"If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."...."Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." ~Jesus as recorded in John 8:31,32 &36
Today is October 31, 2019. Traditionally called Hallowe'en or all Hallows eve, the day before all saints day, another day of traditions for many.
But today, everything has changed for me.
Today I learned that October 31st is called Reformation Day, in remembrance of when Martin Luther, a professor of moral law, nailed his theses to the door of the castle church, disputing the sale by clergy of "plenary indulgences" which were believed by the purchaser to reduce the temporal punishment in purgatory for sins committed by the purchaser or loved ones. In other words, people were being led to believe they could "buy" God's forgiveness. Luther claimed (as Scripture supports) that the repentance required by Christ must be demonstrated by genuine change of heart by the individual (internal) not just the outward expression of sorrow.
He also went on to translate the Scriptures into German, making it available to the common man for the first time, giving them opportunity to study the Scriptures for themselves and no longer hear just what the priests taught.
Now there is much I could say about this, but for today I want to focus on how interesting it is, that traditionally as a nation, we recognize Hallowe'en rather than Reformation Day. Although traditions can be good in helping us remember important things, they can also become prisons that prevent us from seeing the broader view.
If we go with the "tradition" that keeps us thinking that we must do the work to "earn" or "buy" God's forgiveness, then we remain in bondage to our sins. But if we read the Word for ourselves and allow God's truth to penetrate our hearts, then we realize there is nothing we can do to earn God's favor or forgiveness. "There is none righteous, no, not one." (Romans 3:10 )"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."(Romans 3:23)
He also went on to translate the Scriptures into German, making it available to the common man for the first time, giving them opportunity to study the Scriptures for themselves and no longer hear just what the priests taught.
Now there is much I could say about this, but for today I want to focus on how interesting it is, that traditionally as a nation, we recognize Hallowe'en rather than Reformation Day. Although traditions can be good in helping us remember important things, they can also become prisons that prevent us from seeing the broader view.
If we go with the "tradition" that keeps us thinking that we must do the work to "earn" or "buy" God's forgiveness, then we remain in bondage to our sins. But if we read the Word for ourselves and allow God's truth to penetrate our hearts, then we realize there is nothing we can do to earn God's favor or forgiveness. "There is none righteous, no, not one." (Romans 3:10 )"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."(Romans 3:23)
I personally am very grateful that Martin Luther saw the necessity of making the effort to nail his theses to the door of the church that created the reformation so that I can read God's word for myself. I am even more grateful for the knowledge that my sins were nailed to the cross when Jesus bore them for me, and obeyed the Father, even when it meant being nailed to that cross for MY sins...for ALL of our sins.
It changes the way I approach life.
Tonight I will join my brother's and sister's in Christ as we reach into the community with our Lighthouse ministry, handing out candy, coffee and hot chocolate. I will enter into conversation with as many as I am able to share with them the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. But this year I feel just a little more prepared on how to start those conversations. Instead of talking about the fun the kids are having at Hallowe'en, I think I may start the with the statement "Happy Reformation Day. Are you familiar with what it is?"
For more information on Reformation Day and Luther's Theses:
https;//www.ligonier.org/blog/what-reformation-day-all-about?https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninety-five_Theses
