Reformation Day

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?