Today in Reformation History

November 24th 1572

On this day, the last day of his life, the Scottish Reformer John Knox could barely stand, barely see, and barely speak. Yet his mind and heart were still anchored where they had always been—on the Word of God.

As he lay dying, his friends gathered around him and read Scripture at his bedside. One passage in particular he asked for was John 17—the place, he said, where he had “cast his first anchor.” It was the chapter in which Jesus prays for his people, and Knox had lived his whole ministry resting on the promises found there.

Later in the afternoon he passed through a final spiritual struggle. Satan tried to persuade him that he deserved heaven because of his ministry. But Knox rejected that lie with the same gospel truths he had preached to others: it was by God’s grace alone. And with that, his troubled thoughts settled into peace.

That night, he could no longer form words. His friends asked him for a sign that he still rested in Christ. Knox slowly lifted his hand. Moments later, he passed quietly into the presence of the Lord.

Knox died the same way he lived—leaning entirely on Christ, trusting the Scriptures, and anchored in the prayer of his Saviour