Reformation Day, 2013
When Martin Luther nailed the Ninety-five Theses to Wittenberg’s
castle church door in 1517, he had no idea what kind of firestorm he was
lighting. That event was the catalyst
for many important historical events, changes in the church, and transformation
of the culture. The most important thing
that happened that day, however, was the beginning of a process that led to the
rediscovery the Gospel – the good news that God loves us and has saved us from
our sins through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
One of the scripture passages that was central to
reclaiming the Gospel is Romans 3, which we read from in our second reading on
Sunday. In particular, these words stood
out: But
now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the
Law and the Prophets testify.
What a beautiful word for us! While no one will be found righteous because
of what they do, we will be made righteous because of what God has done for
us! Shockingly, this is nothing new, but
the Law and the Prophets – that is the Old Testament – testify to this
truth: God loves sinners and makes us
right with Himself.
At Luther’s time this good news was buried in a morass of
political maneuvering and papal power.
The Word of God was used like a club to keep citizenry in line and to
enforce the empire’s unity under emperor and pope. Indeed, the pope actively bought and sold
official positions, and went so far as to sell salvation. That is, after all, the idea behind buying
indulgences; “I am getting forgiveness and salvation for myself or my loved
one.” And this was, of course, the
burning issue for Luther when he read that our righteousness is not based on
what we do, but on what God has done for us.
The Gospel lesson on Sunday drove this point home,
too. In John 8:34 and 36, Jesus said, “I
tell you the truth, everyone who sins in a slave to sin.” And, “[I]f the Son sets you free, you will be
free indeed.” It is evident that each of
us sins. Just examine your life. And if you don’t see it in self-examination,
follow Luther’s advice, “… look around you.
See whether you are also in the world, or if you do not know it, ask
your neighbor about it.” (Large Catechism) He will have seen plenty to testify against
you! (And me!) Because we sin we are slaves who must be set
free. This the Son has done for us, and
because He has set us free we are free indeed.
Thanks be to God that this good news and freedom through
Jesus’ death and resurrection has been declared to us! Thanks be to God that we have the privilege of
sharing that good news and freedom with others as we declare the deeds of him
who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light! (1 Peter 2:9)
Truly we can praise God singing, “God’s
Word forever shall abide, No thanks to foes, who fear it; For God Himself
fights by our side With weapons of the Spirit.
Where they to take our house, Goods, honor, child, or spouse, Though
life be wrenched away, They cannot win the day.
The Kingdom’s ours forever!” (A
Mighty Fortress, v. 4)
Questions to Ponder
-
Look at Romans 3:19-28. According to verses 19-20 what does the Law
do?
-
Where does God’s righteousness come from? How is it received?
-
Why did God give Jesus as the sacrifice of
atonement according to verses 25 & 26?
-
What does it mean for God to be “just and the
one who justifies,” or, as the English Standard and King James versions so
nicely translate, “just and justifier”?
-
What are some of the things people say we have
to do to be saved? How does Romans 3
apply to those things?
-
Consider faith for a moment. Where does it come from? How does one get it? Is it the same as knowledge? According to this passage, what does faith
do?
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