Reformers
The Reformation is larger than any man's life—larger than any group of people or movement. To speak of the Reformation properly is to speak of the work of God in and through living instruments and international circumstances.
Retelling the stories of faithful lives gone before us holds immense value, educationally, practically, and spiritually.
Historical biographies serve a particularly helpful role in the study of church history, as they bring to life the faithfulness of past generations. The history of Christ’s church is not abstract. Rather, it is a living history of His providential faithfulness in and through the lives of real people like us. Their personal stories offer insights into historical contexts, personalities, and movements, serving as a bridge between individual lives and broader historical narratives. They offer a unique opportunity to understand how God shaped and reshaped people to influence and shape our world. The value that biographies bring in the learning of history involves engaging the reader in more than mere factual information, it helps them to enter into history with eyes and a heart to feel the past.
Retelling the stories of lives faithful to God also offers practical value. Through the lives of faithful believers, we glean wisdom and learning. We gain from their losses. We learn to see differently through their experiences, drawing inspiration from their perseverance amidst trials. Accounts of faithful lives serve to affirm the enduring truth of God's Word, offering encouragement by demonstrating His providential hand guiding individuals and movements throughout history.
The legacy of these faithful servants glorifies God as their stories remind us of the power of the gospel and the continuity of His work to build His church. These stories reinforce the truth that God’s purposes prevail across the ages. God’s providential working in and through His people elevates our apprehension of the value and stewardship of life. It reminds us how precious life is and how no life is unimportant. Through their lives, we see God's glory revealed and the hope of glory radiate, encouraging us to remain steadfast, to persevere, and to rejoice in living and dying to make much of Christ.
Forerunners
Here is a short list of key individuals who proclaimed principles of reform prior to the Reformation.
Major Reformers
While others contributed valiantly for the cause of Christ in the Reformation, these five are highlighted for their unique contributions.
Martin Luther — Martin
Luther is simply one of the most significant figures in western history. God raised him up from
peasant stock to be used as the leading voice crying out across the land to return to Christ in
the Gospel of justification by faith alone through the Scripture.
Ulrich Zwingli — Ulrich
(or Huldrych) Zwingli possessed a number of qualities and convictions that were distinct from
Luther, sometimes even going beyond what Luther had contributed.
William Tyndale — William
Tyndale was one of the greatest lovers of the Lord Jesus Christ that the church has ever been
blessed to know. The story of his life is one of great discovery. He was the Englishman that
“gave God an English voice.”
John Calvin — John Calvin
has been labeled "The Man of the Millennium." As Luther was used of God to give life to the
Reformation, Calvin was used of God to give it a body. He was extraordinarily God-centered.
John Knox — John Knox boldly
embraced the
Reformation in a dangerously anti-Reformation realm. He demonstrated a fierceness for the freedom
of the free gospel of the only Lord, Jesus the Christ and Savior.
Other Reformers
Many were the hands and hearts that contributed to the Reformation. Here are a few other prominent reformers.
Friends of the Reformation
Several magistrates and political leaders supported the Reformation and played significant roles in its advancement. Some of the most notable figures are listed below.
