary's mother's name, We don't know what Mary's mother's name, We don't know what Mary's mother's name, but that didn't stop the medieval church but that didn't stop the medieval church but that didn't stop the medieval church from giving an answer. from giving an answer. from giving an answer. And so, here's St. Anne, and she becomes And so, here's St. Anne, and she becomes And so, here's St. Anne, and she becomes the the saint of minors, this profession the the saint of minors, this profession the the saint of minors, this profession of Luther's father. And so being a good of Luther's father. And so being a good of Luther's father. And so being a good medieval Catholic family, they would medieval Catholic family, they would medieval Catholic family, they would have had a shrine to St. Anne. have had a shrine to St. Anne. have had a shrine to St. Anne. This is Luther. He's he's caught in the This is Luther. He's he's caught in the This is Luther. He's he's caught in the thunderstorm in June of 1505. thunderstorm in June of 1505. thunderstorm in June of 1505. He's a law student. He's completed his He's a law student. He's completed his He's a law student. He's completed his bachelor's degree. He's completed his bachelor's degree. He's completed his bachelor's degree. He's completed his master's degree. He's about to become a master's degree. He's about to become a master's degree. He's about to become a lawyer. And he travels home after lawyer. And he travels home after lawyer. And he travels home after completing that spring's course of completing that spring's course of completing that spring's course of study. and it's end of June and a study. and it's end of June and a study. and it's end of June and a thunderstorm breaks out. And normally we thunderstorm breaks out. And normally we thunderstorm breaks out. And normally we look at Luther as a genius, but in this look at Luther as a genius, but in this look at Luther as a genius, but in this case, a storm breaks out and he goes and case, a storm breaks out and he goes and case, a storm breaks out and he goes and finds a tree on a on a little hillside finds a tree on a on a little hillside finds a tree on a on a little hillside and goes up under the tree and goes up under the tree and goes up under the tree and there's a rock and there's a rock and there's a rock and he throws his arms around that rock and he throws his arms around that rock and he throws his arms around that rock and what's his impulse?

and what's his impulse? and what's his impulse? Help me, Saint Anne. Help me, Saint Anne. Help me, Saint Anne. How revealing that impulse is How revealing that impulse is How revealing that impulse is doesn't even think doesn't even think doesn't even think to say help me God to say help me God to say help me God or help me Christ. or help me Christ. or help me Christ. Oh the distance Oh the distance Oh the distance between Luther and God between Luther and God between Luther and God and in between were all these mediators. and in between were all these mediators. and in between were all these mediators. But let's think this through. But let's think this through. But let's think this through. St. man lived St. man lived St. man lived and died. And this And this is who we trust in. is who we trust in. is who we trust in. These were props. These were props. These were props. These were props. These were props. These were props. And you know, most of Luther's And you know, most of Luther's And you know, most of Luther's contemporaries were content to live with contemporaries were content to live with contemporaries were content to live with the props, the props, the props, but not Luther. but not Luther. but not Luther. And he sensed what our And he sensed what our And he sensed what our fear is and what our true need is.

fear is and what our true need is. fear is and what our true need is. But because of this darkness, But because of this darkness, But because of this darkness, there was no solution in sight. So what there was no solution in sight. So what there was no solution in sight. So what does Luther become about? Well, we need does Luther become about? Well, we need does Luther become about? Well, we need to go back to that thunderstorm to go back to that thunderstorm to go back to that thunderstorm because the second half of that is help because the second half of that is help because the second half of that is help me Staint Anne and I will become a monk. me Staint Anne and I will become a monk. me Staint Anne and I will become a monk. And so he does. As Roland Baitton, the And so he does. As Roland Baitton, the And so he does. As Roland Baitton, the famous biographer of Luther says, God famous biographer of Luther says, God famous biographer of Luther says, God kept his promise and so Luther kept his, kept his promise and so Luther kept his, kept his promise and so Luther kept his, survives the thunderstorm, enters the survives the thunderstorm, enters the survives the thunderstorm, enters the monastery. monastery. monastery. And it's sort of like taking one step And it's sort of like taking one step And it's sort of like taking one step forward and two steps back because now forward and two steps back because now forward and two steps back because now he's confronted every day with his sin. he's confronted every day with his sin. he's confronted every day with his sin. When he was a law student, he could When he was a law student, he could When he was a law student, he could avoid it. He literally did. the the path avoid it. He literally did. the the path avoid it. He literally did. the the path from his his bedroom to his classroom from his his bedroom to his classroom from his his bedroom to his classroom took him past this place of the church, took him past this place of the church, took him past this place of the church, the cathedral there of the university the cathedral there of the university the cathedral there of the university town where there was a symbol of Christ town where there was a symbol of Christ town where there was a symbol of Christ with a sword protruding from his mouth with a sword protruding from his mouth with a sword protruding from his mouth carved into the side of the church. carved into the side of the church. carved into the side of the church. And young Martin as a law student And young Martin as a law student And young Martin as a law student didn't even want to walk under that for didn't even want to walk under that for didn't even want to walk under that for fear that it would almost come into fear that it would almost come into fear that it would almost come into reality as if Christ were ready to pull reality as if Christ were ready to pull reality as if Christ were ready to pull that sword and go right after Luther that sword and go right after Luther that sword and go right after Luther himself.

