“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, they just shall live by faith,” Romans 1:17. These words, recorded in the Bible, ultimately led to the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. They were especially illuminating to a man named Martin Luther — a man who took a risk and brought sacred scriptures to light, making them available for the common person instead of just priests and royalty.
While you’re trick-or-treating or eating candy corn tomorrow, take time to think about a man who brought about change — a Reformation — because things were unjust.
Luther, born in Eisleben, Germany in 1483, was troubled by Christianity and constantly fell into depressive spells during his time as a monk in the Roman Catholic Church. Luther even went so far as to express a hatred of God at this time.
According to Roland Bainton’s biography, Luther once exclaimed, “I was myself more than once driven to the abyss of despair so that I wished I had never been created. Love God? I hated him!”
This statement reflects how Christians were misled in the Middle Ages. Works-righteousness – one of the most hypocritical teachings — was pounded into the church and the general population. It taught that one could not get to heaven unless one performed good deeds (i.e. praying to the saints, fasting, pilgrimages, etc.).
The Roman Catholic Church went so far as to sell “indulgences” to the public. In general, these indulgences would grant salvation and forgiveness of sins, but required monetary payments. The hypocrisy of these indulgences is absolutely astounding — the Catholic Church had lost focus, and Luther was in the thick of it.
The pope and priests abounded in the law of God and did not teach the Gospel in its truth and purity. It makes me wonder, how many souls must have despaired like Luther?
Additionally, Bibles were printed in Latin instead of the language of the people, hence, only priests could interpret the scriptures. Who could question the priests if no one had access to the Bible themselves?
This is where we can thank God for Luther. Luther did study the Scriptures, and he brought back the message of the Gospel to the world.
On October 31, 1517, Luther nailed the Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Castle Church (where many announcements were posted) and the Reformation began. Luther finally understood the meaning of the verse Romans 1:17.
Luther brought back the true ideals of scripture – noting that humanity is saved by grace through faith alone. He taught that good works were a necessary part of Christian life, but did not save souls – only faith could save.
Thanks to Luther, we can now see the truth in the scriptures. We can live in the peace, freedom and love of Jesus Christ. Albeit, all Christians will have some disagreements about the Biblical text, we can unite in the glorious victory of Christ over death and the devil.
Just remember that there’s more to Halloween than candy and costumes. Our civilization was permanently affected by the Reformation, and in ways even Luther could never imagine.
“[Luther’s] is the story of the birth of the modern age, of the collapse of medieval feudalism, and the first shaping of ideals of freedom and liberty that lie at the heart of the 21st century,” states pbs.org.
This is the freedom that lies in the heart of the Gospel. And this does not refer merely to secular freedoms, but first and foremost spiritual freedom. This freedom leads us to Christ and away from Satan and despair, just as it did Luther. What a beautiful message. Truly, the righteousness of God is revealed to us.
Happy Reformation Day to all.
Andrew Jenson can be reached at [email protected]