A modern Reformation – sola fide

The course of the 16th century Reformation and Counter Reformation was not a smooth transition from a unified to a divided European church.

In 1545, less than 30 years after Luther had published his 95 Theses, the established church launched the Counter Reformation to regain the spiritual ground and authority lost to the new protesting movement.

The Counter Reformation was a mixed blessing, including some unwelcomed practices. But the path of Luther’s Reformation itself was tortuous.

After Luther was excommunicated at the Diet of Worms (1521) he was kept safe in the Elector’s castle at Wartburg. In his absence, the other reformers, like Karlstadt and Melanthon, continued the Reformation but often in other directions.

Differences emerged over the interpretation of Scripture and the meaning of the sacrament of Communion or the Eucharist.

When Luther re-appeared in Wittenberg, several factions were firmly established. The radical reformer Thomas Muntzer appealed very forcibly to the peasant population, who then rebelled against the land owners in the tragic Peasants’Revolt .

The other sphere of disagreement occurred in the southern German and Swiss cities where the reformer Zwingli interpreted the sacraments differently from Luther. Zwingli would influence others like John Calvin in Geneva, who, in turn, would eventually establish the historical shape and theological content of the reformed church.

Everyone knows about the 95 Theses posted on the door of the Wittenberg church in 1517.

The Theses voiced the grievances against the existing church practices.

Events moved quickly, with charges and counter-charges being exchanged. The first real clash with the church authorities took place in 1519 at the Leipzig debate. But the real test occurred two years later, in 1521, at the Diet of Worms. Luther was found guilty and excommunicated.

During these hearings at Worms Luther was asked: “Brother Martin, are you the only one in Christendom who is right?” That was the full force of the challenge he faced.

Are we modern Christians prepared to show such resolve, and to have the courage of our convictions? Martin Luther King, a young pastor in Alabama had the courage of his convictions and spoke out against racial discrimination. He was warned to stop his preaching or his home would be bombed. He refused to stop and his home was bombed.

Deitrich Bonhoeffer was another brave Christian. He condemned the Christians of ‘cheap grace’who spent an hour in church on Sunday but, otherwise, made little spiritual impact upon their community.

At the Diet of Worms, Luther was asked to recant his teachings and writings. He replied:“Unless I can be persuaded by Scripture and my conscience, I cannot recant.” Then we have his famous declaration“Here I stand”.

It is difficult to stand up alone for one’s beliefs. People will support you in private, but when it comes to a public witness, you are on your own. I know from personal experience, it is very lonely taking a stand. But it is time for us all to take our stand for Jesus. It can be done quietly yet effectively – a small deed but with a personal impact, a wholesome word with the power to revive. But it must demonstrate our Christianity.

Luther found his insights and understanding in the Bible. If we will be strong Christians we will be fed on the Bible’s teaching and strengthened by the Christ who steps from its pages. There will be no spiritual church revival without a rediscovery of the Bible, but the Bible for the vast majority is chained and locked.

Discover the Bible, meet with Jesus, encounter God. This must be our own personal Reformation.

I have outlined Luther’s career only to highlight his personal search for spiritual peace. It is an individual endeavour we must all undertake, no matter the denomination to which we belong.

We are experiencing a 21st century Reformation. Standing together as Christians and recognising our common allegiance to Christ, we can witness a good confession. The corporate church of the future will be reshaped, society will be strengthened, you will feel good, and God will be glorified.

“How are people to call upon God if they do not believe?

“How are they to believe if they have not heard?

“How are they to hear without a preacher?”(Romans 10.14-15).