himself. himself. So he would get up early and take a So he would get up early and take a So he would get up early and take a longer path longer path longer path so he could avoid that statue. But now so he could avoid that statue. But now so he could avoid that statue. But now he's in the monastery he's in the monastery he's in the monastery and he can't avoid this at all. His and he can't avoid this at all. His and he can't avoid this at all. His confessor doesn't know what to do with confessor doesn't know what to do with confessor doesn't know what to do with him. Luther spends hours in the him. Luther spends hours in the him. Luther spends hours in the confessional, leaves the confessional confessional, leaves the confessional confessional, leaves the confessional only to turn right around and come back only to turn right around and come back only to turn right around and come back in because he had yet another sin. At in because he had yet another sin. At in because he had yet another sin. At one point later in his life, Luther's one point later in his life, Luther's one point later in his life, Luther's going to say, "If ever a monk got to going to say, "If ever a monk got to going to say, "If ever a monk got to heaven by monkery, heaven by monkery, heaven by monkery, I was the monk. I was the monk. I was the monk. Can you see him?" 1505 1506 1507508 Can you see him?" 1505 1506 1507508 Can you see him?" 1505 1506 1507508 159 white knuckling his way somehow 159 white knuckling his way somehow 159 white knuckling his way somehow to God. to God. to God. Finally his confessor sends him to Rome Finally his confessor sends him to Rome Finally his confessor sends him to Rome in 1510. Luther claims or climbs the in 1510. Luther claims or climbs the in 1510. Luther claims or climbs the famous St. Dcala the holy stairs. These famous St. Dcala the holy stairs. These famous St. Dcala the holy stairs. These are the steps leading up to Pontius are the steps leading up to Pontius are the steps leading up to Pontius Pilate. Pilate. Pilate. Constantine had them removed from from Constantine had them removed from from Constantine had them removed from from Jerusalem and brought to Rome as a gift Jerusalem and brought to Rome as a gift Jerusalem and brought to Rome as a gift to his mother, to his mother, to his mother, very pious woman.

very pious woman. very pious woman. And so there are the pilgrims on their And so there are the pilgrims on their And so there are the pilgrims on their knees. They're still there in Rome. And knees. They're still there in Rome. And knees. They're still there in Rome. And you can still see them today. you can still see them today. you can still see them today. Not see the stairs, see the pilgrims on Not see the stairs, see the pilgrims on Not see the stairs, see the pilgrims on their knees up and down, up and down, their knees up and down, up and down, their knees up and down, up and down, taking years off of purgatory. taking years off of purgatory. taking years off of purgatory. Luther gets to the top and famously is Luther gets to the top and famously is Luther gets to the top and famously is said to have uttered, "Who knows if this is true?" "Who knows if this is true?" utterly disillusioned utterly disillusioned utterly disillusioned by his church by his church by his church and defeated and defeated and defeated and ready to surrender. and ready to surrender. and ready to surrender. He returns from his pilgrimage to Rome. He returns from his pilgrimage to Rome. He returns from his pilgrimage to Rome. Stalpets sends him off to seminary. Stalpets sends him off to seminary. Stalpets sends him off to seminary. We'll distract him in his spiritual life We'll distract him in his spiritual life We'll distract him in his spiritual life by having him go study theology. by having him go study theology. by having him go study theology. That was a joke. That was a total joke. That was a joke. That was a total joke. That was a joke. That was a total joke. And I I hope you all got that.

