Reformation Sunday

Reformation Sunday

Why is this day important to the Church? Why do we even need to think about it? There are seven churches mentioned in the book of Revelation and only one was not corrected and told to reform its ways. In the early days before the reformation there was only one church in the west, and it was the Roman Catholic Church. It had great power and decided who would rule as Kings, it taxed the people, if you went against what it said you were excommunicated, land seized, or perhaps you would be burnt at the stake. A lot of times Luther is only seen as the only reformer. Yet just like the declaration of independence there was more than on signer. And they came up with the five pillars that we stand on today. And one of those reformers was

Roger Williams (c. 1603 – March 1683)[1] was an English-born New England Puritan minister, theologian, and author who founded Providence Plantations, which became the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations and later the State of Rhode Island. He was a staunch advocate for religious freedom, separation of church and state, and fair dealings with the Native Americans.[2]

Romans 3:21-31

there were five statements that impact us still to this day

1. . Sola Scriptura | Scripture Alone

Sola Scriptura affirms the belief that God gave us His Word and it is set apart and revered. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Hebrews 4: 12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. The Word of God has stood and will stand the tests of time throughout every generation. Romans 15:4 says, “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

2. Solus Christus | Christ Alone

Solus Christus celebrates Christ alone. The emphasis is that only by Jesus we can be saved.

John 14:6 says, “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” When anyone adds to Jesus or takes away Jesus they miss salvation. Forgiveness of sins and eternal life in Heaven can only come through faith in Jesus Himself. Anyone or anything that we place above Christ is an idol.

Christ alone reminds us that Jesus is the only one who was and is to come who can free us from the dominion of death and hell. He is the One who loved us so much that He gave His own life and rose from the dead so that we could be with Him.

3. Sola Gratia | Grace Alone

Sola gratia is by grace alone. This is truly the gospel. I once heard a saying, “grace plus theology misses the whole point of grace.” Ephesians 2:5-6 “even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”

We have grace upon grace in Him (John 1:16) Even though we are humans who fail daily, His grace is sufficient and more than enough for us.

4. Sola Fide | Faith Alone

Sola fide is faith alone. When we try to bring something to the table for our own salvation it is equivalent to filthy rags. Isaiah 64:6 says, “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.” Faith will produce good works in our lives, but they are an overflow out of the work of the Holy Spirit Who lives in us. However, we cannot earn our way to heaven. We must have faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He is the gate, and it is only through Him that we can enter into the kingdom of God (John 10:9). I have found that every religion except Christianity attempts to work their way to heaven or “become their own god.” Jesus is different because it is only by His gift that we can enter Heaven one day. It is only by His blood that we can be restored into right relationship with our Creator God. On top of that, He is so gracious to give us His Holy Spirit who is with us always.

5. Soli Deo Gloria | God’s Glory Alone

1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” We exist to bring God glory. Our very makeup is created to worship. When we live out our purposes, we are pointing to the Lord. Soli Deo gloria reminds us to give God the glory alone. No other person, not even ourselves deserve praise. When we accomplish that goal or do well on that project, we might have stewarded the gifts, but God gave the giftings. He deserves the credit. Like an Olympic athlete has a name and a purpose, his ultimate victory is for his nation. We have a role to play in the kingdom of God. Ultimately it is for the glory of Christ and His victory that we share in. 1 Corinthians 15:57 says, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” When we combine these sola statements we understand the full picture of Christian beliefs. We believe in the Holy Scriptures, that Jesus is the only way to salvation, it is by His grace we are saved, it is through faith in Him that we have eternal life, and all the glory goes to God. Excitement stirs in my heart when I think about these statements as the foundations and truths that build up our faith as the body of Christ.

God calls us to reform our opinions based on His word In Christ alone are we saved. Through faith alone and not because of who we are yet because of Who HE IS.