The word “reformation” once meant to renew, restore, or reestablish, as in to convert, bring back, or restore to the original form or state. It has come to mean, a correction or removal of defects or errors, as in reparation or rebuilding. Both of these definitions aptly describe God’s work in His Church through the rediscovery of the gospel in what we now call the Protestant Reformation.

Reformation was not a new concept in the sixteenth century. Since the inception of the church, the need for reform has been felt in every generation. Many of the faithful throughout history have tried to make changes to bring the church closer to sacred Scripture.

Most of the attempts at reform in the church from the time of Augustine to the Protestant Reformation were largely external, addressing immoralities, corruptions, and practices. But the Protestant Reformation was different. It went beyond behavior and practices and addressed the heart of the matter. It was a revival that was born out of a return to sacred Scripture and through it to the gospel.

We celebrate the Reformation to make much of Christ, not the Reformation. We do not venerate men. We do, however, acknowledge God's gifting and mighty work through instruments of His choosing for His glory. We worship God alone and praise Him for His grace toward us through this pivotal period in history that unleashed the gospel afresh on a dark and forgetful world. Our purpose with this website is to glorify God in Christ through the truth of the gospel of grace for joy.

The Story Next: Corruptions