And he racks up now his theology And he racks up now his theology degrees. degrees. degrees. But here again, it's another one step But here again, it's another one step But here again, it's another one step forward, two steps back because he has forward, two steps back because he has forward, two steps back because he has to read Peter Lumbard's sentences and to read Peter Lumbard's sentences and to read Peter Lumbard's sentences and master that to to become a scholar. And master that to to become a scholar. And master that to to become a scholar. And he reads Lumbard and Lumbard quotes he reads Lumbard and Lumbard quotes he reads Lumbard and Lumbard quotes Augustine. Augustine. Augustine. And he goes back and he reads Augustine And he goes back and he reads Augustine And he goes back and he reads Augustine and he finds it's worse. and he finds it's worse. and he finds it's worse. My my problem is not sins. See, by the My my problem is not sins. See, by the My my problem is not sins. See, by the time we get to the Middle Ages, very time we get to the Middle Ages, very time we get to the Middle Ages, very simply, they quantified sin. simply, they quantified sin. simply, they quantified sin. And therefore, they quantified And therefore, they quantified And therefore, they quantified righteousness. And so, you have demerits righteousness. And so, you have demerits righteousness. And so, you have demerits and merits. And it's okay if you don't and merits. And it's okay if you don't and merits. And it's okay if you don't have enough merits because there are have enough merits because there are have enough merits because there are people who have more merits than they people who have more merits than they people who have more merits than they need. And they're called saints. And need. And they're called saints. And need. And they're called saints. And those merits are gathered in a treasury those merits are gathered in a treasury those merits are gathered in a treasury up in heaven. They're called works of up in heaven. They're called works of up in heaven. They're called works of super arrogation, works above and super arrogation, works above and super arrogation, works above and beyond. They are in the treasury in beyond. They are in the treasury in beyond. They are in the treasury in heaven. And the pope holds the keys. And heaven. And the pope holds the keys. And heaven. And the pope holds the keys. And through the sacraments governed by the through the sacraments governed by the through the sacraments governed by the church, you can tap into that merit. church, you can tap into that merit. church, you can tap into that merit. And then you have purgatory And then you have purgatory And then you have purgatory to expunge of the remaining demerits.

to expunge of the remaining demerits. to expunge of the remaining demerits. Everything's quantified. Everything's quantified. Everything's quantified. But here's Luther. What does he find? He But here's Luther. What does he find? He But here's Luther. What does he find? He finds this Latin word radics. finds this Latin word radics. finds this Latin word radics. Not like radical, Not like radical, Not like radical, more like radish. more like radish. more like radish. We are sinners at the root. We are sinners at the root. We are sinners at the root. Our problem is not sins. Our problem is not sins. Our problem is not sins. Our problem is that we are a sinner. Our problem is that we are a sinner. Our problem is that we are a sinner. And now here is the defeat of the And now here is the defeat of the And now here is the defeat of the monkery. monkery. monkery. No amount of white knuckling No amount of white knuckling No amount of white knuckling will ever overcome will ever overcome will ever overcome that you are a sinner at the root. that you are a sinner at the root. that you are a sinner at the root. And a holy God And a holy God And a holy God can only judge you. can only judge you. can only judge you. And so what does Luther say? And so what does Luther say? And so what does Luther say? I hate this righteous God. But he's reading in the right places and But he's reading in the right places and his reading of Augustine his reading of Augustine his reading of Augustine takes him to Paul and he starts takes him to Paul and he starts takes him to Paul and he starts lecturing on some biblical books. He's lecturing on some biblical books. He's lecturing on some biblical books. He's lecturing on Psalms and he's lecturing lecturing on Psalms and he's lecturing lecturing on Psalms and he's lecturing on Galatians and he's lecturing on on Galatians and he's lecturing on on Galatians and he's lecturing on Romans.

Romans. Romans. And as it was explained for us in the And as it was explained for us in the And as it was explained for us in the previous session, he comes to realize previous session, he comes to realize previous session, he comes to realize the solution to being a sinner at the the solution to being a sinner at the the solution to being a sinner at the root. root. root. The righteousness that God demands of me The righteousness that God demands of me The righteousness that God demands of me is not something I produce. It's Christ who accomplishes it for me. It's Christ who accomplishes it for me. Luther calls it his breakthrough. Luther calls it his breakthrough. Luther calls it his breakthrough. And this is what Luther is about. He is And this is what Luther is about. He is And this is what Luther is about. He is about speaking to those two fundamental about speaking to those two fundamental about speaking to those two fundamental problems of darkness and death. And so problems of darkness and death. And so problems of darkness and death. And so you look at what Luther focused on. You you look at what Luther focused on. You you look at what Luther focused on. You look at his labors. You you look at what look at his labors. You you look at what look at his labors. You you look at what he was relentless and tireless in his he was relentless and tireless in his he was relentless and tireless in his efforts and was defending the authority efforts and was defending the authority efforts and was defending the authority of scripture and defending the doctrine of scripture and defending the doctrine of scripture and defending the doctrine of justification by faith alone. And the first friend that I want to And the first friend that I want to introduce you to is Hdrich Zwingley introduce you to is Hdrich Zwingley introduce you to is Hdrich Zwingley or Olrich Zwingley. He lived from 1484 or Olrich Zwingley. He lived from 1484 or Olrich Zwingley. He lived from 1484 to 1531.

