“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” Romans 1:16-17
503 years ago, on October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the castle church in Wittenberg Germany and we have the beginnings of the Protestant Reformation. Now there were many reformers before and after Luther, but his action is one that is greatly remembered these many years later.
The Scripture listed above is one that really helped Martin Luther understand God’s grace and the gift of faith. Faith alone! We rejoice today in what we call the ‘doctrines of grace’ as we emphasize grace and faith rather than any works in our salvation. We know that it is Christ alone who saves us. I hope that we daily thank God for His grace in our lives.
I encourage you this week as we remember the Reformation and Martin Luther to check out some new audio stories that Ligonier has produced. They are written by one of my favorite authors, Douglas Bond. https://www.ligonier.org/luther-in-real-time/
As of the time of this writing, October 27, 2020, there are three podcast episodes. Take a listen and let me know what you think.
Happy Reformation Day on Saturday! Let us rejoice in the saving grace of our God.
“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.”
Verse 4 of A Mighty Fortress is Our God
Written by Martin Luther in 1529
Based on Psalm 46