CHURCH HISTORY Part 3 -:- [Who Were The Reformers]
Published 20151109 -:- Revised 20250829
NB: I am dyslexic so please bear with me. Bible references are from MKJV unless noted otherwise.
AIM --- The aim of this talk is to 1- pinpoint the start of the Reformation and, 2- list some of the Reformers and their teaching.
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REASON --- Many of these reformers died horrendous deaths “running the race” to pass on to us the baton of Protestantism. So it is vitally important that from generation to generation we check that we still hold that same baton with integrity.
REFERENCES & EQUIPMENT ---
MKJ= Bible references are from the Modern King James Bible unless noted otherwise.
WH= Classic Time line of World History by Sebastian Adam [based on Ussher’s ‘Annals of the World’] (9m wall chart)
HYY= History Year by Year (by Dorling Kindersley Ltd)
GPF= Great People of Faith and Wisdom (by Readers Digest)
HCC= History of The Christian Church (by Philip Schaff) via e-Sword 1882 Edition
FBM= Fox’s Book of Martyrs – via e-Sword
WP= Wikipedia
CN= e-Sword Commentary Notes by “NAME” on Bible Ref “BOOK CH: Vrs” e.g. [ref CN Clark on Dan 7:7].
EN= Microsoft Encyclopaedia Encarta 2006. with reference word to be used, e.g. [ref EN i.e. Protestantism]
EB= Encyclopædia Britannica 1999 Edition
NA= New Advent. Catholic Encyclopaedia with reference word to be used, e.g. [ref NA i.e. Jesuits, The]
TV= Television for Slide presentations.
DISCLAIMER -- Clearly I don’t want to upset anyone’s faith or beliefs. That’s why most of this work is made up of “quotations” from reputable articles you can source to verify. HCC is in old ‘1880’ English so direct quotes are somewhat hard to understand. To change it too much would make it harder to find the references. If a reference is underlined you can use that exact wording to find the original article.
REVISION
I might at times make reference to prophecies. This is for the benefit of those who understand the historic viewpoint.
In the first lesson we covered the following points:-
Apostles took the gospel beyond the Roman world. By the 200’s the gospel was in northern Europe, Norway and China.
The Roman persecutions. In 313, Emperor Constantine became Christian, gave tolerance to All Forms of worship legalizing Christianity.
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367 The idolatrous false worship of Mary, martyrs and saints idolatry and relics, all these were an integral part of the Church.
380 Papal Supremacy “Theodosius's edict..referred to the Bishop of Rome..as a pontifex,” The old title for the High Priest of Rome.
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393 The Canon, the name we give to the 66 books called the bible, how it was determined, who did or didn’t want the Apocrypha.
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The fall of Rome, invaded some 6 times by 754AD, by Arian Christian kings. They feared the Pope, and bowed to his power. 800-1000AD The Western Roman Empire crumbled. The TEN kingdoms rising up like in Dan 2:34 “iron and clay, partly weak and partly strong.”
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From 400 to 1000AD the pope became more powerful. The pope with help from the Christian kingdoms, destroyed THREE Arian kingdoms in 496 the Visigoths, 534 the Vandals and 790 the Lombards. Dan 7:8 “little horn…. three of the first horns plucked up by the roots”
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612 God’s use of Islam, it rose up from ‘the bottomless pit’ took a third of the Roman World, [Rev ch.9:15]. Creating havoc, destroyed idols and manuscripts; it temporarily cleansed the East Empire of idolatry. As prophesied after 150 years in 762 the Arabs pulled back. [Rev 9:5]
The False Teaching which had risen by the early 700’s. Such as - infallibility, image-worship, celibacy, purgatory, abolition of the Christian Sabbath, transubstantiation, and withholding the cup of communion.
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What Started The Reformation in 1010AD heresy mingled with Christian teachings exploded all over Europe. They were broadly known as the new Manicheans. We also covered may of their objections to the catholic teachings.
Also some Catholic Reformers, Hildegard and her visions and prophecies. Dominic and Francis and the orders that they founded.
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The TURMOIL IN THE EAST, how in 1010 God inspired the Arabs and Turks to take the holy land, this provoked THE CRUSADES. In 1453 Constantinople fell, then Greek scholars took refuge in the west, kindled the reformation…. The lord works in mysterious ways.
The Crusades Against Albibenses from 1163 to 1244. Which ended with millions butchered by the church of Rome.
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The Increase In Knowledge starting with Wiclif’s translations in 1380, 1440 The Printing Press, the freshness of Greek manuscripts from Constantinople, and in 1611 the King James Bible. By then the world had the bible printed in every major language of Europe.
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1478 The Spanish Inquisition, instituted by Pope Sixtus iv. Continued until 1873, and millions of Christians died at the hands of the pope.
