There are many quirky holidays celebrated in the United States and I just dream that more Christian communities would consider celebrating the Reformation—or at least recognizing it and acknowledge the historic change that occurred for the Church in general. After the reformation movement God’s grace was prominent more than ever—indulgences went by the wayside and grace was emphasized. There is a lot more history and details about the reformation, I recommend reading more about this to further understand the Reformation of the Church almost 500 years ago.
Reformation Day—The Lutheran Church celebrates ‘Reformation Sunday’ every year at the end of October. The Reformation is not just about being Lutheran, the reformation is about the Church being REFORMED—and transformed. What if the reformation never happened—I wonder where the church would be today. Today the church continues to be reformed—this is commonly talked about, how is the church being reformed? How is Christ transforming the world through people?
As disciple of Christ we are called to go therefore and make disciples of all nations—how is the church living out this call that comes from God alone? We—have an opportunity to be part of the Church (whatever denomination) to reform the Church, Christian community and be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. May we all take time to remember the reformation and acknowledge the grace that was recognized and by that grace alone we are saved.
A READING FROM ROMANS 3:22-28
22….the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, 23since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; 24they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed;26it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus. 27Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law.
PONDER THIS
What does this text from Romans 3:22-28 remind Christians? What does it mean to be ‘justified by faith apart from works?’
Do you think the Church is being reformed today? Why or why not?
What is your understanding of God’s grace?
How have you shared God’s grace or how has someone shared God’s grace with you?
How have you experienced God’s grace in your life?
Dear Lord,
Thank you for this day, we rejoice and are glad in it. We celebrate the reformation and transformation of the Church that happened 500 years ago—we celebrate the continued transformation of the Church today. Open our hearts, minds and souls to be transformed by you---may you give us the strength and desire to share your grace with our neighbors in this world. Amen.
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