The Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century—the beginnings of which are usually associated with the work of Martin Luther (1483–1546)—was really a collection of reformations across Europe. Various reformations of the church, theology, public worship, and even the broader society took place in nations including Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Scotland, and England. Originally intended to reform the Western church from within, the Reformation led to a self-conscious effort to abandon the trappings of Roman Catholicism so that a true church might continue, since the Roman Catholic church had rejected vital theological reforms. Today, the theological principles of the Reformation may be summarized by the five solas—namely, that sinners are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, under the authority of God’s Word alone, and all to the glory of God alone.

The Protestant Reformation happened a long time ago. Did this division in the church need to happen at all? What do Protestants and Roman Catholics disagree about, and why does it still matter today? In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul guides us through the five solas of the Reformation, giving essential biblical teachings about the way God saves us from sin and has authority over our lives. Recovering these truths was necessary in the sixteenth century, and we need to know them today. The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

The most important relationship in life is your relationship with God. If you want to grow in your faith, you must turn to His Word. That's where God has spoken. The Reformation Study Bible, Student Edition is built on the trusted teaching of Dr. R.C. Sproul to help you dig deeper into the Scriptures to find answers and direction for all of life. Grasp the Bible’s meaning with verse-by-verse notes from more than seventy-five pastors and Bible teachers, gain clarity with hundreds of questions and answers that address key subjects of the Christian faith, and apply the knowledge of God to daily living with many practical lessons from every book of the Bible. Not sure which edition of the Reformation Study Bible is right for you? View our comparison chart to explore the key features of each edition and find the one that best meets your study needs.

“Luther asserted that the doctrine of justification by faith alone is the article on which the church stands or falls, and that this issue touches the very core of the biblical teaching of salvation.” —R.C. Sproul ——— Today, Martin Luther is known as the man who stood against popes and emperors in defense of the gospel. What drove this lone German monk to defy the Roman Catholic Church? It wasn’t arrogance or ignorance. Luther knew what it meant to live in the darkness of unresolved guilt. Once he discovered that his acceptance before God is a gift received by faith alone in the merits of Christ alone, Luther was set free, and he would not rest until the light of this truth went out to the world. In this book, Dr. R.C. Sproul guides us through several crisis moments in the life of Martin Luther that led to his recovery of the gospel revealed in Scripture. Justification by faith alone was a liberating truth for Luther and the other Protestant Reformers, and it is good news for us to cherish today.

The Reformation Study Bible, Condensed Edition provides concise, trustworthy commentary in a portable format carefully crafted under the editorial leadership of R.C. Sproul and contributions from 75 distinguished theologians and pastors from around the world. Notes have been condensed from the Reformation Study Bible to offer a more convenient solution for study on the go. Not sure which edition of the Reformation Study Bible is right for you? View our comparison chart to explore the key features of each edition and find the one that best meets your study needs.

The Bible is not like any other book because its ultimate Author is God. As the psalmist prayed in Psalm 119:18, “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law,” the Reformation Study Bible emphasizes the need for the grace of God to lead out of darkness and into the light of Scripture. The Reformation Study Bible is carefully crafted to offer an unparalleled reading, study, and discipleship experience for every age and stage of the Christian life. Not sure which edition of the Reformation Study Bible is right for you? View our comparison chart to explore the key features of each edition and find the one that best meets your study needs.

Centuries after his death, Martin Luther is celebrated as an intellectual giant, a brave opponent of corruption, a shaper of culture, indeed, as one of the most significant figures in Western history. Many people, however, are unaware of the events of Luther's life that led him to make a courageous stand for the gospel in the sixteenth century. In this series, R.C. Sproul provides a thorough introduction to the life and thought of Martin Luther. With an eye to the lessons we can learn today, R.C. Sproul traces the major events of Luther's life and explores the gospel recovered by Luther and the other Protestant Reformers.