to 1531. to 1531. He was born just a couple of months He was born just a couple of months He was born just a couple of months after Martin Luther to give you some after Martin Luther to give you some after Martin Luther to give you some appreciation. They're very, very close appreciation. They're very, very close appreciation. They're very, very close contemporaries. Luther lives longer than contemporaries. Luther lives longer than contemporaries. Luther lives longer than Zwingley, but they're almost the same Zwingley, but they're almost the same Zwingley, but they're almost the same age. age. age. Zwingley was born in Switzerland and he Zwingley was born in Switzerland and he Zwingley was born in Switzerland and he became uh the most important became uh the most important became uh the most important reformer in the Swiss Protestant reformer in the Swiss Protestant reformer in the Swiss Protestant Reformation of his day. Reformation of his day. Reformation of his day. Just like Martin Luther, he accepted the Just like Martin Luther, he accepted the Just like Martin Luther, he accepted the supreme authority of scriptures, but he supreme authority of scriptures, but he supreme authority of scriptures, but he applied it in a different and more applied it in a different and more applied it in a different and more rigorous way to doctrines and practices rigorous way to doctrines and practices rigorous way to doctrines and practices and especially to worship in the church. and especially to worship in the church. and especially to worship in the church. It's been said that other than Martin It's been said that other than Martin It's been said that other than Martin Luther and Henry Bullinger and John Luther and Henry Bullinger and John Luther and Henry Bullinger and John Calvin, the most important early Calvin, the most important early Calvin, the most important early reformer was Zwingley. But we don't know reformer was Zwingley. But we don't know reformer was Zwingley. But we don't know a lot about Zingley in general. So let's a lot about Zingley in general. So let's a lot about Zingley in general. So let's spend a little time learning him spend a little time learning him spend a little time learning him tonight.

tonight. tonight. Zingley was a great preacher. Zingley was a great preacher. Zingley was a great preacher. In 1519, he did something that was In 1519, he did something that was In 1519, he did something that was absolutely revolutionary absolutely revolutionary absolutely revolutionary for his day. Um even amongst the for his day. Um even amongst the for his day. Um even amongst the humanist influenced preachers of his humanist influenced preachers of his humanist influenced preachers of his time the normal pattern would have been time the normal pattern would have been time the normal pattern would have been to preach from the rectionary. You would to preach from the rectionary. You would to preach from the rectionary. You would have followed the church calendar in have followed the church calendar in have followed the church calendar in your preaching. He came in and announced your preaching. He came in and announced your preaching. He came in and announced that he was not going to do this. He was that he was not going to do this. He was that he was not going to do this. He was going to preach through Bible books. going to preach through Bible books. going to preach through Bible books. This was revolutionary. This was revolutionary. This was revolutionary. This was not done. and he began This was not done. and he began This was not done. and he began preaching through the gospel of Matthew preaching through the gospel of Matthew preaching through the gospel of Matthew and it was electric in the great and it was electric in the great and it was electric in the great minister there as he preached in 1519. minister there as he preached in 1519. minister there as he preached in 1519. In fact, one man who was there, a man In fact, one man who was there, a man In fact, one man who was there, a man named Thomas Platter, named Thomas Platter, named Thomas Platter, listening to Zingley preach says, listening to Zingley preach says, listening to Zingley preach says, "It was as if someone was lifting me up "It was as if someone was lifting me up "It was as if someone was lifting me up by the hair to the ceiling of the by the hair to the ceiling of the by the hair to the ceiling of the building to listen to this man unfold building to listen to this man unfold building to listen to this man unfold the word of God."

the word of God." the word of God." And that kind of excitement about we're And that kind of excitement about we're And that kind of excitement about we're you mean we're going to get to hear the you mean we're going to get to hear the you mean we're going to get to hear the Bible preached Bible preached Bible preached electrified people in Zwingley's day. electrified people in Zwingley's day. electrified people in Zwingley's day. And he he followed a a scriptural And he he followed a a scriptural And he he followed a a scriptural pattern of working through New Testament pattern of working through New Testament pattern of working through New Testament books. books. books. Zwingley was also a controversialist. Zwingley was also a controversialist. Zwingley was also a controversialist. That is he regularly engaged in That is he regularly engaged in That is he regularly engaged in disputations with Roman Catholic leaders disputations with Roman Catholic leaders disputations with Roman Catholic leaders of his day. One of the very important of his day. One of the very important of his day. One of the very important and famous disputations was at burn in and famous disputations was at burn in and famous disputations was at burn in Switzerland. Switzerland. Switzerland. And um these are the kinds of things And um these are the kinds of things And um these are the kinds of things that he went into those debates to that he went into those debates to that he went into those debates to emphasize. He emphasized first of all emphasize. He emphasized first of all emphasize. He emphasized first of all that the church is born of the word of that the church is born of the word of that the church is born of the word of God, not the word of God born of the God, not the word of God born of the God, not the word of God born of the church. church. church. I remember my friend Mark Deber was at a I remember my friend Mark Deber was at a I remember my friend Mark Deber was at a party in Washington DC and a very famous party in Washington DC and a very famous party in Washington DC and a very famous traditionalist Catholic scholar was traditionalist Catholic scholar was traditionalist Catholic scholar was there and they were discussing a new there and they were discussing a new there and they were discussing a new volume that had been written on the volume that had been written on the volume that had been written on the Protestant Reformation by a critical Protestant Reformation by a critical Protestant Reformation by a critical scholar to some acclaim and the scholar to some acclaim and the scholar to some acclaim and the traditionalist Catholic uh conversation traditionalist Catholic uh conversation traditionalist Catholic uh conversation partner was complimenting this partner was complimenting this partner was complimenting this particular academic work but then he particular academic work but then he particular academic work but then he says you know it's a very good work but says you know it's a very good work but says you know it's a very good work but of course it has that Protestant squint of course it has that Protestant squint of course it has that Protestant squint to it.

