Happy Reformation Day (Oct 31)
As I’m sitting in Starbucks surrounded by pumpkin spice and people wishing each other a “Happy Halloween,” a friend just emailed to say, “Happy Reformation Day!” Spot on.
Reformation Day commemorates the day Martin Luther, a German monk and theologian, sparked the Protestant Reformation against the corrupt practices of the Catholic Church by nailing his 95 Theses (complaints) to the Castle Church door in Wittenberg, Germany, on October 31, 1517.
While Luther’s actions lit the fire, the best of the Reformation lies in what are familiarly called the five solas:
Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone): God’s Word is our authority, not traditions or opinions.
Solus Christus (Christ Alone): Jesus is our only Savior, and our hope is entirely in Him.
Sola Fide (Faith Alone): We are eternally saved not by works but by trusting Jesus for the gift of eternal life.
Sola Gratia (Grace Alone): An eternal relationship with God is a gift we receive, not something we earn.
Sola Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone): Everything God does and everything we do points back to God’s greatness.
The Reformation’s emphasis on salvation by grace alone through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone, is just as vital for us today as it was five centuries ago! I invite you to thank and worshpi God for the truth of His Word, the incredible sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and the wonderful glory of God’s eternal grace.
Have a Happy Halloween and a great Reformation Day.