SUNDAY OF THE REFORMATION
October 27, 2024
“Justified by God’s Grace”
Reformation Sunday carries a unique and inspiring message, and whether you’ve been Lutheran since birth or have found your way to this Christian denomination as an adult, there’s nothing like this day. The Scripture readings, the music, and the tone of the morning’s worship service are unique, all fitting together as we begin with the great hymn of faith, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” inspired by Psalm 46:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” (verses 1-2, 10)
How blessed and inspired we are to hear the words that opened Martin Luther’s heart and mind to a new understanding of the relationship between God and people:
“. . . since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. . .” (Romans 3:23, 24).
We’ve read, studied, and heard much of the great influence Luther had on the church and society of his day, as great changes were sweeping across Europe in the era we know as the Renaissance. Art, literature, music, and science, along with religious scholarship were developing and building on one another. Creativity was taking place in many areas, and the times were ripe for a person of Luther’s scholarship and spiritual depth to learn, to study, and to develop a new and clearer understanding of Christianity and God’s relationship with his people.
Inspired to engage with the religious and secular authorities in debates on these theological and political subjects, Luther wrote his debate points (or theses) and posted them on the door of the castle church of Wittenberg, Germany on October 31, 1517. The timing of this public posting was intentional — the next day was All Saints Day, an important day of worship, and large numbers of people would be coming to church, so they’d see this document.
I’ve always wondered if Luther truly believed that scholarly, refined debates on these subjects would ensue, but they certainly had an impressive effect. The religious/political authorities were furious at his challenges and attempted to arrest him, which sent him into hiding as he feared for his life. After several years, Luther appeared before a council of authorities, who demanded that he recant his questions and statements about the established church, its theology and its practices. His response stands strong and clear:
“My conscience is captive to the Word of God. Thus I cannot and will not recant, for going against my conscience is neither safe nor salutary. I can do no other, here I stand, God help me. Amen.” (Martin Luther, April 18, 1521)
Martin Luther’s legacy is not only that of being a man of God-given strength and conviction who was a key figure in a change of historic proportions; it also lives on in the freedom to study, to question, and to grow in faith through God’s gift of grace.
Secure in the refuge and strength of God,
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers