Two Sides of the Coin

Nº 371

September 9, 2025

During September. I’ll be on a study tour in Switzerland and Germany exploring the roots of the Protestant Reformation. I will share thoughts I have along the way!

Christ’s people must have bold, unflinching lion-like hearts, loving Christ first, and His truth next, and Christ and His truth beyond all the world. - C.H. Spurgeon

Two major issues drove the Reformation, theology and morality. The theological issue was justification. The answer to the question, “How does a person enter into a right standing before God?” divided Europe. Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, and a host of others returned to the biblical roots of Paul and the historical writings of Augustine to support their position. The Catholics looked to the Pope, Church councils, and tradition to find their answers.

There is little argument about the morality and lifestyle issue. The Church was a mess. The record is quite clear concerning the greed, lust, power, and debauchery within the Church in the late medieval era. Most objective onlookers acknowledged the problem.

So, theology and morality, what we believe and what we do – which is more important? Paul gives Timothy a direct answer. “Keep a close watch on yourself, and on the teaching.” (1 Timothy 4:16)

Whatever branch of the Reformation you espouse, two things are critical. First, what we believe is essential. To honestly believe a lie is a deadly deception. Be sure your beliefs align with the truth of God’s Word. Second, how we live is vital. Live your life to please God and glorify him in all you do.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin