From the MLJ Archive

In Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones’ sermon on the Scottish Reformation, delivered at Usher Hall in Edinburgh in April 1960to mark the 400th anniversary of the Scottish Reformation, he emphasizes the importance of looking to our past for answers in the present. Many Christians today lobby against using past precedents to teach us, either saying that the past has nothing to teach us in this different time or that the history of the church should not be brought up, lest it cause acrimony. In response to these claims, Dr. Lloyd-Jones states that first, we are not different in nature or being to the men and women of the Reformation and therefore, cannot dismiss their accomplishments, and second, that the past should be explored and understood rather than suppressed. With this said, Dr. Lloyd-Jones demonstrates the two ways that one can view the Scottish Reformation. The first way is to simply explore the events that took place in the Scottish Reformation. The second is by using the actions and events that took place to further our walk with God today. So, what exactly can we learn from the Scottish reformation? Dr. Lloyd-Jones states that the best way to do so is by looking at the men who led such a movement. But who were these men? Well, these were godly men who believed in the sovereignty of God and the need to worship him. These were men who realized Christ’s sacrifice and dedicated their lives to him because of it. For example one of the key figures in the Scottish reformation, John Knox, demonstrated fearless resistance towards the mighty Catholic Church. Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that Knox did not stand up against the Church by his own power, but by the power of God. John Knox realized the absolute greatness of God and consequently preached with power. So, we must ask ourselves, Where is the God of John Knox? Where is this God that can give us such power? To this, Dr. Lloyd-Jones replies, he is here and present, just as he was in the time of John Knox. And if we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we have the same God, we must only realize his greatness and react accordingly.