Raise your hand if you know what makes this day, October 31, 2017, special.
Some might suggest Halloween; any holiday that includes dressing up in a costume and getting free candy is really special, or at least that wins the kid vote. (I know, I know . . . many church-goers don’t celebrate Halloween as such, but think Trunk or Treat or fall festival.)
But, no, Halloween isn’t the answer I’m looking for…
Today marks the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation!
Now before your eyes glaze over because boring church history, please stick with me for a few minutes because this one’s important, lovies. It’s one of those times I wish we could be sitting across from one another, sipping our favorite beverages and having a conversation about why this matters to you and to me —
Apart from Martin Luther’s work relative to the Reformation, I don’t know how we could answer the question, “Why do you believe what you believe?”
Bold statement. I’ll explain.
Briefly, first, let’s make sure everyone understands a bit about the Reformation. History tells us that on this day in 1517, Luther, a German-born Augustinian monk and professor of biblical studies, nailed his Ninety-five Theses to the door of All Saints Church in Wittenberg, Germany (though scholars suggest it wasn’t quite this dramatic of a display). The 95 Theses were a Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences. As explained by Greg Allison and Chris Cataldo in The Unfinished Reformation, an indulgence was “a remission of temporal punishment by paying money to the church.”
People were encouraged to buy their own way out of sin, so to speak, and they could also offer money on behalf of others, living or dead.
The short of the long is Martin Luther, upon reading the Bible himself, realized many of the Roman Catholic Church’s practices at the time weren’t consistent with Scripture. In writing the 95 Theses, Luther, and then other reformers, raised questions related to authority and salvation. They pressed for reform by exposing the abuses that were going on in the Church, which eventually led to the establishment of the Reformed and Protestant Churches.
Please, please hear my point in sharing this: not to focus on the rightness or wrongness of any particular denomination or religion, but to remind all of us about the transformative, life-changing affect of studying scripture.
The Bible inspired and informed a paradigm shift in Luther’s faith. His beliefs changed after a careful, personal examination of the Scripture.
For by grace you have been saved through faith.
And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Sola Scriptura – by scripture alone
Sola Gratia – by grace alone
Sola Fide – through faith alone
What we accept with little thought was not only revolutionary during Luther’s life, it was heretical. Challenging the church placed his life at stake, and in 1521, he was forced to go into hiding. It was during this time Martin Luther worked to translate Erasmus’s Greek New Testament. In the first two months following its publication, an estimated 5,000 copies were sold. Twelve years later, he completed a translation of the Old Testament.
We owe Luther a debt of gratitude impossible to repay. To the glory of God, after studying the Scriptures he:
- Bravely and boldly challenged the status quo.
- Demonstrated how one person can make a difference for generations that follow.
- Made the Bible accessible for all of us.
Now, end of the mini church history lesson, and a look at where most of us find ourselves today:
A society where we can worship freely, with access to countless Bible translations by the click of a mouse. I wouldn’t be surprised if many of us have more Bibles in our homes than we have fingers on our hands.
Spending time in the Word is transformative. A careful, personal examination of Scripture informs our belief and changes who we are.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)
Attending women’s retreats is a good thing; they can equip you for Kingdom work and refresh your heart and soul. Making corporate worship a priority and listening to sermons online can also be helpful in your faith-walk.
But there is no resource more powerful than God’s Word to teach us about Him, who we are in Christ, and what difference all of that makes; in this world and throughout eternity.
When Martin Luther studied the Scriptures, he discovered common religious practices were inconsistent with its teaching. He recognized the value of reading the Bible, and committed himself to translating it to make it accessible for the common person.
The invention of the printing press [Johannes Gutenberg, c. 1440] together with Luther’s German Bible [New Testament, 1522; Old Testament, 1534] did in a sense ‘unchained’ the Scriptures by making them available not only to scholars and monks but also to ploughboys in the fields and milkmaids at their pails. (Timothy George, Theology of the Reformers, p. 79)
I suggested at the beginning, “Apart from Martin Luther’s work relative to the Reformation, I don’t know how we could answer the question, ‘Why do you believe what you believe?'” It is the Lord who first stirs our hearts and draws believers to Himself, but thanks be to God for inspiring writers to provide a written account about Him and His plan for mankind, that we might know Him personally.
Jesus loves me, this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Would you be willing to share something you’ve learned recently from Bible study in your church, small group, or quiet time? Proverbs 27:17 tells us “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another,” and the wisdom you’ve gleaned from Scripture might just be what one of your (in)sisters needs to hear.
With BIG thanks to my pastor for his recent sermon series that inspired today’s words!
Leave a Comment
Summer Rae says
Miss Robin,
Recently a common theme that keeps popping up for me is community. Finding the courage to reach out. It isn’t always easy… Making sure that we do as we are told and help inspire others to good works. After thinking, re-thinking and thinking again today I stepped out of my comfort zone and sent a text to the women in my phone with an invitation to Miss Jennifer Dukes Lee’s “30 Gratefulness Challenge.” I thought of responses and almost didn’t include some out of fear they would wonder why I all of a sudden texted them after so long… but I was wrong. It was welcomed by many and they are so excited to start! It is amazing how something so small can plant such a giant seed of hope and confidence. To all of the women out there who hear that small, still Voice telling them “to just reach out” …do it. He’s right there with you. We were designed for community. Real, authentic, loving community is out there… and I am so blessed to have found this one!
This side of Heaven,
Summer Rae
Robin Dance says
Oh…Summer Rae–YES! This is so exciting to hear, and I know your confidence must be boosted now, but hopefully also, this response will strengthen you the next time you feel a holy nudge to reach out. Blessings as you all gather to go through Jennifer’s challenge <3.
Michele Morin says
Robin, this is stunning truth, and I’m so happy to be celebrating this 500 year anniversary today!
The truth of the Reformation that hits home for me is that we are always in the process of Reforming and of being Reformed through the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives as He uses Scripture to instruct and convict us.
Robin Dance says
Michele, you hit on something that is so true: “we ain’t done yet.” This side of heaven, the power of God is available to work in and through us to change us for His glory! (That makes me wanna shout AMEN! so I’ll just holler it in my heart right now. 🙂 )
T.mills says
God is teaching me about giving up my right to be right and loving unconditionally because that is what he does. PRAYING for my “enemies ”
Is a huge part of this process
Robin Dance says
Praying for my “enemies” is right up there with LOVING those same people; surrender IS such an important part of our faith, but isn’t that the way of Jesus? I’m so thankful He modeled a life of surrender for us. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Vanessa says
Robin,
Thank you. This was amazing and inspiring.
Recently God has continued to show me how much he loves me. He has shown me how gently he loves me and how gently he will handle matters of my heart. While he changes me to be more like him, he presses upon me ways that I am not obeying without criticizing, harshness, or disappointment. And then he draws me to himself with truths about himself and his nature as well as truths about myself and how preciously he has formed me and cared for me.
Blessings to you all!
Robin Dance says
Vanessa, You hit on something that was revolutionary to me a few years ago: conviction without condemnation. That God would so tenderly care for us that He exposes our sinfulness that we might see our great need for Christ is astonishing. Nothing is wasted in the economy of God–our flaws and failings can be the very things that turn our hearts toward him. Blessings to you!
Vanessa says
Oooh! I love that phrase, conviction without condemnation. God is so cool.
Maija Jokinen says
Robin, did you mean: Sola scriptura -by scripture (not faith) alone? Just wondering…
God is conforming me His will to heal through His word, as I’m learning to trust Him to have victory over my chronic illness. Especially prov 3:5-7 has been really encouraging to me. 🙂
Robin Dance says
ACK!!! YES!! At first I thought I must’ve had a typo, but then I see it’s a COMPLETE BRAIN DRAIN! Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Maija!!!! Times infinity :). {{blushing}} at the thought of this going out to our incourage community imperfectly, but I’ll take on Nester’s mantra: idhtbptbb 🙂
I’m so thankful you pointed back to SCRIPTURE in sharing how God is working in you. Chronic illness is a hard one to carry, and it always encourages ME when I see those suffering pointing to HIM. Lovely.
Maija Jokinen says
No problem! I think it has to do with my husband studying theology that I even noticed 😀
I don’t even know what I would do without the hope found in the Word. He is greater than sickness. Learning to really believe that…
Btw, never heard about that Nester’s mantra before. Would you mind explaining?
