Want a focus for October 31 that’s not Halloween? Celebrate Reformation Day.
In 1517 on that date, the German monk and theology professor Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the church in Wittenburg. He did not know this would start the Reformation.
After reading the Bible, Martin Luther learned that God’s grace was free, but the churches at the time were making it expensive, telling the people to buy indulgences to pay for their sins. Telling them to do good deeds and visit holy places if they wanted to make it to heaven.
“Scripture alone! Faith alone! Grace alone!” said Martin. “We must always come down on the side of the Word of God.”
Martin’s 95 Theses listed these and other items for discussion in the church. But instead of calm discussions about Scripture, the church leaders got angry, and Martin had to hide. Since most people couldn’t read the Latin Bible, he began translating the New Testament into German so the common people could read it.
Martin Luther’s life reminds us to search the Scriptures for truth; defend the powerless; if you have a disagreement with someone, talk it out with them; give to those in need; and rest in God’s grace and assurance.
As Romans 5:8 says, “God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!”
(Information: “A Faith Like Martin’s,” Janice Miller, Focus on the Family Clubhouse, October 2017, pp. 4-5.)
Martin Luther and Bible Image: Pixabay