Reformation Figures - Martin Luther
It's October! Which means it's the season of cider, pumpkin spice, and the glorious changing of forest colors. It is also the month when the European Reformation began.
There were many people, men, and women, that God used to shape the Reformation era in European history. During this time an entire continent experienced a tremendous struggle and opportunity to seek the Lord through his Word.
One of the most recognized people of the reformation era is Martin Luther. Luther, more than any other individual is recognized as the catalyzing force which launched the reformation. When marking the period of the Reformation, October 31 is remembered as the day the Reformation began. On that day in 1517, Luther nailed a document containing 95 statements of question and critique of the Roman church.
Protestantism is a direct result of this movement that began in 1517. Whether you are Congregational, Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, Anglican, Pentecostal, Episcopalian, Lutheran, or non-denominational, your historic roots have been influenced and shaped by the Reformation. Even if you are a part of the Roman church if you have ever read or heard anything from the Bible in your own native language that is only a reality because of the Reformation.
While only the most bookish of Christians will know any of the particulars of Luther's 95 theses, it was the actions Luther (and other reformers) took that formed the memorable and ongoing legacy of the Reformation. More important than any of his individual 95 points, was the collective work and effort to point the church back to the scriptures.
While doctrinal distinctions abound among protestants, these smaller internal distinguishing points are only present because of a much larger action. The actions of Luther and the Reformers have shaped the world for much of the last 500 years. The impact of the reforms of Luther can be found in asking questions, and appealing to the highest authority (God's Word) to find answers.
In the generations Prior to the reformation, the Roman church had developed practices that were explicitly contrary to God's word. This is a pretty heavy accusation, so I'll substantiate it here briefly (and encourage you to read more sources at the bottom of this discussion for follow-up):
1. Roman worship was led primarily in Latin (meaning many could not understand what took place during various ceremonies).
2. The Roman church had forbidden translation of the scriptures (meaning many could not read God's Word for themselves).
3. The infallibility of the Roman church in making statements (meaning no one could ask questions of any position, policy, or action taken by the Roman church).
4. The Roman practice of selling indulgences to satisfy guilt and also raise funds for church-building projects (nothing wrong with raising money, there is a whole lot wrong with saying the money given somehow absolves guilt or helps bring a loved one into eternal bliss).
Martin Luther had a role to play in the reformation as a seed planter. Luther wouldn't live to see many of the fruits of discussions he had helped begin. He wasn't a "finisher" in the reformation, he was a starter. He was used tremendously by God to restore and reform the church. Luther's importance can be still felt today by anyone who participates in a community of Christian faith that seeks to rely on God's Word rather than anything else as the highest authority in the church.
I'm very thankful for the efforts of Martin Luther and others during the Reformation. I'm thankful I can ask questions about God and his church (without the immediate threat of being burned at the stake). I'm thankful I can go directly to God's Word with those questions. I'm thankful I can pick up a Bible and begin reading God's Word in my language. I'm thankful I can gather together with friends, family, and complete strangers to sing, pray, and hear God's Word (in my own language!). I have confidence that my status before God has been made right because of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (rather than because of any contribution I've made).
The Reformation is a great reminder that God did not stop working in human history after the 1st century. God is still at work today, in His people, through His people, for the benefit of His people.
Some Resources: