Reformation Day Reflections

In thinking about the significance of what took place on October 31st, 1517, I have had considerable trouble trying to zero in on one particular aspect of the Reformation, as there are so many things that deserve attention on this special day. So, I have simply listed here some things that I have been thinking about with respect to Reformation Day. Here are my thoughts:

1. The Reformation wasn’t only about TULIP, or the Five Points of Calvinism. Unfortunately, though, this is what most professing Christians (opposed to Calvinism) who are ignorant of the whole scope of the Reformation associate with those of us who profess to be ‘Reformed’. It was – and is – so much more than that. It included such massive issues as the sufficiency of Scripture, the priesthood of the believer, a Lord’s Supper that included both the bread and the wine, and being able to read the Bible in one’s own language.

2. The authority of the Bible was priority #1 with Martin Luther and the other Reformers. Luther rediscovered the truth that all Scripture is breathed out by God, and profitable for teaching, for correction, for reproof, for training in righteousness…that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. Luther’s conscience was held captive by the Word of God. Why is it that the church’s conscience today is held captive by everything but the Word of God? This depature from the centrality of Scripture in faith and practice within the church has led to much, if not most, of the tactics and gimmicks being used today that are a stench in the nostrils of Almighty God.

3. I much prefer to be regarded or described as being ‘Reformational’, rather than being ‘Reformed’. Being reformational in my theology signals that I am not so entrenched in the traditions of the Reformers that I am willing to overlook the clear implications of Scripture. I am specifically thinking of the mode of baptism practiced in Luther’s day as opposed to those of us today who align ourselves with Reformed thinking, but who see the error of infant baptism. On the flip side of this issue is a sad reality that many of our Presbyterian friends would not consider my church (which boldy proclaims the doctrines of grace and Reformed principles) to be ‘Reformed’. I know of people who have moved away from our area being told by people at Presbyterian churches they were visiting, that the church they just left was not Reformed. This mindset is certainly not the norm across the PCA landscape, but it is still an indication to me of how some are Reform-ed, but are not Reform-ational. Sometimes, to be Reformed means to be traditional, which can result in unbiblical practices.

4. This is the first time in my life – ever – that I have been a member of a doctrines-of-grace church at this time of year, and my wife and I are so pumped to have such a strong reformational emphasis from the pulpit during this fall season. We love it! For those of you who are accustomed to celebrating the Reformation every year at this time…please don’t let it become mundane or uninteresting…it is anything but. Pam and I have never, and I must stress the ‘never’, been priviledged to be a part of a church that holds the history of the Reformation so dear. Thank you Lord!

5. We went over to the house of some of our new dear friends from church this past Sunday night and watched the movie, ‘Luther’. What an incredible time of fellowship and fun with like-minded brothers and sisters. I highly recommend it…both watching the movie and getting together with good friends with whom you can share the same theology.

In conclusion, I must say that I am in awe of what one little Augustinian monk could do against an all-powerful church and empire with only one thing on his side: the TRUTH. Thank you, my Lord and my God, for your truth…your Word is truth. Thank you, Reformers, for your consciences being held captive to the Word of God. Luther, you had no idea what your God-given convictions would lead to. As my Pastor said this past Sunday, “I can’t wait to get to heaven and meet you and ask you what it was like to stand in front of all that opposing power with only one resolution: ‘I will not recant!’”…fueled by only one thing: the Word of God. Thank you, Dr. Luther, for having a care.

POST TENEBRAS LUX…After the Darkness, Light

Light After Darkness-

Light after darkness, gain after loss,
Strength after weakness, crown after cross;
Sweet after bitter, hope after fears,
Home after wandering, praise after tears.

Sheaves after sowing, sun after rain,
Sight after mystery, peace after pain;
Joy after sorrow, calm after blast,
Rest after weariness, sweet rest at last.

Near after distant, gleam after gloom,
Love after loneliness, life after tomb;
After long agony, rapture of bliss,
Right was the pathway, leading to this.
- Words: Fran­ces R. Ha­ver­gal, Life Mo­sa­ic, 1879