The Cry for Reformation — When Light Broke Through Again

---

(The Great Falling Away, Part 8)

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
— Psalm 119:105, NASB1995

---

A Flicker of Light in a World of Control

For centuries, the Word of God had been kept from the people. The Church governed with fear, tradition, and political power.
But God was not silent.

He raised up voices across Europe—men who dared to challenge religious tyranny and call the Church back to Scripture, faith, and freedom in Christ.

These weren’t perfect men. But they ignited a return to the Word that would shake nations.

---

The Early Reformers and Pre-Reformers

John Wycliffe (c. 1320s–1384)

• Translated the Bible into English
• Declared Scripture as the final authority
• Rejected transubstantiation and papal supremacy
• Called the Pope the “antichrist”

Jan Hus (c. 1372–1415)

• Preached against indulgences and corrupt clergy
• Influenced by Wycliffe’s writings
• Burned at the stake for refusing to recant

Martin Luther (1483–1546)

• Nailed the 95 Theses to the church door in 1517
• Denounced the sale of indulgences
• Declared salvation is by grace through faith, not works
• Translated the Bible into German for the people

William Tyndale (c. 1494–1536)

• Translated the New Testament into English
• Declared that even a plowboy should know the Word
• Hunted, betrayed, and burned alive for giving the people Scripture

---

The Price of Truth

These reformers didn’t seek rebellion—they sought restoration.
They paid dearly:

• Excommunication
• Torture
• Martyrdom
• Misrepresentation

But they feared God more than man.

---

What Did the Reformation Restore?

1. Sola Scriptura — Scripture alone is our authority
2. Sola Fide — Justification by faith alone
3. Sola Gratia — Salvation by grace alone
4. Solus Christus — Christ alone is mediator
5. Soli Deo Gloria — All glory to God alone

These weren’t slogans—they were cries of the heart.

---

Application for Today

Ask yourself:

• Have I taken the Bible for granted?
• Do I trust tradition—or test all things by the Word?
• Would I still stand if it cost me everything?

---

Revelation 3:2–3

“Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain… Remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent.”