The Christian Reformation 
As Relevant Today as it was 500 Years Ago​

Baptism: All Are Invited

Have you been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost by a person having authority from Jesus Christ to perform this ordinance, exactly like John the Baptist had?

This baptism is a sign between you and God that you sincerely believe in Jesus Christ, ​wish to follow only Him, and keep His commandments; it will not make you a member of any organized church or religion. We will travel, anywhere in the world, to baptize you completely free of charge.

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Watch 3 talks about Christianity and God's work since the Reformation

Learn about the Christian Reformation in 7 short videos

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On October 31, 1517 Martin Luther published 95 criticisms of the Catholic Church practice of selling Indulgences. Although he intended to reform Catholicism, not break it apart, he accomplished both. On the 500th anniversary of his act of conscientious defiance, it is important to review how that moment changed the world religiously, economically, politically, socially, and intellectually. The upheaval stretched into every fabric of society, exceeding anything Martin Luther could anticipate. So widespread of an effect proclaims God's hand was involved.

Although the Reformation of Christianity began a half-millennium ago, it has not completed its destiny. When it began the movement was caused by the abuses of the Roman Catholic hierarchy. Reformers shared a common experience that included a conviction that Catholicism was different from New Testament Christianity and failed to either practice or preach Christ's Gospel.

The first Reformers also experienced first-hand abusive treatment by local Catholic leaders and sincerely wanted to practice a more pure form of Christianity. In their search to connect with God, they broke from Rome.

As the Reformation gathered strength, Protestant Christianity itself began to fracture. Once the Bible became available in the common languages of Europe, the widespread recognition that other institutions, in addition to Catholicism, failed to value different New Testament teachings led to multiplying denominations.

In the New World, Roger Williams reached the conclusion that the original could not be "reformed" back into its original state, but it would require a "restoration" which Christ alone could accomplish. He thought Christ would eventually send another apostle to restore the ancient, original church.

In 1820 Joseph Smith claimed Christ appeared to him and led him to establish a restored New Testament Church. However, following Joseph Smith's martyrdom the course of Mormonism followed the course of Rome. Like the Catholics before, the institution became abusive, including a dark period while isolated in the Rocky Mountains when Mormon leaders intimidated, threatened, and eventually killed dissidents. The preaching of militant Mormonism led to the Mountain Meadows Massacre when over 120 people were killed. Fortunately, the American Army sent a force to the Utah Territory, displaced Brigham Young as Territorial Governor, and installed a secular government.
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Mormonism began as a revival of New Testament Christianity, but devolved in less than 150 years to the same sad state of institutional abuse as Rome practiced in the 1500s.

How Would You Know if God Sent a Minister of Salvation Today? 

What if salvation is not determined by grace alone, by works alone, or even some combination of the two? What if it comes from the ministry of one sent by God to declare salvation? And faith comes by hearing the message like Paul taught (Rom. 10:17). Paul was expounding a passage from Isaiah (Isa. 53:1), a prophet sent by God. Paul was likewise sent with a message from God. What if the meaning is that in order to receive salvation it is essential that the believer receive a message from a minister actually sent by God with a message for our day and time?

What if salvation requires the same thing now as when Isaiah preached and prophesied, and when Paul taught, and when Christ ministered to mankind?

What if there is a necessary relationship between the sender of a message (God) and the speaker of the message (one sent by God) in order for the message to actually result in salvation for the hearer-believer?

Who has believed our report, indeed? And who, then, has saving faith?

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Recent Essays

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​This is the 500th year of the Christian Reformation and Christianity has become a fractured, incomplete and conflicted body of Christians. This half-millennial milestone marks an opportunity to consider where we are, how we have arrived there, and what can be done.

​Since it's beginning with Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Knox, to Roger Williams, John Wesley, and even Joseph Smith, devout men have sought in vain to recover the authentic Christianity once established by the Lord Jesus Christ. This website is a commemoration of Christianity's history since Martin Luther.

This website is the result of a non-denominational effort to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Christian Reformation and to recognize the many great things that God has done for the welfare of His children. We believe in the invitation of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah: "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." We do not seek nor expect recognition, recompense, or reward for these efforts. It is simply our sincere desire that the message of the Reformation, as reflected by the content of this website, will draw you into a closer individual relationship with God.

If you are interested in having us speak at a venue near you on topics related to the Reformation at no charge or cost to you, or if you have any other questions, comments, requests, or suggestions you would like to share with us, please contact us at:
​contact@christianreformation500years.info