John Wycliffe: The Morning Star of the Reformation

John Wycliffe, often referred to as “The Morning Star of the Reformation,” was a prominent figure in the fourteenth century. Born in 1330 and passing away in 1384, Wycliffe emerged as a beacon of light during a time of darkness and corruption within the church. His influence and teachings laid the foundation for the Protestant Reformation that would follow a century later.

At a young age, Wycliffe found himself at Oxford University, surrounded by esteemed scholars such as Thomas Bradwardine and William of Ockham. While initially focusing on philosophy, his passion for biblical studies soon took hold. As he delved into the scriptures, he became increasingly aware of the many ways in which the church had strayed from the true teachings of God's Word.

In the 1370s, Wycliffe authored three significant works that aimed to counter the corruption within the church. The first, titled "On Divine Dominion," challenged the authority of the papacy. Wycliffe struggled to find biblical support for the institution of the papacy and argued that it hindered the true authority of Scripture. His second major work, "On Civil Dominion," targeted the Roman Catholic Church's claim of authority over the English crown and nobility. Wycliffe believed that England should not be bound to support a corrupt church. Finally, in "On the Truth of Sacred Scripture," he further developed the doctrine of the authority of Scripture.

These works had a profound impact on the Reformation. Two faculty members from Oxford brought Wycliffe's writings to Prague, where they influenced Jan Hus, another key figure in the Reformation. Even Martin Luther, the central figure of the Protestant Reformation, showed traces of Wycliffe's teachings in his early writings. However, Wycliffe's most significant contribution was the translation of the Bible into English.

In "On the Truth of Sacred Scripture," Wycliffe advocated for the translation of the Bible into the common language of the people. This was considered heresy by the Roman Catholic Church, as they believed the Bible should only be read in Latin. However, Wycliffe firmly believed in the power of God's Word and its accessibility to all people. He assembled a group of colleagues who dedicated themselves to translating, copying, and distributing the Bible in English.

Unlike today, where printing presses allow for mass production of books, Wycliffe's team had to painstakingly hand copy each Bible. Despite the challenges, hundreds of Bibles were produced and distributed to Wycliffe's pastors, who preached across England, spreading the Word of God to the people. These followers of Wycliffe became known as Lollards and were instrumental in spreading reform not only in England but throughout Europe.

The driving force behind Wycliffe's efforts was the belief that studying the Gospel in one's native language was essential for Christians. He stated, "It helps Christian men to study the Gospel in that tongue which they know best." This conviction stayed with Wycliffe until his dying days, even as he fell out of favor with the church and nobility in England. Despite the opposition he faced, Wycliffe remained steadfast in his conviction of the authority and centrality of Scripture, dedicating his life to helping Christians study the Bible.

After his death in 1384, Wycliffe was declared a heretic by the Council of Constance in 1415. His remains were exhumed, burned, and the ashes were dumped into the River Swift. But even in death, Wycliffe's reforming efforts could not be extinguished. His influence continued to shine brightly, signaling the imminent dawn of the Reformation.

In conclusion, John Wycliffe was a pivotal figure in setting the stage for the Protestant Reformation. His writings challenged the corrupt practices of the church and emphasized the authority of Scripture. His most significant contribution was the translation of the Bible into English, making God's Word accessible to the common people. Despite facing opposition and being declared a heretic, Wycliffe's teachings laid the groundwork for the Reformation that would follow. His legacy as the "Morning Star of the Reformation" remains an inspiration to this day.