This post is written for those of those, who like me, trace their theological roots back to the reformation of the 16th century.
About a week ago Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary put on a conference about the Reformation. Dr. Ted Van Raalte gave the opening speech. He argued that the Reformation happened by the grace of God. He demonstrated that earthly factors could not account for the reformation
This simple fact seems obvious to Christians (Maybe not to those who don’t see the reformation as a good thing). Even though it is obvious, it remains essential. The gifts that we have and the truth that we believe are all a gift from him. We stand in grace.
It is a warning against idolizing those men who were the means to that reformation as well. God worked through their weakness. It wasn’t the strength of their ideas or their logic that won the day. God won the day, sometimes despite the reformers.
Understanding this is important. It is important for our labor in understanding the scriptures. Here we continue to grow by God’s grace. It is important for how we view other Christians. We are nothing special for our knowledge. It is a gift. God’s Word calls us to humility. We are to demonstrate humility in our interactions with others; including those with less understanding. We are to pray for them. Let us continue as little children, receiving the gifts of our heavenly father.
God’s grace in Christ is indescribable. God’s grace in our history is indescribable. That grace is fundamental to whatever wisdom or knowledge that we have. That grace is the reason we seek to convince and persuade others to join us in the kingdom of God. It is that same grace, which gives us a reason to encourage all Christians to grow in knowing God in an increasingly fuller and better way. For that reason, I want to continue the work of the reformers, both in defending what they grew to understand and in continuing their work of further submission to the word and work of God.