Reformation Day – October 31st
The Reformation in Europe during the 16th century was one
of the most important epochs in the history of the world. The Reformation
gave us the Bible – now freely available
in our own languages. The now almost universally acknowledged principles of
religious freedom, liberty of conscience, the rule of law, separation of 
powers
and constitutionally limited Republics were unthinkable before the Reformation.
The Reformers fought for the principles that Scripture alone is our final authority, Christ alone is the head of
the Church and justification is by God’s grace, on the basis of the finished
work of Christ, received by faith alone.
Few people today realize
that the first Bibles printed into English had to be smuggled into England,
and that the Bible translator, William
Tyndale, was burnt at the stake for the crime of
translating the Bible into English.
Seven mothers were burned alive at Coventry for teaching the Ten Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer and the Apostle’s Creed to their children – in
English.
On October 31, 1517
Martin Luther posted his 95 Thesis in
Wittenberg. By God’s grace, Luther’s courageous act of challenging corruption
and unbiblical heresies, launched the Great
Reformation.
“Unless I am convinced
by Scripture or clear reasoning that I am in error – for popes and councils
have often erred and contradicted themselves – I cannot recant, for I am subject
to the Scriptures I have quoted; my conscience is captive to the Word of God.
It is unsafe and dangerous to do anything against one’s conscience. Here I
stand. I cannot do otherwise. So help me God. Amen.” - Martin Luther