Centuries after his death, Martin Luther is celebrated as an intellectual giant, a brave opponent of corruption, a shaper of culture, indeed, as one of the most significant figures in Western history. Many people, however, are unaware of the events of Luther's life that led him to make a courageous stand for the gospel in the sixteenth century. In this series, Dr. R.C. Sproul provides a thorough introduction to the life and thought of Martin Luther. With an eye to the lessons we can learn today, Dr. Sproul traces the major events of Luther's life and explores the gospel recovered by Luther and the other Protestant Reformers.

The division of the church that occurred during the Protestant Reformation was not something that the Reformers originally intended to happen. However, when it became clear that the church authorities would be unwilling to submit themselves to the teaching of sacred Scripture, Martin Luther knew that it was necessary to stand against them for the sake of the Gospel. In this series, Dr. R.C. Sproul explores the historical background of the Protestant Reformation. He looks at the life of Martin Luther and the teachings of the medieval church in order to remind us of the truth of the biblical Gospel and the reasons why we must tenaciously cling to it.

The church throughout history is at times abuzz over the idea of revival and the experiences that are reported to accompany it. But what are true and false revivals? Can we expect to see authentic revival and reformation in our churches and culture in our lifetimes? In Ligonier Ministries' 2000 Charlotte conference, "Reformation and Revival," R.C. Sproul examines the work of God in revival and reformation, using Jonathan Edwards’ Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Holy Spirit of God and the Reformation theme post tenebras lux (“after darkness, light”). Learn why Dr. Sproul believes that it is not possible to have true reformation without first having true revival.

The division of the church that occurred during the Protestant Reformation was not something that the Reformers originally intended to happen. However, when it became clear that the church authorities would be unwilling to submit themselves to the teaching of sacred Scripture, Martin Luther knew that it was necessary to stand against them for the sake of the Gospel.

In this series, Dr. R.C. Sproul explores the historical background of the Protestant Reformation. He looks at the life of Martin Luther and the teachings of the medieval church in order to remind us of the truth of the biblical Gospel and the reasons why we must tenaciously cling to it.

Rather than a mere relic of the past, the Reformation is our future. Christians will not find strength to face the challenges of today by looking to novel ideas or innovations. Only by walking in the settled paths of God’s Word can the church of Jesus Christ serve Him faithfully in a changing world. On September 24–25, 2021, Ligonier Ministries hosted a conference in Pittsburgh. W. Robert Godfrey, Stephen Nichols, Burk Parsons, and Derek Thomas examined essential truths of Scripture championed in the Protestant Reformation, encouraging Christians to stand with greater conviction on the immovable foundation of our faith.

There has been renewed interest in the five points of Calvinism among many Christians today. But these doctrines are not a product of the twenty-first century. So where did they come from, and why are they so important? Dr. W. Robert Godfrey takes us back to 1618-19 when the Canons of Dort were written in response to a mounting theological assault on Reformed Christianity. Now, for its four-hundredth anniversary, he offers a new translation and pastoral commentary on the canons, equipping the next generation with these God-glorifying truths. Endorsements “Saving the Reformation is characteristic of Dr. Godfrey’s engaging, clear, pastoral teaching that has bene ted so many over the years. Guiding us through the history and biblical truth confessed in the Canons of Dort, he brings us to the reality of the sovereign goodness and all-sufficient grace of God in Christ for us: we are hell deserving sinners, saved, sanctified, and surrounded by God’s all-powerful love. This is worth reading about.” —Dr. William VanDoodewaard “Saving the Reformation confirms Dr. Godfrey’s reputation as a premier student of the Synod of Dort and the Dutch Reformation. In a clear, accessible, and compelling way, Godfrey provides his readers with an account of the historical context and occasion for the convening of the Synod of Dort in 1618, as well as a helpful exposition of the teaching of the canons. He also provides a fresh translation of the Latin version of the Canons of Dort, and several useful appendices on their order and arrangement. These features combine to make this book an excellent resource for church members and scholars alike.” —Dr. Cornelis P. Venema