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1517 The Reformation Started, 31 October 1517, when “Luther posted the ninety-five theses on the door of the castle church of Wittenberg.
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The Church of Rome - “was driven to a Counter-Reform which abolished some of the most crying abuses and infused new life and zeal into her clergy and laity…thus the two branches of western Christendom seem to hold each other in check,” [ref HCC vol.7 ch.1:2]
Q & A -----
LESSON -- CHURCH HISTORY Part 3
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THE HISTORIC INTERPRETATION OF REVELATION
Now I am NOT asking you to believe this view! But it is vitally important that you understand this interpretation of revelation. Why? Well let me put it this way. We today see World News events eg. Atomic Bomb, Cuba. Cold War, Gulf War, 9/11, Global Warming etc. and we ponder over prophecies and wonder. Well why can’t the early church be allowed to do the same? And so they did, and they saw the Church of Rome as the Beast and the pope as the Antichrist. He fitted all the requirements in scripture. This is what they saw being fulfilled.
Dan 7:8, The little horn, came up among the other ten, plucked up three other horns by the roots. (the three Arian kingdoms, we covered )
Dan7:25 speak great words against the most High, wear out the saints, change times and laws. (Sunday Sabbath, delete “no graven image”)
2Th_2:4 So that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. (the true church is the temple not a building)
Rev 13:1-18.Vs.4 dragon gave power to beast. Vs.5 forty and two months. vs.6 blasphemy God, name, those that dwell in heaven, vs.8 shall worship him, vs.11 two horned beast, vs.16 mark in right hand..foreheads, vs.17 no man might buy or sell, vs.18 six hundred and sixty six
Churches today DO NOT believe this teaching, it’s not taught! It went out of fashion over 60 years ago. You couldn’t teach that view today, because it is “politically incorrect”, “you would be laughed at”, and “called a racist”. Besides no modern reference books teach it, it’s old!
But the Reformers believed it! It’s in all their writings. So I want you to hold that thought while we work through history as they saw it. Ask pastor Daniel Nalliah what’s life like in a Muslim state. Imagine the whole world like that! The reformers lived like that under papal rule.
Other Bible scholars with this same view are listed here in this quote: -
“2. The Continuous (or Historical) system: The Apocalypse is a prophetic compend of church history and covers all Christian centuries to the final consummation. It speaks of things past, present, and future; some of its prophecies are fulfilled, some are now being fulfilled, and others await fulfillment in the yet unknown future. Here belong the great majority of orthodox Protestant commentators and polemics who apply the beast and the mystic Babylon and the mother of harlots drunken with the blood of saints to the church of Rome, either exclusively or chiefly. But they differ widely among themselves in chronology and the application of details. Luther, Bullinger, Collado, Pareus, Brightman, Mede, Robert Fleming, Whiston, Vitringa, Bengel, Isaac Newton, Bishop Newton, Faber, Woodhouse, Elliott, Birks, Gaussen, Auberlen, Hengstenberg, Alford, Wordsworth, Lee.” [ref HCC vol.1 ch.12:101]
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A.J. Ferris adds to this lists -- Wyclif, Calvin, Bishop Latimer, Knox, John Foxe, Bunyan, John Wesley, Dr Hudson Taylor, Moody, Bishop J.C.Ryle, Principal R S Candlish, Bishop Barnes USA, Finney, Dr. H G Guinness, Spurgeon, Dr F B Meyer, Dinsdale Young. = 40 names
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Q & A -----
REFORMERS BEFORE THE REFORMATION -- Commence slide show: - [Power Point – CHp3 A]
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From my last talk -- “The title, Reformers before the Reformation, has been aptly given to a group of men of the 14th and 15th centuries who anticipated many of the teachings of Luther and the Protestant Reformers. They stand, each by himself, in solitary prominence, Wyclif in England, John Huss in Bohemia, Savonarola in Florence, and Wessel, Goch and Wesel in Northern Germany.” [ref HCC vol.6 ch.5:40]
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The men from this group and the following group ‘The Reformers’, I would like to discuss each of them only briefly, covering their country of origin, dates and highlights etc. roughly in chronological order. In the middle of this we have the landmark event of Luther and 1517.
John Wyclif, (1324-1384) – his first debate with the pope 1374 (Wyclif, Wycliffe or Wiclif)???
Born near the village of Wiclif, Yorkshire, England. Called the Morning Star of the Reformation. He died of paralysis, and passed away a few days after, Dec. 29, 1384. 1375 “in his lectures, against the pope--his usurpation--his infallibility--his pride--his avarice-- and his tyranny. He was the first who termed the pope Antichrist.” [ref FBM ch.7]. First translator of the whole Bible into English (1380)
In the 1380s the Lollards arose in England, inspired by the teachings of the theologian John Wycliffe. [ref EN Protestantism]
John Huss, (1369-1415) -- condemned miracles at Wylsnak 1403
Born at Hussenitz, a village in Bohemia, (now the Czech Republic) about 1369 to 1380.?? Educated at the University of Prague, receiving his MA degree in 1396..lecturer in theology..1401 dean of philosophical faculty. Ordained a priest in 1400, preached his sermons in Czech instead of Latin. [ref EN Huss]. 1403 he spoke against alleged miracles at Wylsnak. [ref HCC vol.6 ch.5:44]. 1408 forbidden to preach, 1409 Alexander V issued a bull condemning teachings of Wycliffe. Huss was teaching Wycliffe's doctrines, was excommunicated in 1410.” [ref EN John Huss]. “Huss pronounced the bulls of Alexander and John XXIII. anti-christian. So he preached in public till, 1415 Saturday, July 6th, Huss was burnt at the stake in Bohemia. Hussitism has a close link with the Bohemian Brethren and the Moravians
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A reminder here 1440 was the invention of The Printing Press
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Girolamo Savonarola, (Jerome) (1452-1498) -- he upset the pope 1495
Born in Ferrara Sept. 21, 1452, died in Florence May 23, 1498. Italian catholic Dominican friar, he remained loyal to the pope. His preaching was powerful, drew crowds of 12000, and was a prophet. He was a religious reformer who briefly controlled Florence in the 15th century by establishing a righteous theocratic government along the same lines as Moses governed Israel for 40ys. He criticized the corruption of Pope Alexander VI and was eventually excommunicated. In 1498 Savonarola was declared guilty of heresy, tortured seven days until delirious then hanged and his body burned and the ashes were thrown into the Arno river.” [ref EN] [ref HCC vol.6 ch.9:76]
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Q & A -----
Wesel, Goch and Wessel
“A group of theologians in Northwestern Germany, closely associated by locality and training with the ‘Brothers of the Common Life’ and anticipated the coming age by the doctrinal reforms which they proposed… They were quietly searching after the marks of the true Church and the doctrine of justification by faith in Christ alone.” [ref HCC vol.6 ch.9:75]
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John Wesel (about 1410-1481) -- Charged with heresy 1479
John Ruchrath von Wesel, born (I guess about 1410) in Oberwesel on the Rhine between Mainz and Coblentz. He taught at University of Erfurt. 1458 was vice-rector. Luther admired him. Later he was cathedral preacher in Mainz and Worms. In 1479 he came before the Inquisition at Mainz. Charged with attacking the hierarchy, indulgences and almost all Roman Catholic tenets. Also that Scriptures alone are a trustworthy source of authority; the names of the predestinate are written in the book of life and cannot be erased by a priestly ban; indulgences do not profit; Christ is not pleased with festivals of fasting, pilgrimages or priestly celibacy; Christ’s body can be in the bread without any change….pope and councils are not to be obeyed if they are out of accord with the Scriptures; he whom God chooses will be saved irrespective of pope and priests, and all who have faith will enjoy as much blessedness as prelates. The doctrines of indulgences and the fund of merit he pronounced unscriptural and pious frauds. The elect are saved wholly through the grace of God. [ref HCC vol.6 ch.9:75]
By now very old lacking strength to stand his ground, he submitted, publicly recanted, his books burnt, gaoled for life. Died 2 yrs later.
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John Goch (1400-1475) – his writings only became public 1522
John Pupper, 1400-1475, usually called John of Goch born in a hamlet on the lower Rhine near Cleves, seems to have been trained in one of the schools of the ‘Brothers of the Common Life’, and then studied in Cologne and perhaps in Paris. He founded a house of Augustinians near Mecheln, remaining at its head till his death. His writings were not published till after the beginning of the Reformation. He anticipated that movement in asserting the supreme authority of the Bible. [ref HCC vol.6 ch.9:75]
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John Wessel, (1420-1489) or Johann, Wessel of Gansfort -- published his work 1522
born in Groningen 1420, died 1489. he studied Greek and Hebrew, in Heidelberg and in Paris. None of Wessel’s writings were published till after the Reformation. In them he declared that pope and councils may err and he defined the Church to be the communion of the saints. The unity of the Church does not lie in the pope. He laid stress upon the faith of the believer in partaking of the eucharist. The prerogative of the keys belongs to all believers. Plenary indulgences are a detestable invention of the papacy to fill its treasury.Luther wrote the preface to Wessel’s writings 1522. [ref HCC vol.6 ch.9:75]
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Q & A -----
1517 THE TWO WITNESSES First Read Rev 11:1-13.
Now let me try to explain this for you from the historic viewpoint. The Two Witnesses are the gospel and the witness of believers.
Mat_24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be proclaimed in all the world as a witness.. Joh_15:27 And you also shall bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning. By 1514 Rome had virtually stopped the production of bibles, (the gospels); and killed nearly all heretics, (believers). If you hold to the futurist view, the Two Witnesses and the 3½ days is still yet to come. And it happens before or after, the second or third advent of Christ, depending on how you see “the secret coming” of Christ.
Now Regardless of what view you hold to, I am sure you will all find these events in history very interesting.
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Just recapping, The Spanish Inquisition was instituted in 1478. So it was well under way when the Fifth Lateran Council started 3 May 1512 and ran till 16 Mar 1517. During the eighth session, the council sent out letters and notice to the heretics “to Hungary and Bohemia”: -
1. Granting them “safe-conduct as to their coming, going, remaining .. and afterwards for departing and returning to their own territories”
2. With the dead-line to present their case at the ninth session when the .. “Lateran council shall be held on 5 April 1514”
3. For "the purpose..they may recognise the errors to which they have long been .. and may be led back, with God's guidance, to the true practice of religion and into the bosom of holy mother church.” [ref Google “5th Lateran Council” SESSION 8] .. A Catholic web sit.
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were no Protestant protests against Rome?
The council concluded saying, “no topics remained for debate and discussion by them, and that over several months nothing at all new had been brought before them by anyone” [ref “5th Lateran Council” SESSION 12]. They had WON!
No more bibles in common language and no believers to preach from them.
The pope was so confident he pre-emptively produced a medal in 1515….à With inscription "LEO X PONT MAX", rev Roma seated to left, holding Victory C-P
“A few years before Luther appeared, a medal was struck to commemorate the extinction of so-called heresy” [ref CN Meyer on Rev 11]. Pope Leo X’s extravagance was legendary; “The pope led the cardinals in the pursuit of pleasure and in extravagance in the use of money.” [ref HCC vol.6 ch.6:56]
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As for Rev 11:9 “shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves”. That seemed to be the norm for the vengeance of the Roman Church.
Wyclif’s bones were dug up and cast into the flames [ref HCC vol.6 ch.10], the corpses of Protestants dug up, burnt, and cast into the river [ref HCC vol.8 ch.4:39], Zwingli’s ashes were mingled with the ashes of swine, and scattered [ref HCC vol.8 ch.5:47], Martin Bucer died “1551. Six years after his death his body was dug up, chained upright to a stake and burned, under Queen Mary” [ref HCC vol.8 ch.11:85]
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Lets do the maths -- 5 April 1514 to 31 October 1517 = 3 ½ years + 26 days. Now let’s apply the rule “a day for a year”
Rev 11:11 “And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear ...”
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Q & A -----
WHO WERE THE REFORMERS
The title ‘The Reformers’ is generally given to those who opposed the papal doctrines from when Luther nailed up his 95 theses in 1517, onward to, in my opinion about 1798 when the Pope was take prisoner by Napoleon’s General Berthier. From the historic view that was the end of the 3 ½ (prophetic years) = 1260 real years. Starting from the ‘Puppet pope in 538 to 1798. (1798 – 538 = 1260 years) [RB 2-26]
“In great creative epochs of the Church, God associates congenial leaders for mutual help and comfort. In the Reformation of the sixteenth century, we find Luther and Melanchthon in Germany, Zwingli and Oecolampadius, Farel and Viret, Calvin and Beza in Switzerland, Craniner, Latimer, and Ridley in England, Knox and Melville in Scotland, working together with different gifts, but in the same spirit and for the same end. The Methodist revival of the eighteenth century was carried on by the co-operation of the two Wesleys and Whitefield; and the Anglo-Catholic movement of the nineteenth, by the association of Pusey, Newman, and Keble.” [ref HCC vol.7 ch.3:41]
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Martin Luther (1483-1546) -- his Ninety-Five Theses 1517
Martin Luther was born Nov. 10, 1483, at Eisleben in Prussian Saxony, where he died, Feb. 18, 1546. From a peasant background, 1501 entered University of Erfurt, learnt Latin Greek. Bachelor of Arts, 1505 as Master of Arts, (equal to modern Doctor of Philosophy). July ‘05 was struck by lightning, a friend died beside him. In his early years he had a fear of dying in sin, with no concept of grace. ‘06 becomes an Augustinian monk. ‘07 Ordained priest. ‘10 Travels to Rome and is appalled by its worldliness. ‘12 Becomes Professor of Biblical Theology at Wittenberg University. 1517 Publishes his Ninety-Five Theses attacking papal indulgences. [ref HCC vol.7 ch.2:18/19/20]
