Reformation Profiles

- Season 1

(2012)

In the early sixteenth century, the place of the Word of God had shifted in the Roman Catholic Church and the Bible no longer stood as the central authority upon which the Christian life rested. In the second part of this series, Stephen Nichols explains how this condition would begin to change.

Mankind continually looks internally for solutions that can only be found externally. In the sixteenth century, the Roman Catholic Church had created a system of merit integral for salvation and incumbent upon works. In the third part of this series, Stephen Nichols explains how the weight of these demands crushed Christians throughout Europe.

Paul and Silas' exhortation to the Philippian jailer in Acts 16:30 reminds that salvation comes through grace by faith alone. The Word of God is replete with similar assertions. In the fourth part of this series, Stephen Nichols tells the story of Lady Jane Grey and explains why she could face death with confidence.

Throughout his life, John Calvin clung to the promise of eternal life, letting it infuse and shape everything he did. In the fifth part of this series, Stephen Nichols demonstrates how Calvin understood the principle of solus Christus ("Christ alone"), believing that the blessing of salvation by grace through faith alone awaits those who cling to our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

The Reformers of the sixteenth and seventeenth century understood well the importance of not divorcing "religious life" and "normal life" as all of life is to be lived for the glory of God. In the sixth part of this series, Stephen Nichols explains how Soli Deo Gloria, "the glory of God alone," drove the Reformers in every area of life.

In the final part of this series, Stephen Nichols helps believers understand why the Reformation mattered then and now. He answers questions such as what is the greatest threat to Sola Scriptura in the church today, what happened to Puritanism in the United States, and more.