Happy Reformation Day, everyone!! Some four hundred and ninety plus years ago, Martin Luther challenged the Catholic Church on their doctrine. Reformation Day is a reminder of this challenge and a day that every Christian should observe and spend time pondering the effect even today. Martin Luther’s challenge as well as his subsequent exposure of the doctrinal practices of his day was the engine that shaped the way we serve and worship our Lord and Savior to this very day.
The publication of Martin Luther’s 95 theses on Oct. 31, 1517, is traditionally celebrated as the birth of the Reformation that split Western Christianity into Catholic and Protestant. This split was and still remains the single most important and significant event to affect Christendom since the first Ecumenical Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, which settled the issue of salvation.
- Sola Gratia- Saved by grace alone
- Sola Fide- Through faith alone
- Solus Christus – In Christ alone
- Sola Scriptura – According to scripture alone
- Soli Deo Gloria – For the glory of God alone
The catalyst for the Reformation of October 31, 1517, was the true understanding of justification according to the Word of God. Martin Luther’s view was that justification (salvation) was attained by faith alone which was contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church which stated that justification comes through works and the sacraments. The Reformation propelled man to take responsibility for his own salvation through the saving Blood of Jesus. It also gave us the freedom and encouragement to read and study the Scriptures ourselves. This simple yet profound human right of reading and studying God’s Holy Word was not afford to all before the 16th century. It was thought that only a priest has the anointing to interpret the Holy Scriptures; imagine that!
How could this very important day become so lost and forgotten throughout Christendom? We know that October 31st has been taken over by the celebration of Halloween, especially in the United States. The churches of U.S. have taken over as the most important guardian of the faith in these modern times. However, the Church has allowed the dark and demonic celebration of Halloween to eclipse the celebration of the revelation of the glorious saving grace of the Risen Lord. We don’t have to work for this grace; it is a free gift! Why has the body of Christ stood by silently and allowed this slide to happen?
My belief is that the celebration of Halloween on October 31st is no coincidence. Satan aims is to destroy the Light of the world. Reformation Day was an enlightenment for all mankind as to the truth of the savings grace of Jesus Christ, the Light of all mankind. It is not a coincidence that the evil one wants us to forget this important, life-saving revelation.
So, I encourage you to tell your kids about this special day. It should not just be taught in a church history class. This is a revelation story…the true nature of Christ revealed forever.
Happy Reformation Day to you and your loved ones!
J.R. Tracey +
The Branch Life 
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