Why a Lutheran Reformation?

• The Lutheran Reformation rediscovered of the Biblical Gospel: that a sinner is justified by grace through faith apart from the works of the Law (see Romans 3:21-28; Galatians 2:16-21; Ephesians 2:8-9). And, the relocation of the Gospel as the central focus of Christianity.

• The Lutheran Reformation stressed the change of an outward situation more than the change of our inward condition. Through Christ our outward relationship with God is changed; though inward renewal follows to varying degrees, this is not the main emphasis. Other reformation and renewal movements before and after Luther put the emphasis on the inward change rather than the outward change. Their emphasis was on man's vows, man’s rededications, man’s promises, man’s works rather than on God's promises in Christ. They stressed sanctification more than justification.

• The Lutheran Reformation also involved a major shift in authority, from pope or councils to Scripture. Scripture went from being just one of several authorities in the Church to the authority (Sola Scriptoria). Scripture became the highest court of appeals, whereas the papacy (for most) and councils (for some) had been the highest authority. Councils, creeds, and church fathers, remained important for Luther, but only insofar as they agreed with the Gospel and Scripture. It was Luther's high view of Scripture that led him to translate the Bible into German.

• The Lutheran Reformation reasserted the Biblical teaching of Jesus Christ. Christ was once again emphasized as Savior not Law-Giver; as Savior, not Helper toward salvation; as Savior, not Judge (John 3:17). The Biblical teaching of Jesus Christ's death was once again reasserted. Christ's death on the cross was presented by Luther and the other Reformers as sufficient - sufficient to forgive ALL sin and ALL guilt; both original sin and actual sin; both eternal punishment and temporal punishment; both sins committed beforehand and sins not yet committed. Therefore no other helpers were needed: whether Mary or saint or relic or indulgence. Neither was purgatory needed anymore. What need of a place of additional cleansing if Christ's death has cleansed those who believe in Him of ALL sins, guilt, and punishment?

• The Lutheran Reformation reasserted the Biblical teaching of grace. Grace was no longer presented as a quality that enabled a person to work out their salvation within the Church's sacramental system. Grace was accurately presented as the undeserved favor of God (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense). To say that we are saved by grace means that God offers salvation, God offers justification, God offers forgiveness, God offers heaven, as a gift, paid for by the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. This left no room for man's works and man's achievements. God offers our salvation as a free gift. We cannot earn it by our works and our achievements. Grace alone (Sola Gracia).

• The Lutheran Reformation reasserted the Biblical teaching of faith. No longer was faith a virtue or work, faith became confidence in God's Gospel promise. Faith is not a work but the source of good works. The Church of the Middle Ages had taught that faith saves only if it is made complete by good works. Luther reasserted the Biblical teaching of faith - that faith saves apart from good works. Faith is that which receives the offered gift of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. It is the empty hand (with nothing) that takes the gift. It is the confidence that says, "Yes, I believe that Jesus is the Christ! I believe that Jesus Christ suffered and died for me; therefore I believe the Gospel promise that I am completely forgiven and heaven is mine." Faith alone saves. Faith plus nothing saves. (Sola Fide)

Christ-centered Gospel - Scripture Alone - Grace Alone - Faith Alone.

When we celebrate the Reformation, we are celebrating this rediscovered Gospel that we believe in; and we are celebrating our salvation through Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ who comes to you today through His Word to forgive your our sins in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.