Reformers
The Reformation is larger than any man's life—larger than any group of people or movement. To speak of the Reformation properly is to speak of the work of God in and through living instruments and international circumstances.
Forerunners
Here is a short list of key individuals who proclaimed principles of reform prior to the Reformation.
Major Reformers
While others contributed valiantly for the cause of Christ in the Reformation, these five are highlighted for their unique contributions.
Martin Luther — Martin
Luther is simply one of the most significant figures in western history. God raised him up from
peasant stock to be used as the leading voice crying out across the land to return to Christ in
the Gospel of justification by faith alone through the Scripture.
Ulrich Zwingli — Ulrich
(or Huldrych) Zwingli possessed a number of qualities and convictions that were distinct from
Luther, sometimes even going beyond what Luther had contributed.
William Tyndale — William
Tyndale was one of the greatest lovers of the Lord Jesus Christ that the church has ever been
blessed to know. The story of his life is one of great discovery. He was the Englishman that
“gave God an English voice.”
John Calvin — John Calvin
has been labeled "The Man of the Millennium." As Luther was used of God to give life to the
Reformation, Calvin was used of God to give it a body. He was extraordinarily God-centered.
John Knox — John Knox boldly
embraced the
Reformation in a dangerously anti-Reformation realm. He demonstrated a fierceness for the freedom
of the free gospel of the only Lord, Jesus the Christ and Savior.
Other Reformers
Many were the hands and hearts that contributed to the Reformation. Here are a few other prominent reformers.
