October 31st doesn’t just hold Halloween, but also about a lesser holiday called: Reformation day. What is Reformation Day? To be reformed, according to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, means to be changed for the better. October 31st is a day to recognize Martin Luther King nailing his 95 theses to the Wittenberg Church in 1517. These theses were his statements and arguments for the Catholic beliefs. Got Questions reveals, “[to] express his growing concern with the corruption within the Church. In essence, his Theses called for a full reform of the Catholic Church and challenged other scholars to debate with him on matters of church policy.”
Luther’s goal was to shift the church to be more educated on what God says about salvation. It’s not by our works but by God’s grace that saves us.
“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.”
Furthermore, Got Questions states “Luther believed the Word of God was the supreme authority for the Christian faith, rather than tradition or papal decrees. In the process of bringing the Scriptures to the common person, Luther translated the Bible into German, published numerous books and sermons of biblical teachings, and composed numerous hymns based on biblical themes. Many of his hymns are still sung today.”
For his actions, he was brought to court, and later excommunicated from the Wittenberg Church. During the trial he spoke out. Got Questions provides these words from Martin: “I cannot choose but adhere to the Word of God, which has possession of my conscience; nor can I possibly, nor will I even make any recantation, since it is neither safe nor honest to act contrary to conscience! Here I stand; I cannot do otherwise, so help me God! Amen.”
Luther called the church back to The Word of God, and made an impact from across the globe. He believed his Father’s words, over traditions in the church, got excommunicated, and didn’t let others bring his beliefs down.
Romans 11:6 (NLT)
And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.
