Reformation Day which is celebrated on Oct. 31 reminds us of the courageous stance taken by the Protestant Reformers who realigned the church with the teachings of the Bible. Their legacy encourages us to uphold Scripture’s authority, to rest in God’s grace, and to allow continuous growth in our faith.
Here are 3 Rs to remember the legacy of the Reformers:
First, Return to the authority of the Bible.
The Reformation reclaimed the Bible as the ultimate foundation for faith and life. Martin Luther declared, “Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason… I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
The Protestant Reformers stood firm against a culture that elevated human traditions above God’s Word. This conviction calls us to make the Bible as the foundation of our beliefs and actions. Are we allowing God’s Word to shape our lives? Just as the Reformers did, let’s examine our hearts and practices in light of the Bible.
Second, Rest in salvation by grace alone.
One of the core truths of the Reformation was “sola gratia” or “grace alone.” The Protestant Reformers emphasized that salvation cannot be earned but is a gift from God. John Calvin wrote, “We shall never be clothed with the righteousness of Christ except we first know assuredly that we have no righteousness of our own.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
The Bible assures us that salvation comes solely by God’s grace, not by our own merit. Do we trust fully in God’s grace, or do we rely on our own efforts? Let us rest in Christ’s work on the cross and find our security in Him alone.
Third, Reform continually in light of the Gospel.
The Reformers championed the concept of “semper reformanda” or “always reforming.” They believed that while our faith is grounded in an unchanging gospel, we must continually grow and reform ourselves to reflect it. Luther once said, “This life, therefore, is not righteousness, but growth in righteousness… It is not yet what it shall be, but it is growing towards it.”
Our faith journey is one of constant transformation. Just as the Protestant Reformers encouraged ongoing growth, we are called to continually seek God’s transformation in our lives.
Where in our lives do we need God’s reforming work? Let us invite the Holy Spirit to renew our hearts, reshaping us to better reflect Christ.
As we celebrate Reformation Day, let us live out our faith with conviction, reformed and always reforming, by God’s grace. | NWI
