Reformation Day (October 31) commemorates Luther’s posting of his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, in 1517. This act triggered the Protestant Reformation. The Reformation was, in essence, the rediscovery of the doctrine of justification—salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. It was also the protest against the corruption within the Roman Church. The century before the Reformation was marked by scandal and dismay. Leaders in the Roman Catholic Church were abusing their power and influence, spreading false teachings such as: the selling of indulgences, the treasury of merit, purgatory, and salvation through good works.
Luther himself not only fought against the false teachings in the Roman Church, he also fought for the doctrine of salvation by faith alone. He writes:
At last, by the mercy of God, meditating day and night, I gave heed to the context of the words, namely, “In it the righteousness of God is revealed, as it is written, ‘He who through faith is righteous shall live.”‘ There I began to understand that the righteousness of God is that by which the righteous lives by a gift of God, namely by faith. And this is the meaning: the righteousness of God is revealed by the gospel, namely, the passive righteousness with which merciful God justifies us by faith, as it is written, “He who through faith is righteous shall live.” Here I felt that I was altogether born again and had entered paradise itself through open gates.
Is Reformation theology relevant today? We think so. Watch this video as Dr. Thaddeus Williams explains why Reformation thinking needs to continue today:
May God ignite a fire in our souls for these gospel truths.
6 Comments on "It’s that time again—Reformation Day"
Amen!
It’s great to learn about all these church history heroes that I never really knew much about before. Id like to study more about it. Does anyone recommend any good books or resources about church history that are easy to read?
Ron,
It’s not a book, but here’s a quick link that gives a nice overview of Reformation Day and what it’s about, and some of the leading figures in the reformation.
http://gentlemanadventurer.org/2011/10/31/history-in-5-minutes-reformation-day/
I do have some books and resources to recommend, but none that aren’t quite old and difficulty (though worthwhile) reading. I’ll look around and see what’s out there.
Wow thanks Richard! This is very helpful. Appreciate it, brother!
Ron,
It’s not a book, but here’s a quick link that gives a nice overview of Reformation Day and what it’s about, and some of the leading figures in the reformation.
http://gentlemanadventurer.org/2011/10/31/history-in-5-minutes-reformation-day/
I do have some books and resources to recommend, but none that aren’t quite old and difficulty (though worthwhile) reading. I’ll look around and see what’s out there.
Excellent!