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“He wrote to Spalatin, Feb. 23, 1520, “that the Pope is the Antichrist.” on Oct. 11, wrote to Leo X. that “the papal dignity was fit only for traitors like Judas Iscariot whom God had cast out.” 1520 Luther burnt papal books, he said, “the Pope is God on earth, above all things, heavenly and earthly,..and no one dare ask, What doest thou?”” “Luther attacked the papal power as the very stronghold of Satan.” [ref HCC vol.7 ch.3:43/48]. Rector of University 1520 & 1521 was one of the leaders of humanism. 1521 Condemned by Rome and excommunicated. April at Diet of Worms, placed under the ban of the Emperor. Concealed at Wartburg Castle. Translates the New Testament Greek to German. 1525 Marries Katharina a ex-nun. 1532 Translates the Old Testament. Died in his bed at 63. [ref EN Martin Luther]
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Philipp Melanchthon (1497-1560) -- stepped up for Luther 1521
Born Philipp Schwarzert in Bretten (now in Baden), age 12 changed his surname. Educated at universities of Heidelberg and Tübingen. 1518 chair of Greek at the University of Wittenberg. Was a close associate of Luther, independently arrived at the same conclusion as Luther. 1519 Aug. he wrote “the Scriptures are the supreme rule of faith, and that we must not explain the Scriptures by the Fathers, but explain and judge the Fathers by the Scriptures”. Sept. he wrote “a Catholic Christian could not be required to believe any thing that was not warranted by the Scriptures.” He expressed doubts about transubstantiation and the whole fabric of the mass. [ref HCC vol.7 ch.3:43]
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1521 after Luther's confinement in the castle of Wartburg, he replaced Luther as leader of the Reformation cause at Wittenberg. In 1526 he became professor of theology and was sent with 27 other commissioners to make the constitutions of the reformed Churches of Germany uniform. At the Diet of Augsburg in 1530, Melanchthon presented the Augsburg Confession , consisting of 21 articles of faith that he had drawn up with Luther's advice. He desired harmony between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism, his views were regarded as heretical by strict Lutherans. [ref EN Melanchthon]
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Q & A -----
Huldrych Zwingli (1484–1531) -- preached against papal teaching 1522
Huldreich or Ulrich Zwingli was born January 1, 1484 at Wildhaus in the county of Toggenburg, Northeastern Switzerland. He taught Latin, degree of master of arts in 1506. Then to get his priesthood “he paid over one hundred guilders to buy off a rival candidate who was favored by the Pope.” Self taught Greek so he might study the New Testament in the original and reviled in it. Later studied Hebrew. His conversion was a gradual intellectual process, rather than sudden. Once he had chosen the Scriptures for his guide, he easily shook off the traditions of Rome. Based in Zürich. Very musical, the papist called him “the evangelical lute-player, piper, and whistler.” [ref HCC vol.8 ch.2:6&7]
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1522 preached against ecclesial corruption, fasting, the requirement of celibacy on the clergy, the veneration of saints, excommunication, and more—setting the stage for the Swiss Reformation. [ref I-net Huldrych Zwingli]. Believed in predestination. Zwingli disagreed with Luther on the Lord’s Supper. For the Swiss it’s a symbolic act, not a literal changing of the substance of the elements. He died in a battle at Cappel, Oct. 9, 1531. His ashes were mingled with the ashes of swine, and scattered. [ref HCC vol.7 ch.7:103] [ref HCC vol.8 ch.5:47]
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Johann Oecolampadius (1482-1531) -- Cautiously attacked Roman teaching 1521
Johann Oecolampadius born at Weinsberg 1482, studied law in Bologna, philology, scholastic philosophy, and theology in Heidelberg and Tübingen. Associate of Zwingli, ranked second to him in German Switzerland. 1502 Master of Arts. Study Greek and Hebrew Scriptures. 1515 called to Basel to be cardinal, later doctor of divinity. 1518 strongly attacked the custom of the Easter season jokes. Reading Luther’s work, became more evangelical. Cautiously attacked transubstantiation, Mariolatry, and the abuses of the confessional. Preached Sundays and week days attracting crowds. In 1525 was active in the Eucharistic controversy, defending the figurative interpretation, partly agreed with Zwingli. At Marburg 1529 he was with Zwingli, the chief debater. He took a conservative, intolerant stand against the Anabaptists as did Luther and Zwingli.