to it. to it. Well, my friend Mark De took the bait. Well, my friend Mark De took the bait. Well, my friend Mark De took the bait. Never won not to take the bait. Mark de Never won not to take the bait. Mark de Never won not to take the bait. Mark de took the bait. And he said, "So, what do took the bait. And he said, "So, what do took the bait. And he said, "So, what do you mean it has that Protestant squint you mean it has that Protestant squint you mean it has that Protestant squint to it?" to it?" to it?" And he said, "You know that all that And he said, "You know that all that And he said, "You know that all that business about the word creating the business about the word creating the business about the word creating the church? I mean, we we know that it was church? I mean, we we know that it was church? I mean, we we know that it was the church that gave to us the Bible." the church that gave to us the Bible." the church that gave to us the Bible." Oh, that you don't say that to Mark De. Oh, that you don't say that to Mark De. Oh, that you don't say that to Mark De. That's No, no. He he started in Genesis That's No, no. He he started in Genesis That's No, no. He he started in Genesis and did a biblical theology in which he and did a biblical theology in which he and did a biblical theology in which he showed that the word of God always showed that the word of God always showed that the word of God always creates the people of God. The people of creates the people of God. The people of creates the people of God. The people of God do not create the word of God. I God do not create the word of God. I God do not create the word of God. I don't know how long that conversation don't know how long that conversation don't know how long that conversation went on, but poor guy, whoever he was. went on, but poor guy, whoever he was. went on, but poor guy, whoever he was. Well, that's one of the things that Well, that's one of the things that Well, that's one of the things that Zingley was debating. The church is born Zingley was debating. The church is born Zingley was debating. The church is born of the word of God, and Christ alone is of the word of God, and Christ alone is of the word of God, and Christ alone is the head of the church. the head of the church. the head of the church. He argued that the teaching of the He argued that the teaching of the He argued that the teaching of the church, the practice of the church, the church, the practice of the church, the church, the practice of the church, the laws of the church are binding in so far laws of the church are binding in so far laws of the church are binding in so far only as they agree with scripture.

only as they agree with scripture. only as they agree with scripture. He argued that Christ alone is man's He argued that Christ alone is man's He argued that Christ alone is man's righteousness. righteousness. righteousness. He argued that the holy scripture does He argued that the holy scripture does He argued that the holy scripture does not teach the corporeal presence of not teach the corporeal presence of not teach the corporeal presence of Christ in the bread and wine at the Christ in the bread and wine at the Christ in the bread and wine at the Lord's supper. Hold that thought. We'll Lord's supper. Hold that thought. We'll Lord's supper. Hold that thought. We'll come back to that in a few minutes with come back to that in a few minutes with come back to that in a few minutes with our friends Vingley. our friends Vingley. our friends Vingley. He taught that the mass was a gross He taught that the mass was a gross He taught that the mass was a gross affront to the completion and affront to the completion and affront to the completion and sufficiency of the sacrifice and death sufficiency of the sacrifice and death sufficiency of the sacrifice and death of Christ. of Christ. of Christ. He taught that there was no biblical He taught that there was no biblical He taught that there was no biblical foundation for the mediation or foundation for the mediation or foundation for the mediation or intercession for the dead, for intercession for the dead, for intercession for the dead, for purgatory, for images, for pictures. And purgatory, for images, for pictures. And purgatory, for images, for pictures. And he taught that marriage was lawful for he taught that marriage was lawful for he taught that marriage was lawful for all. all. all. He was a controversialist involved in He was a controversialist involved in He was a controversialist involved in engaging with the major Catholic engaging with the major Catholic engaging with the major Catholic scholars of his day but he also engaged scholars of his day but he also engaged scholars of his day but he also engaged in controversy within the reform in controversy within the reform in controversy within the reform movement.

