Happy Reformation Day!

Info and pictures from Wikipedia under Martin Luther, Reformation Day.

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the doors of the All Saints' Church that brought into question the church's position and practice of namely, indulgences and the Church's policy on purgatory. Other practices under fire from Protestant Reformers included purgatory, particular judgment, devotion to Mary, the intercession of and devotion to the saints, most of the sacraments, the mandatory celibacy of it's clergy and the authority of the Pope.

Luther was a German monk, theologian, university professor and church reformer. He translated the bible into the vernacular of the people which made the Scriptures more accessible to them and had a tremendous political impact on the church and the German culture. It furthered the development of a standard version of the German language, added several principles to the art of translation, and influenced the translation of the English KJV Bible. His hymns inspired the development of congregational singing within Christianity. His marriage to Katharina von Bora set a model for the practice of clerical marriage within Protestantism.

So, what should this mean for us today? Luther, though imperfect, was a trailblazer who set forth to free himself from the grips of the Catholic church and led many to experience the same freedom. Through the reading of the Word, He saw that salvation was from God alone, through Christ alone, by faith alone. By grace alone. This day is a special day to celebrate the freedom we have in Christ and a day to rejoice that we have the Word readily available at our fingertips.

Take some time today to praise God for His calling on your life.

Here's to a gospel-centered day and weekend!