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He attacked what he regarded as Romes idolatry of the mass. The Reformation triumph in Berne in 1528 gave the final impetus. 1529 there was a mass anti Roman reaction, destroying any idolatrous material. Christ and the Gospel replaced the Church and tradition. German services, congregational singing, communion substituted for the Latin mass. The council passed laws forbidding Roman worship. Oecolampadius became the superintendent of the clergy of Basel. He opposed the supremacy of the State over the Church. Greatly supported the French Protestant refugees, and the Waldenses. 1528 married, age 45, had three children, named Eusebius, Alitheia, and Irene (Godliness, Truth, Peace). November, 1531, he passed away in peace, and buried behind the Minster. [ref All from HCC vol.8 ch.4:32]
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Q & A -----
Guillaume Farel (1489-1565), (William). -- expelled from France 1523
The pioneer of Protestantism in Western Switzerland, born of French aristocracy in Dauphiné. Strongly influenced by humanism and modernism. 1520 adopted Protestant views, ‘23 expelled from France for his views. At Basel his vigorous attacks on Roman Catholicism soon got him banished. Continued to preach in French-speaking Switzerland, and became known for his courage and fiery eloquence. ‘32 went to Geneva, where his preaching helped formally bring in Protestantism in ‘35. In 1536 He and John Calvin worked together on reforming and standardizing Church practices. Both forced to leave Geneva ‘38. Farel settled in Neuchâtel, persuaded the Genevans to allow Calvin's return ‘41, and he remained one of Calvin's closest advisers. [ref EN Farel].
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A man of faith and fire, bold and fearless, called the Elijah of the French Reformation, and “the scourge of the priests.” An ardent papist, he became as ardent a Protestant. Detested the prevailing corruptions and abuses of Romanism. He hated the pope as the veritable Antichrist, the mass as idolatry, pictures and relics as heathen idols which must be destroyed like the idols of the Canaanites. Age 66 he retuned to Neuchâtel and died peacefully 13 Sept. A monument was erected to him at Neuchâtel, May 4, 1876. [ref HCC vol.8 ch.7:60]
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Peter Viret (1511-1571) -- preach at Orbe against the pope 1531
The Reformer of Lausanne, the only native Swiss of the pioneers of Protestantism in Western Switzerland. Born, 1511, at Orbe, in the Pays de Vaud, educated for priesthood at Paris. Well educated in classical and theological learning. Like Luther and Farel, he struggled for truth and peace of conscience. Quit Romanism returned to Switzerland. 1531 asked by Farel to preach at Orbe with success and opposition. Worked with Farel and Froment in Geneva. He alone ate of the poisoned dish meant for the three, but recovered. A public disputation was held at Bern Oct.‘36. Viret, Farel, Calvin, Fabri, Marcourt, and Caroli were called to defend the Reformed doctrines. Result was the introduction of the Reformation Nov.’36. He also taught in the academy at Bern ‘40. ‘49 Beza joined him as second professor of theology.
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Five young Frenchmen trained by them, returned to France to preach, were seized at Lyons and burned 16May’53. Viret strongly preached predestination, he was deposed Jan’59, he went to Geneva and was appointed preacher of the city Mar’59. He presided as Moderator over the fourth national Synod of the Huguenots, Aug’63. Accepted call to academy at Orthez, in Bearn ‘66. There, in 1571, he died, the last of the triumvirate of the founders of the Reformed Church in French Switzerland. He was twice married. He was small, sickly, and emaciated, but fervent in spirit. An able and fruitful author with familiarity in classical and theological literature. Among his works were polemical books against the Council of Trent, against the mass and other doctrines of Romanism. [ref HCC vol.8 ch.7:63]
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John Calvin (1509 – 1564) – converted from Catholicism 1532
Born at Noyon in Picardy, July 10, 1509. He studied philosophy in the College of Montaign. [ref FBM ch.13] Later studied Greek and Hebrew, then Law, obtained Bachelor of Laws at Orleans, Feb. 14, 1531. Initially Roman Catholic, he describes his sudden conversion in 1532 like Paul on road to Damascus. He saw the legal truth of scripture and followed the Lord whole heartedly. More a theologian and statesman than a preacher, favorite doctrine predestination. In 1536 at Geneva “Calvin reformed the Church on social principles, and founded a theocracy on the democratic basis.”[ref HCC vol.8 ch.8:66]. Smilar to that of Savonarola’s government.
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“Calvinists fear God and nothing else. ..God alone is great, man is but a shadow. The fear of God makes them fearless of earthly despots... The fear of God is the basis of moral self-government, and self-government is the basis of true freedom.” Knowing that the ignorance of the Roman priesthood was a source of much superstition and corruption Calvin founded an Academy for the education of the ministry and all people. He died of asthma. The Waldensians, survived violent persecutions, and during the Reformation many adopted Calvinism.