movement. movement. Uh you will remember famously that the Uh you will remember famously that the Uh you will remember famously that the Zwinglian influenced folk in uh Swiss Zwinglian influenced folk in uh Swiss Zwinglian influenced folk in uh Swiss German, Swiss German-speaking uh German, Swiss German-speaking uh German, Swiss German-speaking uh Switzerland and the Lutheran Switzerland and the Lutheran Switzerland and the Lutheran tried to get together at Marberg in 1529 tried to get together at Marberg in 1529 tried to get together at Marberg in 1529 and they agreed on 14 of 15 points of and they agreed on 14 of 15 points of and they agreed on 14 of 15 points of doctrine. they they came to the final doctrine. they they came to the final doctrine. they they came to the final point of doctrine and that is what is point of doctrine and that is what is point of doctrine and that is what is the nature of the presence of Christ in the nature of the presence of Christ in the nature of the presence of Christ in the bread and the wine in the Lord's the bread and the wine in the Lord's the bread and the wine in the Lord's supper and they could not agree and supper and they could not agree and supper and they could not agree and Luther famously said to Zwingley the Luther famously said to Zwingley the Luther famously said to Zwingley the Bible says this is my body Bible says this is my body Bible says this is my body and we believe the Bible and we believe the Bible and we believe the Bible and and and Zingley responded we too believe the Zingley responded we too believe the Zingley responded we too believe the Bible but we do not believe that that is Bible but we do not believe that that is Bible but we do not believe that that is what it says. Another part of the disputation uh Another part of the disputation uh Luther emphasized again Jesus says this Luther emphasized again Jesus says this Luther emphasized again Jesus says this is my body and Zwingley's followers is my body and Zwingley's followers is my body and Zwingley's followers respond yes and he also says do this in respond yes and he also says do this in respond yes and he also says do this in remembrance of me.

remembrance of me. remembrance of me. So, Zwingley and Luther were not able to So, Zwingley and Luther were not able to So, Zwingley and Luther were not able to get their parts of the reform movement get their parts of the reform movement get their parts of the reform movement together because of a difference over together because of a difference over together because of a difference over the nature of the presence of Christ in the nature of the presence of Christ in the nature of the presence of Christ in the Lord's supper. the Lord's supper. the Lord's supper. Uh the Lutheran teaching has been called Uh the Lutheran teaching has been called Uh the Lutheran teaching has been called different things. Consubstantiation is different things. Consubstantiation is different things. Consubstantiation is one of the names that has been given to one of the names that has been given to one of the names that has been given to it. But for Luther, the real presence, it. But for Luther, the real presence, it. But for Luther, the real presence, the corporeal presence of Christ in when the corporeal presence of Christ in when the corporeal presence of Christ in when and under the elements is a very, very and under the elements is a very, very and under the elements is a very, very important teaching. It's as important to important teaching. It's as important to important teaching. It's as important to Luther as union with Christ is to reform Luther as union with Christ is to reform Luther as union with Christ is to reform folk. folk. folk. And they were not able to get together. And they were not able to get together. And they were not able to get together. Interestingly, a number of years later Interestingly, a number of years later Interestingly, a number of years later in the formula of Concord, that great in the formula of Concord, that great in the formula of Concord, that great Lutheran document, there is still Lutheran document, there is still Lutheran document, there is still reference to Zwingley's views. Here's reference to Zwingley's views. Here's reference to Zwingley's views. Here's what the formula of concord is. It is to what the formula of concord is. It is to what the formula of concord is. It is to be noted be noted be noted that in the beginning there are two that in the beginning there are two that in the beginning there are two kinds of sacramentarians. Now when a kinds of sacramentarians. Now when a kinds of sacramentarians. Now when a Lutheran calls you a sacramentarian, Lutheran calls you a sacramentarian, Lutheran calls you a sacramentarian, he's not giving you a compliment.

