Reformation Day: Getting Back to the Word

While most people associate October 31st with Halloween, the Church has a much greater reason to celebrate. This is Reformation Day, the day we remember when a young monk named Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany, back in 1517. That single act sparked a movement that called the Church back to the truth of God’s Word.

Luther wasn’t trying to start a new church. He was trying to wake up the one that already existed. He observed that the Church had deviated from the Bible and began teaching man-made traditions instead of Scripture. But as Luther read the Bible, one verse changed everything for him:

“But the righteous will live by faith” (Romans 1:17, LSB).

It hit him hard. Salvation isn’t something you earn. It’s something you receive, by grace, through faith, in Christ alone.

The Foundation of Our Faith

Out of the Reformation came five core truths that still shape what we believe today, the Five Solas:

• Scripture Alone – The Bible is our final authority.
• Faith Alone – We are saved through faith, not works.
• Grace Alone – Salvation is a gift we could never earn.
• Christ Alone – Jesus is the only way to God.
• To God Alone Be the Glory – Everything we do should honor Him.

These are not just church slogans. They are the foundation of a real, living faith that changes everything.

Still in Need of Reformation

Reformation Day isn’t just about looking back at history. It’s about looking in the mirror. Every generation needs to return to the basics, back to the Bible, back to truth, and back to Jesus. The Church today is in danger of the same drift that Luther saw: trusting feelings over faith, popularity over truth, and comfort over conviction.

We need another reformation, not in our buildings, but in our hearts.

As 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (LSB) says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be equipped, having been thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Stand Firm

This Reformation Day, let’s remember what we stand for. Let’s be people who open our Bibles, not just on Sundays, but every day. Let’s live out our faith boldly and refuse to compromise truth for comfort. The gospel hasn’t changed, and God’s Word still holds the power to transform lives.

Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:31–32, LSB).

Let’s stand on that truth. Let’s live it. Let’s preach it.

Soli Deo Gloria—To God Alone Be the Glory,

Pastor Jody