The Reformation Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Doctrine and Christlikeness

Over the last several weeks, we have sought to answer the question, what is the significance of the Reformation for yesterday, today, and tomorrow? One way to respond is by considering the Reformation in light of doctrine. And the Reformation teaches us that doctrine is not for stuffy theologians in ivory towers. It’s for the average person in everyday life. As we receive Bible truth through public worship in the Means of Grace, doctrine helps us face suffering, and it brings comfort to the soul. What other kind of impact does doctrine have? It shapes us in Christlikeness.

Doctrine and Christlikeness

As doctrine is rightly declared, and rightly embraced, we are rightly conformed after the image of Christ. Doctrine shapes our discipleship. Luther’s ministry stressed this point. After the Peasants Revolt in 1525, Luther took stock of his ministry. He began to travel outside Wittenberg to visit more rural congregations. While doing this, he noticed the abysmal state of the church. People didn’t know doctrine. They didn’t know Scripture. They didn’t know godliness.

In response, Luther wrote a catechism called The Small Catechism. He started by providing questions and answers for the 10 commandments. He covered other areas like the Apostle’s Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. And then he wrote a confessional document called The Smalcald Articles. Additionally, when Luther’s barber asked him to teach him to pray, he penned a little tract called A Practical Way to Pray. These works were simple tools for the Christian to grow in Christlikeness.

We can benefit from our confessional documents. The Westminster Standards are wonderful at explaining the faith and teaching the duties of the faith. They help us advance in Christlikeness. And don’t we want to imitate the life of the one who loved us and saved us? Don’t forget, Titus 2:11-12, the grace that saves is also the grace that transforms. If I want to grow in godliness, I need more doctrine pressed to my heart.

It is said, there was a situation at the church in Wittenberg where some congregants were upset with Luther. They complained how he kept talking about ‘the same old Gospel’ and ‘the same old Christ incarnate and crucified.’ To which Luther responded, “I am so hardheaded that I need the Gospel and Christ pounded into my skull. What about you?” …

In 1539 Luther went further. He wrote a work called Against the Antinomians. Antinomians were those who in various ways dismissed the moral Law as binding on the Christian. He said, “sinners must be roused to repentance not only by the sweet grace and suffering of Christ, by the message that he died for us, but also by the terrors of the law.” Obedience is not the ground of salvation, but it is the fruit of salvation.

Christlikeness is a must. Doesn’t Christmas teach us that? Jesus wasn’t born into this world simply to secure the forgiveness of our sins. He came to change us. Christlikeness is central to the Gospel. He condescended to make us mirror his image. In a Christmas sermon Luther said, “Through the Gospel this light [Christ] is brought to us, not from a distance, nor do we go far to obtain it; it is very near us and shines in our hearts.” By the Spirit, through the Means of Grace, Christ’s shining brings transformation. Let that encourage this Christmas. Jesus came to make us new. Live as new creatures in Christ. That’s an important Reformation truth.

—Pastor Clif