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Q & A -----
Theodore Beza (1519-1605) -- teaching Greek 1549
French theologian, assisted, then succeeded, John Calvin as head of Protestant Reformation in Geneva. Born in Vézelay, Burgundy, on 24June’19. studied law and letters at Orléans, Bourges and Paris. ‘48, recovered from serious illness, he converted to Protestantism then joined Calvin in Geneva. ‘49 began teaching Greek at Lausanne, ‘59 founded the Genevan Academy with Calvin and became its first rector. As Calvin's successor he upheld the reformer's views, emphasizing God's eternal decrees and the centrality of predestination in God’s plan. He preached supralapsarianism, the doctrine that God's determination of the saved and the damned had preceded Adam's fall. [ref all EN]
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Beza contributed two Greek editions 1565, 1582 and an annotated Latin translation (1556) of the New Testament; these texts were used by Protestants for more than a century. Both the Geneva Bible (1560) and the King James Version (1611) were based on Beza's works. ‘81 he gave the University of Cambridge the Codex D or Codex Bezae, a 5th-century manuscript containing Greek and Latin texts of the Gospels and Acts, which he claimed to have discovered in a monastery in Lyon. Also other writings, He died in Geneva on October 13, 1605.
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Thomas Cranmer (or Craniner) (1489-1556) -- Anne Boleyn issues 1533
Born in Aslacton, Nottinghamshire, 2Jul’89, the son of a village squire. 1526 doctor of divinity from University of Cambridge. ‘29 gained favour of Henry VIII, aiding in annulment of his marriage to Catherine. Shortly thereafter appointed archdeacon of Taunton, made a royal chaplain. 1533 he was involve with the issues regarding Anne Boleyn and so on. Cranmer's policies more than ever identified him with the Reformation in England. He renounced allegiance to the pope, directed erasure of the pope's name from every prayer book, and pronounced the king of England head of the English Church. Greatly aided in the English translation of the Bible by Coverdale introduced in ’35. Lead in revising the creed and liturgy of the Church. ‘38 ordered to desecrate shrine of Thomas à Becket, and abolish many Catholic festivals.
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Tried to secure union of Church of England with Lutheran Church, invited to England many Protestant refugees. 1547 named by Henry as one of the regents of young king Edward VI, continued with Henry's religious reforms. Compiled the two prayer books sanctioned ‘49 and ’52. Wrote most of the 42 articles, or doctrinal statements of the Church of England. At the succession of Catholic (Bloody) Mary Tudor, she re-established papal jurisdiction. he was arrested 14Sep’53 confined to the Tower. Tortured, recanted his beliefs, declaring he believed firmly in the articles of the Roman Catholic Church and his writings were contrary to the word of God. Then was publicly degraded from archbishopric, excommunicated, and condemned to burning at the stake. Just before he died, 21Mar’56, he repudiated all his recantations, and exposed to the flames the right hand that had signed them. [ref EN Cranmer]
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Hugh Latimer (1485-1555) -- Anne Boleyn issues 1533
English prelate, reformer, and Protestant martyr, born in Thurcaston, Leicestershire. ordained University of Cambridge, actively supported the Reformation. Supported Henry VIII’s divorce issue, ‘30 royal chaplain, ’35 bishop of Worcester. ‘39 resigned his see, could not accept Henry's Act of Six Articles, which severely restricted Protestantism. imprisoned, but released on Edward VI accession, restored to favour at court. [ref EN Hugh Latimer] The reign of the bloody Queen Mary (1553-1558) was fearful, but sealed the doom of popery by the blood of Protestants, including Cranmer, Latimer, and Ridley, who were burnt in the market place at Oxford. [7-1-12
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Aged 67 weakened by injury from a fallen tree, every morning he rose at 2 am to studies. Summoned to London he patiently bore all the mocks and taunts by the papists. Cast into the Tower, being assisted by the grace of Christ, sustained a long time, with cruel and unmerciful handling he showed himself patient and cheerful; even to laugh to scorn the doings of his enemies. He prayed he might stand faithful to his doctrine, God to restore his Gospel to England, and preserve the Lady Elizabeth to be queen; all of which happened. At the stake, raised his eyes to heaven saying, "God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able." [ref FBM ch.16 pt.2]
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Nicholas Ridley (1500-1555) -- was pro Reformation 1537
English Protestant prelate, reformer, and martyr, born near Willimoteswyke, Northumberland, educated University of Cambridge also at universities of Paris and Louvain. Returned to be chaplain at Cambridge. ‘37 was pro Reformation, chaplain to Cranmer, then archbishop of Canterbury, later ’41 chaplain to Henry VIII. Under Edward VI he rose to prominence, renounced transubstantiation. ‘47 bishop of Rochester. he helped Cranmer on Book of Common Prayer, the 39 Articles , appointed to establish Protestantism in University of Cambridge. ‘50 bishop of London. After Edward, Ridley and Cranmer supported Lady Jane Grey as successor, pronounced Mary and Elizabeth, illegitimate. Under Mary, he went to the Tower, ‘54, refused to recant, was declared heretic, excommunicated, tried ‘55 he and Latimer burned at the stake. His writings were published 1841. [ref EN Ridley]