Robin Dance says
<3
Ha!! It's "It Doesn't Have To Be Perfect To Be Beautiful." One whale of a hashtag!! :D
Maija Jokinen says
Oh, okay. Nice to know! Thanks 🙂 and God bless!
His Child in Love says
As a Catholic woman who reads these devotions, I find today’s blog divisive rather than “Incourage”-ing. Martin Luther did intend to reform church practices, not split the church into many factions.
Christians should be looking toward reunification in love rather than proudly proclaiming our differences. Peace be with you.
Robin Dance says
His Child in Love,
OH PLEASE KNOW my sincere heart IS encouraging and desiring unity about all (I wish I could call you by your sweet first name 🙂 ). I prayed over these words and tried my best (and I understand how flawed and human I am!!) to be gentle and God-honoring in this post. This is a historic day in the Church, and Martin Luther was seeking God; in so doing, he faced many consequences. My focus was NOT about differences, but how one person, upon studying the scripture, arrived at a conviction that common cultural practices at the time were extra-biblical.
I am so grateful to hear read your comment, that you took time to tell me how you feel. Sincerely, I offer you my thanks.
His Child in Love says
Robin,
Thank you for your kind and charitable words. I pray for healing and that the wisdom of the Holy Spirit will allow Christian unification to come to fruition. On earth as it is in heaven. God Bless!
Laura
Robin Dance says
{{Laura <3 }}
Maggie says
Thank you Robin!!!!
I will not dread this day again but will always celebrate how a man was inspired by our heavenly Father to research the scriptures.
Many blessings to you.
Love Maggie
Robin Dance says
Martin Luther was far from perfect, but his example in reading scripture, truly studying God’s word, challenges me to do the same. 🙂
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Robin,
Your post takes me back to my confirmation classes growing up in the church. We make it so complicated, but truly the children’s song “Jesus Loves Me” encapsulated the gospel. I’ve been reading the minor prophets and have been introduced to God being called The Lord of Armies. This is like the Lord of Hosts which are bands of heavenly angels fighting as soldiers. In the end times, God will be The Lord of Armies for good to bring His Son to His rightful place on the throne. Praise we know how the story ends!!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Robin Dance says
Bev, I was missing you earlier today :). “Lord of Armies”…that sure isn’t the first name of God that comes to mind for me. But how interesting to learn that’s a name attributed to him in the OT, and then to see how He presents in Revelation. Very interesting.
Sharon Heffner says
Your invitation to “share something you’ve learned recently from Bible study in your church, small group, or quiet time” reminded me of a truth I found this morning from a passage I think we all know very well. Jer. 29:11-12 “For I know the plans I have for you…Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” What struck me was that last line …”and I will listen to you.”
Hearing means to “perceive a sound” but to listen means “to heed, wait attentively, or to attend closely”. I’m so glad God doesn’t just hear “sounds” when we pray but He is attentively waiting and paying very close attention to our praise and petitions.
It’s nice to know God is listening. And still speaks to us today, too!
Sola scriptura – based on scripture alone
Sola gratia – by grace alone
Sola fide – through faith alone
Robin Dance says
Sharon,
Ohhh….what a beautiful distinction between hearing and listening, and for you to slow us down to look at that scripture with you in a new light. Thank you!
Gail Noe says
One does not enjoy more of the reality of spiritual truth than he confesses. Man’s faith is measured by his confession. His joy is measured by his confession. We receive wisdom only in the measure that we confess that Christ is our wisdom. As we make a continual confession of Christ as our wisdom, our conduct will be transformed. I am experiencing this. It is one thing to have a lot of knowledge but I/we need wisdom to know how to apply this knowledge to our lives and our circumstances. As this confession does a work in our lives, we are conscious of our relationship to Him and our working in cooperation with Him. We have God’s nature, God’s ability in us! He IS made unto us Wisdom, Sanctification, Redemption and Righteousness. This is who we are!!!
