The Reformation, a 16th-century movement led by courageous figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin, sought to correct the corrupt practices within the medieval Roman Catholic Church and return to the purity of Scripture and faith. During this time, the church had drifted into political entanglements and controversial practices, like the sale of indulgences. These practices, which traded spiritual assurances for money, threatened to erode the church’s spiritual integrity. Martin Luther, a German monk and theology professor, took a bold step on October 31, 1517, posting his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. His ideas sparked a revolution in the church, leading to the establishment of Protestantism and a return to key biblical principles: *sola scriptura* (Scripture alone) and *sola fide* (faith alone).
The Reformation was, at its heart, a return to an unchanging God, who is our hope and anchor. Through the ages, God’s nature, grace, and sovereignty have been the foundation of our faith. In Malachi 3:6, God reminds us, “I the Lord do not change.” Today, as we look at three aspects of God’s unchanging nature, we’re reminded that He is our secure foundation in times of turmoil and uncertainty.
So, let’s look at some of the lessons we can pick from the reformation history.
Point 1: God’s Word is Unchanging and Authoritative
Isaiah 40:8 – “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”
Matthew 24:35 – “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
The Reformers, especially Martin Luther, recognized the unchanging authority of Scripture. Luther famously declared, “My conscience is captive to the Word of God.” He insisted that the Bible, rather than church tradition, is the ultimate guide to faith and life. The Reformers knew that even if human institutions waver, God’s Word remains unbreakable.
While some practices in Protestant churches have evolved over time, the Bible remains the foundation of worship, teaching, and Christian living. Today, many Protestant denominations include elements like liturgy, worship music, and multimedia in their services, but these are used to enhance—rather than replace—the Word of God. God’s unchanging Word continues to offer comfort and guidance, just as it did for the early Reformers.
God’s Grace is Constant and Freely Given
Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Titus 3:5 – “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy.”
A core belief of the Reformation was that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith alone. Martin Luther rejected the idea that indulgences or good works could earn one’s salvation. Instead, he taught that God’s grace is freely given, not earned. “This grace of God is to be believed by us,” Luther wrote, “just as it is certain that God is truthful.”
Initially, the Reformers simplified many church practices around the sacraments and worship, emphasizing God’s grace over human efforts. While Protestant churches today may include regular communion, worship music, and other elements, these practices are meant to remind us of God’s constant, unearned grace. His grace is the anchor that assures us of His love and acceptance, not because of what we do but because of who He is.
Point 3: God’s Sovereignty is Our Anchor in a Changing World
Hebrews 6:19 – “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.”
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Both Luther and Calvin emphasized the sovereignty of God, assuring believers that God is in control even when the world feels uncertain. Calvin, in particular, taught that God’s sovereignty provides security and direction, giving purpose to all things. Luther agreed, saying, “I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.”
While early Protestant services were often modest and straightforward to avoid distracting from God’s sovereignty, many churches today incorporate vibrant music, multimedia, and structured services. These elements aim to enhance worship, giving expression to our gratitude and awe without replacing the foundation of God’s sovereignty. No matter how worship evolves, the unchanging truth remains: God is our anchor in every storm.
New Practices in Protestant Worship That Align with Unchanging Truths
Protestant churches have, over time, embraced new worship practices. These include using musical instruments, multimedia, structured liturgies, and incorporating art and visual elements in worship spaces. Originally, Reformers limited or avoided these due to concerns over idolatry or distraction. Today, these elements are widely accepted and enhance worship in many Protestant denominations, enriching the congregational experience and bringing focus to God’s greatness.
However, these adaptations have not shifted the core principles that define Protestantism: the authority of Scripture, salvation by grace through faith, and the unchanging sovereignty of God. As we worship in new ways, these foundational truths anchor us to the God who is the same “yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
Conclusion
The Reformation reminds us of God’s enduring faithfulness. Though the church evolves, our foundation in Christ does not change. As Malachi 3:6 says, “For I the Lord do not change.” Through every season, God’s Word, His grace, and His sovereignty anchor us in a hope that does not fade. May we, like the Reformers, stand boldly on the unchanging promises of God, knowing that He is forever our hope and anchor.