he's not giving you a compliment. he's not giving you a compliment. But the formula of concord says there But the formula of concord says there But the formula of concord says there are two kinds of sacramentarians. There are two kinds of sacramentarians. There are two kinds of sacramentarians. There there is there is there is there are gross sacramentarians who will declare in plain German clear who will declare in plain German clear words as they believe in their hearts words as they believe in their hearts words as they believe in their hearts that in the holy supper nothing but that in the holy supper nothing but that in the holy supper nothing but bread and wine is present and bread and wine is present and bread and wine is present and distributed and received with the mouth. distributed and received with the mouth. distributed and received with the mouth. Others however are subtle Others however are subtle Others however are subtle sacramentarians sacramentarians sacramentarians and these are the most injurious of all and these are the most injurious of all and these are the most injurious of all who partly speak very speciously in who partly speak very speciously in who partly speak very speciously in their own words and the pretend that their own words and the pretend that their own words and the pretend that they also believe in the true presence they also believe in the true presence they also believe in the true presence of the essential living body and blood of the essential living body and blood of the essential living body and blood of Christ in the holy supper. However of Christ in the holy supper. However of Christ in the holy supper. However that this occurs spiritually through that this occurs spiritually through that this occurs spiritually through faith. Nevertheless, they retain under faith. Nevertheless, they retain under faith. Nevertheless, they retain under these specious words precisely the these specious words precisely the these specious words precisely the former gross opinion, namely that in the former gross opinion, namely that in the former gross opinion, namely that in the holy supper nothing is present and holy supper nothing is present and holy supper nothing is present and received in the mouth except bread and received in the mouth except bread and received in the mouth except bread and wine. For with them the word spiritually wine. For with them the word spiritually wine. For with them the word spiritually no means nothing else that than that the no means nothing else that than that the no means nothing else that than that the spirit of Christ or the power of the spirit of Christ or the power of the spirit of Christ or the power of the absent body of Christ and his merit absent body of Christ and his merit absent body of Christ and his merit which is present.

which is present. which is present. But the body of Christ is in no mode or But the body of Christ is in no mode or But the body of Christ is in no mode or way present except only above in the way present except only above in the way present except only above in the highest heaven to which we should highest heaven to which we should highest heaven to which we should elevate ourselves into heaven by the elevate ourselves into heaven by the elevate ourselves into heaven by the thoughts of our faith. And there not at thoughts of our faith. And there not at thoughts of our faith. And there not at all, however, in the bread and wine of all, however, in the bread and wine of all, however, in the bread and wine of the Holy Supper should we seek the body the Holy Supper should we seek the body the Holy Supper should we seek the body and blood of Christ. This is a actually and blood of Christ. This is a actually and blood of Christ. This is a actually a pretty good depiction of Zwingley and a pretty good depiction of Zwingley and a pretty good depiction of Zwingley and Calvin on the Lord's Supper. They they Calvin on the Lord's Supper. They they Calvin on the Lord's Supper. They they call Zwingley a gross sacramentarian and call Zwingley a gross sacramentarian and call Zwingley a gross sacramentarian and Calvin a subtle sacramentarian. Neither Calvin a subtle sacramentarian. Neither Calvin a subtle sacramentarian. Neither of those are compliments. of those are compliments. of those are compliments. And so Zwingley argued with the Lutheran And so Zwingley argued with the Lutheran And so Zwingley argued with the Lutheran on the Lord's supper. Zwingley also took on the Lord's supper. Zwingley also took on the Lord's supper. Zwingley also took a different tack to the advancement of a different tack to the advancement of a different tack to the advancement of the reformation in Zurich. the reformation in Zurich. the reformation in Zurich. Luther and many of his contemporaries Luther and many of his contemporaries Luther and many of his contemporaries were content to allow civil authorities were content to allow civil authorities were content to allow civil authorities to advance the reformation by default. to advance the reformation by default. to advance the reformation by default. Zwingley actively desired the Zwingley actively desired the Zwingley actively desired the advancement of the reformation by civil advancement of the reformation by civil advancement of the reformation by civil authorities. He was very deliberate authorities. He was very deliberate authorities. He was very deliberate about that. His views might be described about that. His views might be described about that. His views might be described as a rastian. He he viewed a certain as a rastian. He he viewed a certain as a rastian. He he viewed a certain kind of supreme authority in the state kind of supreme authority in the state kind of supreme authority in the state or in the city in advancing the or in the city in advancing the or in the city in advancing the reformation. Now this should remind us reformation. Now this should remind us reformation. Now this should remind us by the way that views on how the church by the way that views on how the church by the way that views on how the church relate to the state relate to the state relate to the state will remain significantly controversial