Robin Dance says
You’re making me think, Gail, and now I’m wanting to dig deep into scripture… 🙂
Penny says
Robin, thank-you for sharing this piece of History with us, I consider it to be a gift. I received a little Scripture book written in 1873 that had been in my Dad’s family, and wanted to share what is written for today, Oct. 31st:
It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord Psalm 92.1
Have a blessed day all,
Penny
Robin Dance says
Penny, that books sounds like a treasured possession; thank you for sharing its entry for today. #GiveThanks 🙂
Jody Cates says
This is so good, Robin! Thank you for the history lesson and the encouragement to dig into God’s word as we are so privileged to do. Lately, God is reminding me that He is where my strength comes from. Without the Bible, I would rely on the world’s wisdom for the answers to life’s most pressing concerns. Thankfully, the time I spend with Him gives me the answers I need or reassures me that God is in control if the answers are slow in coming.
MaryMargaret says
God has been continually teaching me to trust. He keeps reminding me, to trust in Him daily.
Thank you for your post.
Robin Dance says
MaryMargaret,
When I read your comment I immediately thought, “Give us this day our daily bread.” There are so many reasons and ways to trust God, but sometimes the basics are most concrete, ya know?
Lynda Stone says
The older I get, the more I know how important and vital the scripture is in my life. It is my rock. It points me to truth. It comforts me and encourages me. When I’m confused scripture clarifies.
Praise be to our merciful God who is gives us the gift of His Word!
Robin Dance says
A to the men! Lynda :).
Nancy Ruegg says
I love history, Robin, and thoroughly enjoyed learning more about Martin Luther. I did not know this was Reformation Day! Praise God for his “discovery” of God’s grace and the truth that, “In the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by FAITH” (Romans 1:17, NIV). No burden of guilt! No worries whether we’ve done enough/paid enough to outweigh our sins. Eternal life is a GIFT (Romans 6:23). Such glorious truths, brought to the forefront again by Martin Luther. Thank you, Robin!
Robin Dance says
Ooooo, these scriptures are light and life to me. There is NOTHING like God’s word!
Kim Kempf says
This morning my Bible opened to one of my favorite books, Nehemiah. Another account of how one man, after much fasting and prayer, was obedient to be used by God to do a mighty restorative work. What a treasure our Holy Scripture is! Thank you for a wonderful post!
Robin Dance says
What a wonderful analogy, Kim. A perfect Bible account of one person who, in obedience, changed the lives of many.
Birdie Cutair says
Thank you for recognizing Martin Luther on the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation! I always remember the great hymn “A Mighty Fortress is our God” – Martin Luther’s hymn.
Robin Dance says
Ha! We sang that Sunday, Birdie :).
Beth Williams says
Robin,
Happy Reformation Day!! We just finished Priscilla Shirer’s Breathe. We learned that God created the Sabbath for us to rest. He ordains us to rest & worship Him-not overdoing & exhaustion. There is a nice order to the creation story. Day 1 is Day/night —————— Day 4 is Sun & Moon
Day 2 is Heavens & oceans——– Day 5 is Birds & fish
Day 3 is land & vegetation———-Day 6A Land animals
Day 6B is Man & Woman.
Notice the correlation between the days. Day/night with sun & moon. He had everything perfectly planned out from the beginning.
Reading through scriptures I’ve learned that a lot of churches don’t follow strict doctrine. I go to a Christian church. We believe in having “Communion” every Sunday-Jesus said do this every Lord’s day or first day of the week as often as you meet. We believe in baptism-(dunk). You publicly confess your sins & then get baptized-NOT into a denomination but into Christ for the remission of your sins!
Happy Reformation day!!
Blessings 🙂
Robin Dance says
Beth,
You reminded me of a funny exchange I had with an older believer. I commented, “Well, there aren’t denominations in heaven” and she quipped, “Oh, I’m not so sure!” Mercy…yes–Lord have mercy! 🙂
Priscilla IS a gifted teacher.
Kimberly Yoghourtjian says
This is a very good article because we need to read our Bibles. God’s word changes people’s hearts. God’s Holy Spirit can penetrate our soul and spirit with the word of God, and it is a discerner of our thoughts and the intents of our hearts. (Hebrews 4:12). He helps us, loves us, teaches us, calms us, comforts us…the list is endless. Ladies the Bible is our best friend.