Reformation… Standing Today
1517
95 Theses
The Solas
Martin Luther.
Why celebrate a church event from more than 500 years ago?
…Because it changed the world.
I like how Stephen J. Nichols, author of The Reformation: How a Book and a Mallot Changed the World, states it:
“The Reformation is a much broader event than that singular day. To be sure, the Reformation began on that day. The Reformation, however, spanned two centuries and encompassed a cast of characters from a variety of nations. Luther may very well be at the center of the Reformation, but he does not stand alone.”
Luther does not stand alone. We are his theological heirs and mission partners.
This weekend we celebrate Reformation Day. And our readings, hymns and songs, and message will highlight the theme/prayer, “Saved by Your grace alone, Lord, through faith alone, because of Christ alone.” In a real sense, we stand with Martin Luther on believing, teaching, and confessing God’s Word and Gospel in the Holy Bible.
Perhaps we should ask ourselves again: what did Luther stand for?
Luther’s words in his Galatians commentary clearly illustrate the heart of the gospel message that became the foundation of the Reformation throughout Europe—that we are not saved by our own merits and good deeds, but by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
Here are a few quotes…
- “The Gospel supplies the world with the salvation of Jesus Christ, peace of conscience, and every blessing.”
- “Christ came into the world to reconcile God with us and to draw us to the Father.”
- “The right separation between Law and Gospel is very important to know. Christian doctrine is impossible without it.”
- “The greeting of the Apostle is refreshing. Grace remits sin, and peace quiets the conscience. Sin and conscience torment us, but Christ has overcome these fiends now and forever. Only Christians possess this victorious knowledge given from above.”
- “… the truth will win out.”
- “The article of justification must be sounded in our ears incessantly because the frailty of our flesh will not permit us to take hold of it perfectly and to believe it with all our heart.”
- “But we who endeavor to please God and not men, stir up hell itself.”
- “God not only pardoned our iniquities, but in addition overwhelmed us with blessings and spiritual gifts.”
- “These two terms, grace and peace, constitute Christianity. Grace involves the remission of sins, peace, and a happy conscience. Sin is not canceled by lawful living, for no person is able to live up to the Law. The Law reveals guilt, fills the conscience with terror, and drives men to despair. Much less is sin taken away by man-invented endeavors. The fact is, the more a person seeks credit for himself by his own efforts, the deeper he goes into debt. Nothing can take away sin except the grace of God.”
As Luther was on trial for his writings, he faced the choice of recanting the words he knew to be true or become a convicted outlaw and heretic by order of the Holy Roman Emperor. This is what he said:
“Unless I can be instructed and convinced with evidence from the Holy Scriptures or with open, clear, and distinct grounds of reasoning … then I cannot and will not recant, because it is neither safe nor wise to act against conscience.” Then he added, “Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me! Amen.“
We are standing with Luther on Sunday… because Luther was standing for Jesus.
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word;
Curb those who by deceit or sword
Would wrest the kingdom from Your Son
And bring to naught all He has done. (LSB 655:1)
God bless!
Pastor Ken