This monumental act triggered the movement in world history known as the Reformation. While the historical date for the observance of Reformation is October 31st, most churches celebrate it on the last Sunday in October.
WHY WAS THE CHURCH IN NEED OF REFORM?
For centuries, the Roman Catholic Church had been overcome by false doctrines, superstition, ignorance, and corruption. Most people were illiterate and had little knowledge of the Bible; they relied on their Catholic Church for their religious teaching.
The monks, priests, bishops, and even the popes in Rome taught unbiblical doctrines like purgatory and salvation through good works. The average person in the pew sought to justify themselves by works, pilgrimages, and various kinds of religious duties and devotions.
The truth of the gospel -- the good news that God is loving and merciful, that He offers each and every one of us forgiveness and salvation not because of what we do, but because of what Christ has already done for us -- was not taught.
Today, Reformation Sunday is simply a day, as is every day to give glory to God for His sovereign work through Martin Luther and eventually many others as God caused the recovery of the gospel of salvation by grace through faith for Christ's sake.
By grace God's Son, our only Savior,
Came down to earth to bear our sin.
Was it because of your own merit
That Jesus died your soul to win?
No, it was grace, and grace alone,
that brought Him from His heav'nly throne.
Came down to earth to bear our sin.
Was it because of your own merit
That Jesus died your soul to win?
No, it was grace, and grace alone,
that brought Him from His heav'nly throne.
I had no idea today was Reformation Day... wow... thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Reformation Day to you, too!
ReplyDeleteI grew up Catholic, and when I married DH, we went to his church...Greek Orthodox. Even though we were both Saved in our teens, we still attended church where we were most comfortable...as well as for the sake of our families. We didn't want to 'rock the boat.'
We started reading the Bible for ourselves and realized what we were being taught at church wasn't cohesive with our Bible. We began attending "the Church of the Recliner" and watching Charles Stanley on TV until we could bravely make the move to a new church more interested in teaching the Bible rather than teaching Church rules.
When you're brought up in these doctrines, I think your journey to Salvation is sometimes more difficult because you have to question your heritage & family religion. We are blessed by the Reformation and understand its significance in our lives.
Once, while talking to a very Legalistic Fundamentalist, I was told there was absolutely no connection between his church and the Catholic church. I kindly asked, "Have you ever heard of the Protestant Reformation? You wouldn't have your religion without the connection." :o)
Happy Sunday!
Happy reformation Day to you and all your readers!
ReplyDeleteJustification by faith was such a radical idea back then. The idea that one can be saved apart from the involvement of clergy is still a foreign concept to some.
ReplyDeleteHappy reformation day, Gregg! Soli Deo Gloria!
ReplyDeleteyour posts constantly keep my eyes looking at Jesus. all glory to God!
ReplyDelete