Question

What is all the fuss about Reformation Day and 500 years?

Answer

Thank for your question. I had an opportunity years ago to travel to Wittenberg Germany and do some studies in church history for seminary. It was an exciting time; both what was learned and visiting Wittenberg Germany, Geneva Switzerland, and Prague Czechoslovakia (Czech Republic). They are all amazing countries!

October 31st this year is the 500th anniversary of Luther's nailing his 95 theses on the Castle Church door in Lutherstadt Wittenberg. It is considered the Birthplace of the Reformation. His main concern was the issue of justification; the "main hinge on which religion turns" (Calvin).

In studying the Bible, Luther recognized that a Christian is at the same time justified and a sinner. God justifies the ungodly (Rom 4:5). He also understood that a Christian's right standing with God is based upon an alien righteousness; that is outside of himself and on Christ alone (Jer 23:6). He believed we are justified by grace alone and that justification is imputed, not infused to the believer (Rom. 3:28; Tit. 3:5).

He also taught that faith is the sole instrument by which one lays hold upon the righteousness of Christ (Rom 3:28). In other words, faith is like a conduit; when we truly believe in Jesus Christ, faith is the sole means by which our sin is transferred to Jesus and through which his righteousness is imputed to us. In short, we call it the Great Exchange!

A lot of time has passed since 1517, but it's still all about Jesus. Though not perfect, we can still learn a lot from Martin Luther and the other leaders of the Reformation.

Related Topic:

Reformation Day vs. Halloween?

Answer by Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr.

Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr., D.D., M.Div. is the Theological Editor at Third Millennium Ministries (Thirdmill).

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