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Dr. Ridley was first in part converted by reading Bertram's book on the Sacrament, and by his conferences with archbishop Cranmer and Peter Martyr. Kind to Catholics, erect and well proportioned; forgiving; in self-mortification severe. His daily routine was private morning prayer in his study till 10 am, then daily prayer in his house. After Dinner sat an hour, conversing pleasantly, or playing at chess. Then study unless business or visits occurred; about 5 pm prayers; then chess for about an hour, then to his study till 11pm, in pray on his knees. In brief he was a pattern of godliness and virtue. To his sermons the people resorted, swarming about him like bees. [ref FBM ch.16 pt.2]
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John Knox (1513-1572) -- fled when Bloody Mary became queen 1553
Scottish reformer, founder of Presbyterianism in Scotland. Born in Haddington, educated at University of Glasgow. Originally a Roman Catholic priest. ‘43 became Protestant under Wishart, who was executed for heresy in St Andrews ‘46. Knox preached in his place. He was captured by French ‘47, spent 18 mths. galleys. Edward VI gained his release, he joined Church of England, ‘51 became royal chaplain. Bloody Mary became queen ‘53, Knox fled to Geneva till ‘59, met John Calvin. Visited Scotland ‘55 and began writing to Protestant nobles of Scotland. Wrote his treatise ‘58 directed against Catholic regent Mary of Guise. Returned to Scotland ’59 aided Protestant revolt against regency. Knox induced Elizabeth I to intervene. Mary of Guise murdered, French withdraw. Protestant’s then gained Scottish government.
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On 17Aug‘60, the Protestant reformers' Confession of Faith, written chiefly by Knox, was adopted. It remained the authorized Scottish creed for 200 years. He introduced the strict codes of Calvinism, different in that he preached the idea of the “Elect” to the peasant masses. The return of Catholic Mary, queen of Scots ’61 “opened old wounds”. Knox sermons violently opposed Mary, later she fled to England. The acts of 1560 in favour of the reformed religion were ratified by the Scottish parliament. Knox's influence remained a formidable force, He preached powerfully at coronation of James VI ’67 and at the opening of the Scottish parliament. ‘72 he retired to St Andrews after a stroke and died 24Nov 1572. Presbyterianism was a symbol of Scottish nationalism struggle against Catholic monarchs [ref EN John Knox]
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Andrew Melville (1545-1622) -- had to leave Scotland 1584
Born near Montrose in 1545. Before him Reformers were concerned with how people were saved and correct worship of God. He said church must be organised as in the New Testament, and should be Presbyterian. Government should not control the church. Melville went to university in St Andrews then to Geneva to study the Bible and teach Latin. Returned ‘74 as principal of University of Glasgow. At the General Assembly spoke against the ‘Tulchan’ bishops, as had Knox. “No such thing in the Bible as a bishop with power over ministers. In the Bible, ‘bishop’ was just another name for minister.” ‘78 as Moderator of the General Assembly which accepted the Second Book of Discipline, setting out Presbyterianism as the church method. ’81 Confession against Catholicism signed by the king and all in Scotland,
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’84 He refused to accept the government judgements on his preaching. Exclaimed “he is the messenger of a King ‘far above them’. So had to leave Scotland. Parliament passed the Black Acts against Presbyterianism, ’92 the Golden Act, it was a big improvement. ‘96 Melville’s famous speech to the king “there are two kings and two kingdoms in Scotland. As well as king James there is Christ Jesus, the King of the Church, whose subject James the Sixth is, and of whose kingdom he is not a king, nor a lord, nor a head, but a member.” 1606 Melville charged The Archbishop of Canterbury with breach of the Lord’s-day…upholding Antichristian hierarchy and Popish ceremonies etc. He was put in the Tower. ‘11 was released so he could teach the Bible to Protestants in France. Never allowed to return to Scotland. ‘18 James brought in ‘The Five Articles of Perth’, which enforced Roman Catholic worship practices. Melville died in France in 1622 [net Melville]
I have by no means covered all the Reformers. None of these men were ‘quiet achiever’. They had fire in their belly and a heart for God and His Word. From 1517 there was definitely a change. “a spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood on their feet… and their enemies watched them.” We can discuss in a later lesson these men listed in more detail and/or others who stood up for the Gospel.
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In my next lesson I hope to cover parallel events like; the formation of the Jesuits, the Futurist interpretation, England’s break from papal rule, the development of various church denominations like the Anglican, Methodists, Apostolic, Quakers and more.
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That was a lot to digest. I think a cuppa to wash it down is in order. And I will happily answer any questions.
Thank you very much for attending. …………………………………………………………………… Q & A -----
