The Reformation Part 16: The Fruits of the Reformation
The Reformation Part 16: The Fruits of the Reformation
Through the Reformation, the Lord restored the Biblical Gospel to the center of the Churches’ Message & Mission. Wherever the Gospel has been received and Biblical Protestant faith has flourished Christians have experienced the joy of bearing significant spiritual fruit. Below are some of the most important fruits of the Reformation as seen in the personal lives of Christians and the corporate life of the church.
One Place for Truth
Protestants look to the Bible as the final authority for faith and practice. Thus no council, denomination, pastor, elder, board, book, school or ministry has the final say in matters of faith, doctrine, practice or belief.
One Power to Save Us
Protestants rely on God’s grace alone to save them. God’s grace is both his stance toward us, (namely his graciousness) and the desire and power to do His will (His enablement). When Protestants affirm that they are saved by grace alone they mean not only that God has given them an unmerited gift or favor (his graciousness) but also and most importantly, he has overcome their depravity and inability to respond to His grace (the desire and power to do his will).
One Plan to Save Us
Protestants believe in salvation by faith alone apart from all human works, apart from all human merit, apart from any agency. There is no other plan of salvation which is acceptable to God. The righteousness of God imputed to a believing sinner is the only means of justification.
One Person to Save Us
Protestants trust in Christ alone as the mediator between God and man and the only priest anyone needs for salvation. He is the only person who can save us and the only way to be saved and justified.
One Purpose in Life
Protestants live for the glory of God alone as the purpose for which all things were and are created. Man cannot take any credit for his salvation since we are all depraved and in need of regeneration. God’s greatest purpose in all that he does is to bring glory to Himself. In short, the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.
Make It Matter
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Enjoy the fruit of being saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, as it is taught in Scripture alone, for the glory of God alone!
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Celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation this Sunday at Kindred and also wherever you are next Tuesday, October 31st.
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Deepen your understanding and experience of the Protestant faith by attending the course, The Reformation, offered at both the 8:30 and 10:30 services at Kindred from September 3— December 10.
This is the final Reformation blog in the series but I encourage you to celebrate this weekend and next Tuesday the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation! Soli Deo Gloria!