Happy Reformation Day!

Today marks 502 years since Martin Luther (according to legend) nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany. His writings and preaching fanned the wildfire of Reformation across Europe that had been slowly smoldering for several hundred years.

The foundational teachings of the Protestant Reformation have been summed up in what is commonly called the Five Solas:

• Grace Alone (Sola Gratia)
• Faith Alone (Sola Fide)
• Christ Alone (Solus Christus)
• Scripture Alone (Sola Scriptura)
• Glory to God Alone (Soli Deo Gloria).

The revival of these Biblical beliefs brought the Christian church out of the shadows and drew a stark contrast with the corruption of Roman Catholicism. Rather than examining their erroneous doctrines as called on by Luther and others, the Vatican has since instead embraced and developed even more perverse teachings, and anathematized and persecuted those who turned away from the Roman Catholic religion and embraced Biblical belief.

Justification by faith alone, apart from any works of man to attain or maintain, is the crux upon which true Christianity stands. Anything less, or anything more, is a perverted gospel, and thus no gospel at all.

“This one and firm rock, which we call the doctrine of justification, is the chief article of the whole Christian doctrine, which comprehends the understanding of all godliness.” - Martin Luther

It can be argued that Roman Catholicism, with its works-based doctrines, its idolatrous and blasphemous worship, has dragged more souls to Hell than any other single religion with the exception of Hinduism. Those who adhere to the teachings of Catholicism for their eternal salvation do so at the risk of eternal damnation, as they run counter to the clear teachings of the Bible.

God has always preserved a remnant of true belief throughout history. The Protestant Reformation allowed that remnant to blossom and flourish, spreading the light of the Gospel to the four corners of the earth.

Today, we celebrate the Reformation, and the reclaiming of Biblical truth that it brought. Soli Deo Gloria!

I hope this post has gotten you thinking about things. Almost everyone likes to think they're headed to to Heaven when they die. Odds are, you do as well. Do you think your good works will get you there? Are you counting on being a good church member, your family heritage, your baptism, or something else being sufficient? Do you think you're a good person?

Click here to find out the truth. The answer may surprise you.