will remain significantly controversial will remain significantly controversial in reformed Christianity for the next in reformed Christianity for the next in reformed Christianity for the next 300 years after Zwingley and will often 300 years after Zwingley and will often 300 years after Zwingley and will often be the main reason why Christians divi be the main reason why Christians divi be the main reason why Christians divi divide from one another. That should divide from one another. That should divide from one another. That should remind us as we address those kinds of remind us as we address those kinds of remind us as we address those kinds of questions today to be careful questions today to be careful questions today to be careful to seek everything we can to preserve to seek everything we can to preserve to seek everything we can to preserve the unity of spirit and the bond of the unity of spirit and the bond of the unity of spirit and the bond of peace as we address these kinds of peace as we address these kinds of peace as we address these kinds of things together. These things divided things together. These things divided things together. These things divided even good and great reformers. even good and great reformers. even good and great reformers. Zingley also, were he here tonight, Zingley also, were he here tonight, Zingley also, were he here tonight, might be called by some a might be called by some a might be called by some a transformationalist, transformationalist, transformationalist, a Kyperian. He believed in the rule of God extending He believed in the rule of God extending over all of life, not just over personal over all of life, not just over personal over all of life, not just over personal life, not just over church life, but life, not just over church life, but life, not just over church life, but over everything. over everything. over everything. and he was constantly personally and he was constantly personally and he was constantly personally involved in political, economic and involved in political, economic and involved in political, economic and military discussions and alliances in military discussions and alliances in military discussions and alliances in order to gain an advantage for the order to gain an advantage for the order to gain an advantage for the gospel. One time he was asked gospel. One time he was asked gospel. One time he was asked Zwingley, what does this have to do with Zwingley, what does this have to do with Zwingley, what does this have to do with the gospel? They were discussing an the gospel? They were discussing an the gospel? They were discussing an economic matter and Zwingley's answer economic matter and Zwingley's answer economic matter and Zwingley's answer was much in every way. Whereas Luther was much in every way. Whereas Luther was much in every way. Whereas Luther tended to say preach the gospel and tended to say preach the gospel and tended to say preach the gospel and everything else will take care of everything else will take care of everything else will take care of itself.

itself. itself. Zwingley wanted to see the Bible applied Zwingley wanted to see the Bible applied Zwingley wanted to see the Bible applied to every area of life. to every area of life. to every area of life. Zwingley was a man that believed that Zwingley was a man that believed that Zwingley was a man that believed that Christ and culture interrelate in Christ and culture interrelate in Christ and culture interrelate in intricate ways and he believed that intricate ways and he believed that intricate ways and he believed that Christ was a transformer of culture and Christ was a transformer of culture and Christ was a transformer of culture and that culture should be converted to the that culture should be converted to the that culture should be converted to the glory of Christ. He had what we might glory of Christ. He had what we might glory of Christ. He had what we might call a reformed world and life view. call a reformed world and life view. call a reformed world and life view. Now again, how the gospel relates to Now again, how the gospel relates to Now again, how the gospel relates to culture, how the Bible relates to culture, how the Bible relates to culture, how the Bible relates to culture will be one of the things that culture will be one of the things that culture will be one of the things that will distinguish Luther and Zwingley and will distinguish Luther and Zwingley and will distinguish Luther and Zwingley and Calvin and Cranmer and Knox and others Calvin and Cranmer and Knox and others Calvin and Cranmer and Knox and others in the reformation. It will end up being in the reformation. It will end up being in the reformation. It will end up being in its specifics a dividing thing. in its specifics a dividing thing. in its specifics a dividing thing. That's a good reminder for us today. I That's a good reminder for us today. I That's a good reminder for us today. I believe that the great challenges for believe that the great challenges for believe that the great challenges for unity in the reformed resurgent that's unity in the reformed resurgent that's unity in the reformed resurgent that's that's going on around us today will that's going on around us today will that's going on around us today will often come in this area of how we often come in this area of how we often come in this area of how we approach culture approach culture approach culture and we need to go back and learn from and we need to go back and learn from and we need to go back and learn from them. Learn from their mistakes. One of them. Learn from their mistakes. One of them. Learn from their mistakes. One of the things we'll find out is that even the things we'll find out is that even the things we'll find out is that even in their successes there are always in their successes there are always in their successes there are always liabilities no matter what your approach liabilities no matter what your approach liabilities no matter what your approach to culture.

to culture. to culture. And so we need to be humble and And so we need to be humble and And so we need to be humble and recognize that this divided early recognize that this divided early recognize that this divided early reformers and we need to do what we can reformers and we need to do what we can reformers and we need to do what we can to preserve our unity in our own day. to preserve our unity in our own day. to preserve our unity in our own day. Zingley had a beautiful pulpit prayer Zingley had a beautiful pulpit prayer Zingley had a beautiful pulpit prayer that I want to share with you before we that I want to share with you before we that I want to share with you before we go on to our next friend. It goes like go on to our next friend. It goes like go on to our next friend. It goes like this. Almighty God, this. Almighty God, this. Almighty God, eternal and compassionate, eternal and compassionate, eternal and compassionate, whose word is a lamp to our feet and a whose word is a lamp to our feet and a whose word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, open and enlighten light to our path, open and enlighten light to our path, open and enlighten our hearts our hearts our hearts that we may understand purely and that we may understand purely and that we may understand purely and clearly clearly clearly thy words. thy words. thy words. May they transform us according to this May they transform us according to this May they transform us according to this exact understanding that we may never be exact understanding that we may never be exact understanding that we may never be displeasing to thy divine majesty displeasing to thy divine majesty displeasing to thy divine majesty through Jesus Christ our Lord. through Jesus Christ our Lord. through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.