500 Years Later

500 years ago on October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the Whittenberg Door. He was protesting some of the things church leaders were doing in his day like selling forgiveness and elevating human traditions above the Word of God. 

You see, Martin Luther tried desperately to do enough to  be right with God. He struggled with guilt and agonized over his standing before God. One day, while studying the Scriptures, he came across this phrase: "The Just Shall Live By Faith." It changed his life! He realized that Christ had done it all! He just had to receive grace and forgiveness! Wow! 

Once he understood this truth, he just had to speak out!

You see, the Roman Catholic Church was in a terrible state. It's hard for us to imagine because the Roman Catholic Church today is not in the same place. In those days, men could buy an office in the church so many non-Christians were in important posts. But even then, many godly men and women were serving in the church as priests, abbots, nuns, and monks. Their hearts were grieved. 

The Reformers (Wycliffe, Huss, Luther, Calvin, Tyndale) were all members of the Roman Catholic Church. They did not want to live it; they wanted mess cleaned up. Unfortunately, the clean-up did not come in time and now we have many denominations today. 

However, we can look back to the Reformation and be grateful for the return to biblical teaching on Salvation, Grace, Faith, and the Authority of Scripture. The Reformation brought us the Five Solas.

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The Five Solas

Sola is Latin for "only" or "alone". Here are the Five Solas: Sola Scriptura,  Sola Fide, Sola Gratia, Sola Christus, Sola Deo Gloria.

Sola Scriptura: The Bible alone is our highest authority. Everything must be tested with Scripture.

Sola Fide: We are saved through faith alone in Jesus Christ. 

Sola Gratia: We are saved by the grace of God alone.

Sola Christus: Jesus Christ alone is our Lord, Savior, and King. 

Sola Deo Gloria: We live for the glory of God alone. 

Scripture Alone. Faith Alone. Grace Alone. Jesus Christ Alone. All to the Glory of God Alone! These things are the heritage of the Reformation and are need just as much now as they were back then. 

Look around at the world. It is lost, living in danger of the wages of sin in this life and the next. They need to hear about the finished work of Christ on the cross. He alone can set them free and lavish them with His love and grace. Only Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Let's point the world to Him!

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Resources

Are you looking for resources to celebrate Reformation Day?

At this time each year, our family celebrates with a Heroes for Jesus Party. 

There are so many heroes to celebrate! I love teaching my children about heroes and heroines who are sold out for Jesus and have been used to change the world. 

Do you want to have your own Heroes for Jesus Party? Celebrate Our Christian Heroes encourages families to give their children true heroes in their lives, shares ideas on how to learn about Christian heroes, gives instructions to host a Heroes for Jesus Party, gives a list of heroes with monologues, costume suggestions, and games, and includes autumn recipes to use at your Heroes for Jesus Party. An additional Bonus is Paul's Missionary Journey to Rome Game with instructions, templates, and rules.

Celebrate Our Christian Heroes is available at Amazon. 

Another resource I have just run across is The Five Solas: Signs to Follow on the Narrow Path. This family Bible study will help you explore Scripture in an engaging manner with seven days of family study. Each day includes:

• An overview of a Sola or Scriptural concept
• A Bible passage to study with discussion questions
• Additional passages to read to better understand the intent of each Sola
• A structured notebooking page
• A family activity
• A craft

Whatever way you choose, I hope your family will stop a minute and consider the Reformation and remember the truths, taught in Scripture, that it brought to the forefront.

God bless you.

Warmly, 
Meredith Curtis

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