Reformation Sunday

November 3, 2024

Romans 1:16-17 and Psalm 46

Why should it matter?

In 2000, I had the privilege to be part of the World Reformed Fellowship founding conference in Orlando, Florida. It was a conference that changed my life in many ways.

In the foyer of the Reformed Theological Seminary, there was a huge painting depicting three major Reformers – Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Knox. Peculiar to this painting was that it was unfinished.

I took a photo and later asked someone to duplicate the painting, which I hung in my study. Growing up in a Reformed environment, the painting spoke to me, even today. It reminded me of my roots, present, and future.

Why should it matter that I, as a Christian, have a Reformed and Christian worldview?

One reason for that is that it makes a difference. Being a Reformed Christian has little to do with the denomination or part of God’s church I belong to. It has everything to do with how I look at the Scriptures and live my life. Foundational are today's Scripture lessons: Psalm 46 and Romans 1.

Let’s backtrack a bit:

This past week, churches all over the world were reminded of Reformation Day (Oct. 31).

On the Eve of October 31, 1517, Martin Luther, professor of Scripture at the University of Wittenberg, Germany, posted an invitation to debate on the door of the Wittenberg Cathedral.

It’s known as the 95 Theses, which sparked the great Reformation. The invitation to debate contained ninety-five points concerning the sale of indulgences. It spread like a fire throughout the world and changed the world for good.

Baptists and the Reformation

Baptists worldwide have an interesting relationship with the Reformation. There are many conflicting views among Baptists about Luther and the Reformation.

However, Amy Mantravadi writes that whether or not Baptists have a connection to the Reformation largely depends on what you think was the major focus of that Reformation:

• Scripture's authority: If it was about the unique authority of Scripture as the "norming norm" as opposed to church councils or episcopal decrees, Baptists are certainly connected to the Reformation.
• Sufficiency of Scripture: If it was about the sufficiency of Scripture for everything in life, excluding new private revelations, some Baptists are more connected than others.
• Interpretation: If it was about the ability of the individual Christian to interpret Scripture for themselves, Baptists are certainly connected.
• Salvation: If it was about rejecting a sacramental form of salvation, Baptists are the most Reformed of all.
• Five Solas: If it was about the five Solas, Baptists are certainly connected to the Reformation, though some fudge on sola gratia.

The Protestant Reformation: A Biblical Worldview

Whether we like it or not, the Protestant Reformation introduced a new and biblical worldview to the world—a pond from which we all drink. It also reminds us that the church needs to be continually reformed and shaped by the Holy Spirit.

The Five Solas: Why It Matters

1. Sola Scriptura (“Scripture alone”)

The Bible alone is our highest authority.

This is why Christians of the Reformation always seek to be faithful to the living Word of God, the Bible. We proclaim boldly:

“This is the Word of God,”

The congregation replies: “Thanks be to God!”

2. Sola Fide (“faith alone”) and Sola Gratia (“grace alone”)

Sola Fide: We are saved through faith alone in Jesus Christ.

Sola Gratia: We are saved by the grace of God alone.

Ephesians 2:8 explains:

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

3. Solus Christus (“Christ alone”)

God has revealed himself to us in the ultimate way by sending Jesus Christ.

4. Soli Deo Gloria (“To the glory of God alone”)

We live for the glory of God alone.

“Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

The Unfinished Reformation

The painting in my study is unfinished—and so it should be. The Reformation is unfinished. The Latin phrase "semper reformanda" means the church should continually reform itself according to Scripture.

It matters because if we aren't equipped to shape the world, the world will shape us.

Amen.