In 2017, as Protestant Christians commemorate the five hundredth anniversary of the Reformation, many parents will be looking for resources to help teach their children about the lasting significance of this influential period. A follow-up to his popular The Church History ABCs, this engaging and informative book by historian Dr. Stephen J. Nichols offers kids ages three to six an engaging way to learn about this pivotal era in church history as they learn their ABCs. Featuring charming illustrations by Ned Bustard, this book introduces families to a host of important figures, locations, concepts, and events, including John Calvin, justification by faith alone, Heidelberg, Westminster, and more. Families will be able to see God's hand in the Reformation, and how he used it to shape his people's understanding of his Word.

People new to Reformed theology may wonder just what it was about a five-hundred-year-old historical movement that affects our thinking so much today. So join Dr. Stephen Nichols for an inviting, approachable take on "Reformation 101," as he explores the events of the Protestant Reformation from the perspective of important figures from each of four key countries in this new seven-part teaching series. More than a history lesson, Dr. Nichols helps believers understand why the Reformation mattered then and matters now.

People new to Reformed theology may wonder just what it was about a five-hundred-year-old historical movement that affects our thinking so much today. So join Dr. Stephen Nichols for an inviting, approachable take on "Reformation 101," as he explores the events of the Protestant Reformation from the perspective of important figures from each of four key countries in this seven-part teaching series. More than a history lesson, Dr. Nichols helps believers understand why the Reformation mattered then and matters now.

The sketches in this book strive to show that the Reformation remains vitally important for Christians today. Reformers and preachers of the sixteenth century were the best educated, most godly, and most faithful group of leaders the church has ever seen. In a remarkable way they combined commitment, learning and orthodoxy. In this book, Martin Luther and John Calvin received most of Dr. W. Robert Godfrey's attention, but he also treats Philip Melancthon, Peter Martyr Vermigli, the Heidelberg Catechism and the Canons of Dort.

Mention history and some might struggle to stifle a yawn. But when presented as a narrative it can often be compelling reading. Dr. Stephen J. Nichols takes a key period in time, the Reformation, and presents its major players in a fresh way. From Martin Luther, a simple monk who wielded the mallet, to kings and queens, this book goes behind the scenes to uncover the human side of these larger-than-life Reformers. Along the way readers meet Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, Kings Henry VIII and Edward VI, Lady Jane Grey, Anne Bradstreet, and many others.For those wanting to see history in its context, Dr. Nichols also provides a sampling of primary source materials. It is an engaging read that will remind readers of the foundational truths that can never be taken for granted by the church in any age. Includes numerous illustrations.

“I, with body and soul, both in life and in death, am not my own, but belong to my faithful savior Jesus Christ.” So begins the The Heidelberg Catechism. Written by Zacharius Ursinus and published in 1563, the Heidelberg Catechism quickly became a manual for Christian living and religious instruction during the Reformation. A catechism focused on helping Christians lay hold of the deepest truths in the best ways was dearly needed during the tumultuous time of the Reformation. Today’s revolution in theology is not over the doctrine of justification by faith alone, but over sexual identity. Our post-Freudian world maintains without any substantial pushback that sexual identity is the most important truth about a person. Organized under the banner of LGBTQ+, authentic personhood depends on placing yourself under one of these letters or joyfully and without reservation applauding people who do. The American Medical Association tells us that mental health depend on practicing what you desire, and enthusiastically supporting others who do what feels right in their own eyes is a suicide-prevention strategy. The biblical creation mandate seems a quaint ancient narrative with no binding force when in the United States today there are hundreds of pediatric gender clinics and Testosterone is administered to adolescents from Planned Parenthood on a first visit and without parental consent or a therapist’s note. In contrast to the world’s anthropology, a biblical anthropology understands that after Adam’s transgression (Genesis 3), we, his posterity, have a sin nature that compels each person to love something that God hates. If nothing checks our will, our sinful desires will plunge us headfirst into all manner of spiritual, moral, and sometimes physical danger. No one is exempt from original sin and its consequence. Neither good nor malicious intentions can rewrite God’s call for men and women. Scripture is clear that we are responsible for our inborn as well as our actual sins (Psalm 5:5, Romans 1:18, Deuteronomy 27:15, Hebrews 9:27). Taking responsibility for our own sin is hard and necessary, but because of the way that the world, the flesh, and the devil conspire, it is difficult to know where to start. And this is where Pastor Christopher Gordon’s The New Reformation Catechism offers to the church such a timely and pastoral guide. I have no doubt that this means of discipleship will give glory to God and be used of the Lord to liberate many who are held captive by sexual sin. Twenty-three years ago, when I was in a lesbian relationship and at the same time reading the Bible, I would have greatly benefitted from The New Reformation Catechism on Human Sexuality. I know that I am not alone in needing this book. May God bless you richly as you grow in Christian liberty. May this book help you hold fast to the truth and better understand how the full counsel of God speaks to the godly priority of human sexuality. - Rosaria Butterfield

