Four-hundred ninety years ago, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, setting in motion what would become one of the greatest events within Christendom in history — the Reformation — which would give rise to the Anabaptist, Reformed, and of course Lutheran branches of Christianity.
Luther’s 95 Theses in English (translated from the original Latin).
I firmly believe that the Roman Catholic Church is (intentionally? ignorantly?) leading countless souls to Hell with their false gospel. I fully realize that to be so opposed to something isn’t en vogue in our “Thou shalt not offend” society; however, there is no nice way to describe those who would teach false gospels. Apostle Paul declares such people anathema — accursed (Galatians 1:8).
Many have died in defense of the true Gospel — the Gospel which I may freely believe in today. And were it not for Luther’s fateful posting of his grievances with the Roman Catholics, were it not for his subsequent stand for biblical truths, and were it not for subsequent reformers such as John Calvin, the landscape of Christianity would be greatly different than it is today.
May today be a day of remembrance of those who have gone before. May we continue to meditate and rejoice in those great biblical truths recovered in the Reformation. And may we continue to examine our lives and our faith, ever reforming so as to conform to the image of Jesus Christ and the truth of His Word.
… And you thought today was just Halloween, huh? ;)
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God by Martin Luther
A mighty Fortress is our God,
A Bulwark never failing;
Our Helper He amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great;
And armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing;
Were not the right man on our side,
The man of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He,
Lord Sabaoth His name,
From age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure,
For lo! his doom is sure;
One little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly powers,
No thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Through Him who with us sideth;
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also;
The body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still;
His Kingdom is forever. Amen.
The Five Solas of the Reformation
- Sola scriptura – by Scripture alone – The Bible is the only inspired and authoritative Word of God, is the only source for Christian doctrine, and is accessible to all.
- Sola fide – by faith alone – Justification (being declared righteous by God) is received by faith alone, not good works.
- Sola gratia – by grace alone – Salvation comes by grace (God’s unmerited favor) only and is not something which sinners can merit or earn.
- Solus Christus – Christ alone – Christ is the only Mediator between God and man, and salvation is available only through Him.
- Soli Deo gloria – glory to God alone – All glory is due to God alone, for it is He who makes possible salvation — both through the all-sufficient atonement made by Jesus Christ on the Cross and through the gift of faith in that atonement.