How the Reformation began
In 1517, Martin Luther, a German monk and teacher, publicly challenged the use of indulgences. These were documents connected with claims about relief from penalties for sin, and some church officials were raising money through their sale. Luther believed this practice could leave ordinary people thinking forgiveness was something they could purchase rather than receive from God through Christ.
The disagreement soon became larger than one practice. Luther and other reformers questioned who had final authority when church customs or leaders seemed to conflict with Scripture. Their concern reflected the example of the Bereans, who carefully examined teaching against the Scriptures rather than accepting a message merely because a respected speaker gave it (Acts 17:11).
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
What the reformers emphasised
The reformers did not think good works were unimportant. They taught that a changed life should follow faith. But they strongly opposed the idea that people earn acceptance with God by religious effort, payments or moral achievement. Paul points to salvation as God’s gift, received through faith, leaving no room for human boasting (Ephesians 2:8-9).
They also stressed that Jesus Christ, not any human leader, is the foundation of the church. Paul made that point to Christians in Corinth, a church already struggling with loyalty to different teachers (1 Corinthians 3:11). For many Protestants, this meant every teaching and tradition should be tested by the Bible.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Why it led to division
The Reformation did not produce one united Protestant church. Lutherans, Reformed Christians, Anglicans, Anabaptists and others differed over baptism, communion, church leadership and how Christians should relate to government. Some of those disagreements remain today, and faithful Christians still read several passages differently.
The Roman Catholic Church also responded through its own renewal and clarification, often called the Catholic Reformation or Counter-Reformation. Catholics and Protestants share historic Christian beliefs about the Trinity, Jesus’ death and resurrection, and the need for God’s grace. Yet they have continued to differ over the role of church tradition, the sacraments and justification, meaning how sinners are made right with God. Paul’s teaching that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law became especially central to Protestant conviction (Romans 3:28).
Why it still matters
The Reformation helped make the Bible available in the everyday languages of many people. It encouraged Christians to read Scripture, listen carefully to teaching and bring their questions to God. Scripture describes itself as useful for shaping and equipping God’s people, not as a book reserved for experts (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Its history also carries a sober lesson. Christians can pursue truth sincerely and still wound one another through pride, anger or division. Jesus prayed for his followers to be united so that the world might recognise the Father’s work through him (John 17:20-21). So it is possible to value the Reformation’s call to biblical faithfulness while treating Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox neighbours with humility and love.
If you want to explore further, read Ephesians 2, Romans 3 and Galatians 1 slowly. Ask what each passage says about grace, faith, the gospel and the place of human effort. Those questions sat at the heart of the Reformation, and they still matter.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.