
Born in 1330, John Wycliffe, was a major factor in bringing about The Great Reformation. Wycliffe is regarded as the leading scholar of the 14th century and is attributed with laying the groundwork for the later events that would lead to the 16th century Great Reformation. Wycliffe has bee labeled as the “Morning Star of the Reformation.”
Wycliffe was a devoted student of the Bible. Although a Catholic himself, he saw that many of the doctrines (teachings) of Catholicism were not biblically supported. Based on his study of Scripture, he wrote and preached against the church’s teachings on purgatory, the sale of indulgences, and the doctrine of transubstantiation.
Because of this, Wycliff was banished from his university and deserted by his friends. However, in his exile, some of his students joined him and together they worked on translating the Bible into the language of the common people so people could read for themselves the truths found in God’s Word. Wycliffe knew that getting the words of Scripture into the language and hearts of the people would change lives and make them less vulnerable to unbiblical teachings and practices.
The Roman Church condemned Wycliff. After he died of a stroke in 1384, orders were given to exhume his body, burn his writings and his bones, and scatter his ashes in a nearby river. Evidently, the church thought they could erase the memory of John Wycliffe . . . but that was not to be. Through his work, the truth of God’s Word was planted like seeds. As the seeds of truth grew, the groundwork was laid for the coming Great Reformation.
Born in 1369, John Hus was ordained as a priest in 1401 and spent much of his career teaching at the Charles University in Prague, Bohemia. He was also the preacher at the Bethlehem Chapel in Prague. Thousands sat under his teaching and preaching and were blessed by his faithfulness to God’s Word.
As Roman Catholicism continued to dominate the religious landscape of the world with its teachings of justified living by works and papal/church authority, Hus determined the writings of John Wycliffe to be of great significance. Wycliffe taught personal piety and purity based on the Bible as the authority for the church. He denounced the extravagant lifestyles of the clergy and taught that no pope or bishop could establish doctrine contrary to the Bible.
Born in 1494, William Tyndale was known to be called “God’s Outlaw.” Sir Thomas More, one of Tyndale’s most bitter opponents, said of Tyndale, “. . . a man of right good living, studious, and well learned in Scripture, and in diverse places in England was very well liked, and did great good and preaching . . . [he was] taken for a man of sober and honest living, and looked, and preached holily.”
Regardless of his glowing endorsement of Tyndale, Sir Thomas More, along with the King of England and many others, hunted Tyndale and sought to have him destroyed. Why? Because William Tyndale had a consuming passion to translate the Holy Scriptures into English. Tyndale wanted an English Bible so even a common plowman could read it.
Tyndale’s passion to have the Scriptures available to every common man defied the Roman Church. Having a Bible in English was illegal based on a 1408 law, the “Constitutions of Oxford,” which forbade anyone translating or reading any part of the Bible in the language of the people without permission of the ecclesiastical authorities. Whoever read the Scriptures in English could forfeit their lands, goods, and life. They were considered heretics to God, enemies to the Crown, and traitors to the kingdom. Tyndale knew all of this, yet never let it deter him from his work. His words to a Catholic critic were, “If God spare me life, ere many years, I will cause the boy that driveth the plow to know more of the Scripture than you do.”
Going underground, Tyndale labored to have the Bible translated in English. He was relentlessly hunted by all manner of enemies, but in 1525 his New Testament was printed and smuggled back into England. It was the first English translation of the Bible from the original Greek. Continuing his work, Tyndale was betrayed by a false friend near Brussels, arrested by imperial forces, and thrown into prison. He was accused of maintaining that faith alone justifies and was found guilty. In 1536 he was strangled and burned at the stake. Tyndale had realized his dream of translating the Bible into English, but just as Wycliffe and Hus who had proceeded him, he was martyred for his faithfulness to Jesus.
The Great Reformation
- What are the Five Solas of the Reformation?
- A Great Christian Song for Halloween (article and videos)
- The Most Important Five Points for All Christians
- Reformers You Might Not Know
- Martin Luther on Trial (500th Anniversary of the Reformation)
- Martin Luther's Reformation Hymns (article and videos)
- Reformation Quiz: Discerning Truth and Error
- His Be The Victor's Name/The Great Accuser Roars (song video)
- What are Martin Luther’s Five Solas of the Reformation? (video)
- What are the Three Reformation Hymns by Martin Luther?
