THE MORNING STAR OF THE REFORMATION

John Wycliffe was called the "morning star of the Reformation." John Wycliffe was born in England. He was a reformer, not for England alone, but for Christian countries everywhere. He was the beginning of the Puritans. John Wycliffe's work was the same as bringing a cool water in the desert.SRme 1.1499

God gave the work of reform to John Wycliffe, a bright, educated man. Wycliffe gave character and dignity to the work of reform. God's enemies could not make fun of the reform by saying Wycliffe was ignorant.SRme 1.1500

When John Wycliffe finished school, he began to study the Scriptures deeply. In Wycliffe's study he found what he had been looking for. He understood the plan of salvation. Wycliffe realized Christ is the One who stands between God and sinners. Christ is the only mediator for sinners. Wycliffe understood that Rome had put human thought and customs in place of the Bible. Wycliffe gave himself to the service of Christ. He determined to preach the truths that he had learned.SRme 1.1501

The most important work of Wycliffe's life was translating the Scriptures into the English language. Wycliffe made the first complete English translation of the Bible. The art of printing was still not known. Making copies of Wycliffe's translation by hand was long and slow work. But people hand wrote Bibles. The people of England received Bibles in their own language. People were beginning to learn God's Word. People in the past had been kept ignorant about God's Word. A divine hand was preparing the way for the Great Reformation.SRme 1.1502

At that time only the rich people were able to read. These people gladly received the Bible. They read the Bible. These people wondered why they had believed whatever was taught them by the church without asking questions.SRme 1.1503

Wycliffe presented the special doctrines of Protestantism. One special doctrine was that salvation could be obtained only by faith in Christ. Another special doctrine was that the Bible alone could be trusted to teach truth. Many priests helped Wycliffe get Bibles for the people. These priests also preached the gospel. The work of the priests and Wycliffe's writings brought great results. The new faith was accepted by almost half the people of England. The power of truth began to shake the kingdom of darkness. People began to learn the truth about God and salvation.SRme 1.1504

Wycliffe's enemies tried to stop his work and destroy his life. These enemies were not successful. Wycliffe died peacefully at age 61 while serving communion bread to his congregation.SRme 1.1505