Sometimes one word is all that stands between the truth and a lie, between life and death. In the Reformation, that word was sola, “alone.” At a time when leaders in the church claimed to speak for God, the Protestant Reformers reminded God’s people that Scripture alone is our infallible authority. While many people sought to work their way to heaven, the Reformers boldly proclaimed the only true gospel: salvation is by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone. That word, “alone,” made all the difference then, and the same is true today. Take up this devotional to spend ninety days with the five solas of the Reformation. These core biblical truths display the reliability of God’s Word and the depths of His mercy, helping you grow in faith day by day.

Many people today dismiss the Reformation as a peculiar chapter of history with little relevance to contemporary life. However, nothing could be further from the truth. In this eight-part teaching series, Dr. Michael Reeves examines the ideas that lay at the heart of the Reformation. Surveying the writings of the brightest Roman Catholic and Protestant scholars of the era, Dr. Reeves reveals the stark contrast between the traditions’ very different interpretations of the gospel. By studying the central truths of the Reformation, Christians today can better understand, rejoice in, and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.

Many people dismiss the Reformation as a peculiar chapter of history with little relevance to contemporary life. But nothing could be further from the truth. In this eight-part teaching series, Dr. Michael Reeves explains that the Reformation still matters because the gospel still matters. As he surveys the beliefs of Roman Catholics and Protestants, we see that these two traditions hold two very different views on salvation. One relies on our performance; the other rests on Jesus' righteousness alone. Only one is the true gospel, and like the Reformers, we must proclaim it with clarity, boldness, and joy.

The five-hundredth anniversary of the Reformation calls for celebration and remembrance lest we forget this event and the doctrinal truths that sparked it. On October 30, 2017, Ligonier Ministries hosted a special evening celebrating the Reformation. Sinclair Ferguson, Stephen Nichols, Burk Parsons, and Derek Thomas joined R.C. Sproul in covering the Reformation in brief messages that highlighted the gospel, what it means to have peace with God, the historical setting of the Reformation, and other topics. The animations featured in our Reformation 500 Celebration are courtesy of Luther: The Life and Legacy of the German Reformer.

Women are an essential element in church history. Just as Deborah, Esther, and the New Testament Marys helped shape Bible history, so the women of the Reformed church have helped to make its history great. In Reformation Women, Rebecca Vandoodewaard introduces readers to twelve sixteenth-century women who are not as well known today as contemporaries like Katie Luther and Lady Jane Grey. Providing an example to Christians today of strong service to Christ and His church, these influential, godly women were devoted to Reformation truth, in many cases provided support for their husbands, practiced hospitality, and stewarded their intellectual abilities. Their strength and bravery will inspire you, and your understanding of church history will become richer as you learn how God used them to further the Reformation through their work and influence.