Why the Reformation Still Matters

Does the Reformation Still Matter?

In 1517, a German monk nailed a poster to the door of a church, disputing key doctrines taught by the Roman Catholic Church in that day. This moment set in motion a movement that changed the entire trajectory of church history. But do the Reformers still have something to teach us?

In this accessible primer, Michael Reeves and Tim Chester answer eleven key questions raised by the Reformers—questions that remain critically important for the church today.

224 pages

“Rarely does one find such a rich combination of historical theology and passionate exegetical argument. This is a warm, pastoral, and rigorous defense of the central claims of the Reformation. It also includes a defense of this common heritage from the perspective of Anabaptist/Baptist distinctives that recognizes important differences with the magisterial Reformers. For both reasons, Why the Reformation Still Matters represents an important contribution to ongoing conversations in the global church.”
—Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California; author, Justification (New Studies in Dogmatics)

“Authors Michael Reeves and Tim Chester have made a solid contribution to the commemoration of the Reformation in their clear account of what the major Reformers, especially Martin Luther and John Calvin, taught about Jesus, God’s grace, Scripture, the sacraments, and other important subjects. With the five-hundredth anniversary of Martin Luther’s posting of the Ninety-Five Theses quickly approaching, this timely book underscores the vital importance of what he and other early Protestants devoted their lives to teaching.”
—Mark A. Noll, Francis A. McAnaney Professor of History, University of Notre Dame; editor, Protestantism after 500 Years  

“Reeves and Chester clearly and straightforwardly explain the vital importance of the Reformation, summarize its message, and show its ongoing relevance. Why the Reformation Still Matters may be only two hundred pages long, but it vibrates with life. A brilliant achievement by two modern-day doctors of the church, and a great little book.”
—Sinclair B. Ferguson, Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries

“If there are any doubts over whether the Reformation still matters or whether the church needs to be always reforming, Reeves and Chester dispel them. Winsome and wise, this book provides solid reasons to be Protestant and offers biblically and historically accurate accountings of key doctrinal formulations. As Protestant Christians around the world celebrate the five-hundredth anniversary of the Reformation, they will find strong encouragement here. Semper Reformanda!”
—Sean Michael Lucas, Senior Minister, The First Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi; Associate Professor of Church History, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi