Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on The Protestant Reformation: Questions and Answers

What was the state of the Church before the Protestant Reformation?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, by the beginning of the 16th century, the Roman Catholic Church had developed into "an enormous organization, tremendously wealthy, untold wealth, dominating over the life of the nations in a most amazing manner." He explains that the Church taught there was "no salvation except through the church" and that "the gospel was more or less completely forgotten." The emphasis had shifted entirely to saints, ceremonies, and the absolute necessity of priests who could grant absolution and forgiveness of sins.

How did the authority structure of the Roman Catholic Church develop over time?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones traces a gradual development of hierarchy in the Church. He explains that after the apostles died, "problems slowly began to arise. Who was to be the authority now?" This led to the establishment of local church chairmen who became permanent bishops, then diocesan bishops over multiple churches, then archbishops over regions. Eventually, around 600 A.D., the Bishop of Rome became the Pope, claiming to be "the supreme authority in the Church, but also in the state, and over the states."

What role did tradition play alongside Scripture in the Roman Catholic Church?

Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that the Roman Church developed two authorities: "The scripture plus this tradition." He explains that while they regarded Scripture as the ultimate authority, they also claimed there were "many things that were not put down in writing, but which have come down to us by means of tradition." This included practices like "the mode of baptism, the way you administer the Lord's Supper, and many other matters in connection with the government of the church." This dual authority of Scripture and tradition became fundamental to justifying practices not found in the Bible.

What were Martin Luther's main struggles that led to the Reformation?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes Luther as "a most conscientious monk" who was "fasting and sweating and praying" but could never find peace. Luther's central problem was: "How can I, a sinner, ever stand before the face of a righteous and a holy God?" Lloyd-Jones explains that Luther was "terrified by the righteousness of God" until the Holy Spirit illuminated him to understand that "the righteousness of God really means this: That God is offering to give us that righteousness. And to clothe us with that righteousness."

What are the essential teachings of the Protestant Reformation?

Lloyd-Jones identifies the core Reformation teachings as: "The Bible is the only authority. Not the church. Not tradition." He emphasizes three Latin phrases that summarize the Reformation: "Sola scriptura" (Scripture alone), "Sola gratia" (grace alone), and "Sola fide" (faith alone). Additionally, the Reformation taught "justification is by faith only, without works" and "the universal priesthood of all believers." It rejected the Pope, Mariolatry, transubstantiation, the sacrifice of the mass, praying to saints, confession to priests, purgatory, and indulgences.

Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones argue that the Roman Catholic Church hasn't truly changed?

Lloyd-Jones strongly refutes the idea that Rome has changed, stating: "She's changed her face, but she hasn't changed her heart. She hasn't changed her being." He points out that "she has not changed a single doctrine. Not one." In fact, he notes that Rome has added doctrines since the Reformation, including the Immaculate Conception (1854), the Infallibility of the Pope (1870), and the Assumption of Mary (1950). He warns that while Rome now calls Protestants "separated brethren" instead of denouncing them, the fundamental doctrines remain unchanged.

What were some pre-Reformation movements that challenged the Roman Catholic Church?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones mentions several significant pre-Reformation movements. He discusses Peter Waldo in northern Italy, who "came to see that all that he found in the Roman Church was wrong" and whose followers became the Waldensian Church. He mentions the "brethren of the common life" in Holland, Belgium, and Czechoslovakia who "met together in secret." Most notably, he highlights John Wycliffe (1327-1384), whom he calls "a reformer before the Reformation," who taught that "the church is spiritual, not an institution" and should be "controlled by the Scripture only."

How did the Reformation come to England?

Lloyd-Jones explains that the English Reformation had complex origins. Initially, it came partly through Henry VIII's desire to divorce Catherine of Aragon, though Lloyd-Jones notes that "Henry VIII clearly died a Roman Catholic." The real Protestant Reformation came under Edward VI, when "men like Cranmer and Ridley and John Hooper... and Hugh Latimer" brought in true Protestant teaching. After the persecution under "Bloody Mary," Elizabeth I "consolidated the Reformation in this country," though Lloyd-Jones notes she "didn't go far enough" and the Church of England "has never been fully reformed."

What dangers does Dr. Lloyd-Jones see in the modern ecumenical movement?

Lloyd-Jones warns against the ecumenical movement that began around 1910, which seeks to "bring all Christian denominations... together, and ultimately even the Roman Catholic Church." He's particularly concerned about evangelical people "who now are beginning to think about this matter in a new way" and the charismatic movement that says doctrine doesn't matter "as long as you have this particular experience." He argues this movement wants everyone to "go back to Rome," which would mean going "back to dark ages again, and ignorance and confusion and superstition and worldliness."

Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones believe studying the Reformation is still relevant today?

Lloyd-Jones argues that understanding the Reformation is crucial because "the Church of Rome, as always, is put between the people and the Gospel. She is doing it tonight as much as ever." He emphasizes that his concern isn't simply being "against Rome" but being "for the Gospel." He warns that we must not be "deluded by niceness" or judge by personalities, stating: "It isn't what they look like that matters, it's what they teach... What they preach. We mustn't become sentimental and judge in terms of personalities. It's the truth that matters."