Cedarville celebrates 500th anniversary of Reformation

Five hundred years ago this year, one of the most significant and influential events in Western civilization occurred. Cedarville University is celebrating that event, the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, with a series of events this fall.

Dr. Billy Marsh, assistant professor of theology, will speak in chapel September 21 about the doctrine of Christian assurance. The focus will be on how Martin Luther’s Reformation theology makes clear that Christians are righteous through faith rather than works.

“At its heart, the Reformation is about the recovery of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ according to the Scriptures,” said Marsh. “It not only teaches us about our heritage, but also powerfully equips us to live by faith in Christ under the authority of Scripture in the present and to contend for the biblical gospel in every generation.”

Dr. Jason Lee, dean of the school of biblical and theological studies, will speak on Reformation Day, October 31. He will draw on the biblical tradition of the reformers, particularly Luther, to present his message. October 31 is the day Luther posted his famous 95 Theses on the Castle Church door in Wittenberg, Germany.

“I will be quoting from Luther’s commentaries and especially his sermons,” said Lee. “I would like it to feel like Luther is preaching on the Reformation’s 500th birthday.”

The celebration of the Reformation continues beyond the chapel stage. Cedarville’s Biblical Heritage Gallery, located in the Center for Biblical and Theological Studies, has on display an exhibit titled “Dawn of the Reformation: Sola Scriptura.”

The exhibit highlights prominent reformers from church history, such as William Tyndale, Martin Luther, John Wycliffe and John Calvin. It is one of six displays that rotate through the gallery over a three-year period.

“The purpose of this exhibit is to focus on the reformers, those who were willing to sacrifice their lives, if necessary, for the integrity of the Scriptures,” said Lynn Brock, dean of library services and curator of the Biblical Heritage Gallery. “I think we have short memories about the cost involved to have something that seems very common and ordinary to us.”

“Dawn of the Reformation: Sola Scriptura” will remain on display through October. More information about the exhibit and individual pieces on display can be found online at http://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/dawn_of_the_reformation/.

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,963 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 100 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.