It is important that we remember the Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century. When we do so, not only is it important for us to consider the Reformers and their work, but we also need to be reminded of the great and seemingly unconquerable enemies of the Reformers. It is our purpose in this article to consider one of these enemies of the Reformation, the Anabaptists.

Whenever we consider any aspect of the Reformation, we realize anew that the Reformation was not an accomplishment of men, but a wonder work of God. The Reformers were indeed great men of God, but they could do nothing by themselves to overcome their enemies and to bring about reform. By taking note of the struggles of the Reformers, we are able more fully to appreciate the great heritage of the Reformed faith which we have received.

ENEMIES OF THE REFORMATION

In the Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century, the Reformers, by God’s grace and guidance, overcame two kinds of opposition. Both of these opponents were a threat to the cause of the Reformation and thus the success of the Reformation depended upon the success of the Reformers in overcoming the opposition.

But what were these two major enemies which the Reformers faced? Are you able to mention them?

Perhaps the one that first comes to mind is the Roman Catholic Church. The Roman Catholics, in many ways, continually attempted to halt the progress of the Reformation. Yes, overcoming the Roman Catholics was essential to the Reformation. Perhaps we would even say that the most important battle of the Reformation was overcoming Rome and its errors.

But there was still another and perhaps more serious enemy – the radicals.

The Reformers not only faced the antagonism of the Roman Catholics on the right, but they also encountered opposition from radical movements on the left. It is here that the Anabaptists (the “Re-Baptizers”) fit in, for they were one of these radical groups.

NATURE OF THE ANABAPTIST MOVEMENT

The Anabaptist movement (as was true of most radical movements) arose from within the Protestant party. At first these radicals appeared to have a valuable contribution to make to the Reformation, for they were strong in their opposition to Rome and its errors and even seemed to stand for the right things.

Anabaptists were, however, a serious threat to the Reformers and the Reformation. Anabaptists were unhappy with both the direction and the pace of the Reformation and desired to bring about reform in their own ways – ways based upon a misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the Scriptures.

The Anabaptist movement was not, however, a unified movement. Some historians state that there were at least seven different kinds of Anabaptists, with some being more radical than others. Although the Anabaptists had certain beliefs on which they all agreed, in most areas they disagreed violently among themselves. This resulted in many schisms within the Anabaptist groups.

TENETS OF ANABAPTISM

The name “Anabaptist” (meaning “to re-baptize”), was given to the Anabaptists by their opponents. Although those who came up with this name perhaps intended it to be somewhat derogatory, it was nevertheless a true and appropriate title. The Anabaptists were not, however, fond of this title, for they maintained that they were not “re-baptizing.” They believed that their initial baptism as children was invalid and that their baptism as adults was the only true baptism.

The two main errors of the Anabaptist movement, errors which all Anabaptists held in common, were their heretical doctrines of a pure church of believers and of adult baptism. They believed that the true church was the church which contained only adult believers. This meant that only adults, those who confessed their faith, could be members. Infants, being unable to repent and believe, should not be baptized. It was necessary, therefore, to reject infant baptism.

Great diversity and disagreement prevailed, however, concerning the other beliefs and practices of the Anabaptists. For example, certain groups of Anabaptists were far more radical than others and even took up arms in order to defend themselves and to promote their cause. Other groups, such as the Swiss Anabaptists, were far less radical than the movements in Germany and the Netherlands and were known for their simple piety and strict morality.

Although many disagreements existed among the Anabaptists, yet it is easy to see from a consideration of their beliefs that the Anabaptists were a dangerous threat to the cause of the Protestant Reformation. The errors of the Anabaptists struck right at the heart of the Reformed faith – God’s covenant of friendship and fellowship with believers and their children.

CONCLUSION

It is never pleasant for the church to have to face and fight enemies. But God is sovereign. It is God Who sends the enemies to the church and He does so with a purpose. In God’s providence the Anabaptist heresy served to strengthen the Protestant Reformation.

The positive outcome of the rise of Anabaptism was the spiritual strengthening of the Reformation and of the Reformers.

The rise of the Anabaptist errors compelled the Reformers to find a Scriptural defense for infant baptism. The Reformers were thereby led to a better understanding of the important place of the children of believers in the covenant which God establishes with His people.

The confrontation between the Anabaptists and the Reformed is a wonderful testimony of God’s preserving His church and leading that church into the truth. It was God, not the Reformers, Who, by means of the confrontation, brought about the strengthening of the church and the development of the truth.  And it is God Who has given this heritage of truth to His church of today.

Let us remember the Reformation. Let us remember the Reformers. But let us also remember this enemy, the Anabaptists, first, so that we are wary of those who hold to these views today, and secondly, so that we appreciate more fully the wonderful heritage of truth that we have.