*******
Jesus is the Reason this Ministry Exists
We continue to reach people worldwide with the truths of God's Word and the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Your generosity is both a blessing and encouragement. Our mission is to glorify God by equipping, encouraging, and empowering YOU to understand the Bible and grow in faith. If our online resources have blessed you, please support Reasons for Hope* Jesus. Our ministry outreach has grown significantly and . . .
Please support Reasons for Hope* Jesus with a donation of $5, $10, $20, or more. A donation of any amount is needed and greatly appreciated.
CLICK TO DONATE
to Reasons for Hope*Jesus(a 501c3 Ministry)
Use a Credit Card or PayPal for safe, secure giving.
*******
***A Hidden Message in Psalm 23?***
Hidden in the six verses of Psalm 23 are 11 names for Jesus. When you subscribe to our newsletter, we’ll send you The Names of God in Psalm 23 PDF that reveals all 11 names and Scripture verses of comfort and hope (link will be sent in your confirmation email).
A Room with a View of Eternity—The Last Will & Testament of Jesus Christ Take a seat at the Master's table. Learn about the riches He gives to all who are His. This book will bless and encourage you, give you hope, and help you live in the joy of your salvation and the riches of Christ that are yours.
The Top Ten Got Questions? in 2022
- The Meaning of NUMBERS in the Bible?
- Was Jesus CRUCIFIED on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday?
- Did The Wise Men Arrive 12 DAYS AFTER JESUS’ BIRTH? Or Was It Much Later?
- How long did JOB SUFFER?
- What is the Significance of the Wise Men's THREE GIFTS? And were they kings?
- How are the Shepherd’s ROD and STAFF Different?
- Which Old Testament Book Did JESUS QUOTE most often?
- The Meaning of COLORS in the Bible?
- ONLY ONE LIFE, Twill Soon Be Past – by C.T. Studd (1860 – 1931)
- How was Jesus Like a Worm? What’s the CRIMSON (OR SCARLET) WORM in Psalm 22?
This is not a Got Questions? article. But it's so popular it ranked among the top pages viewed:
More Popular Got Questions
- Did Jesus Fight Satan to Take Back the KEYS of Death and Hell?
- How Did the Wise Men Know This Was the Messiah and KNOW TO FOLLOW HIS STAR?
- What do the 12 stones UNDER the JORDAN River mean? (Joshua 4)
- Jesus' Last Days TIMELINE: The Cross and The Crucifixion
- How Many MIRACLES Did Jesus Do?
- Is Leonard Cohen’s “HALLELUJAH” a Christian Song?
- Where did OT Saints go at death? ABRAHAM'S BOSOM?
- SIN, INIQUITY, TRANSGRESSION? How are they different?
- What are the NAMES of JEHOVAH Hidden in Psalm 23?
- Jesus in the Gospels: What are the Four Different Presentations of Jesus?
- If BAPTIZED as an Infant, Do I Need to Be Re-Baptized?
- Why Did God Create Man Knowing MAN WOULD SIN?
- What Did Jesus Say About HEAVEN (and HELL)?
- What are the “I Will ” STATEMENTS of Satan, God, and Jesus?
- Was MARY a LEVITE Making Jesus both a Priest and King?
- Why Was a RAM SACRIFICED in Genesis 22 Instead of a Lamb?
- Is Satan’s Real Name LUCIFER?
- Can Jews go to Heaven without knowing Jesus?
TOP TEN Videos from Reasons for Hope* Jesus
- Memorial Day BAGPIPES TRIBUTE: Amazing Grace
- RISE AND SHINE and Give God the Glory, Glory!
- WERE YOU THERE When They Crucified My Lord?
- PAUL HARVEY: THE BIRDCAGE
- PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN: A SOLDIER'S PLEDGE
- Hark! the Herald Angels Sing -- CHARLIE BROWN Christmas
- JOHN WAYNE ~ WHY I LOVE AMERICA
- Jimmy Stewart - Nativity Scene Prayer: Mr. Krueger's Christmas
- THE LEGEND OF THE CANDY CANE - A Christmas Story to Share
- Not by Might, Not by Power, But BY MY SPIRIT says the Lord (Zechariah 4:6)
- Erwin Lutzer - We Will Not Be SILENCED
*****************