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Reflections On The Reformation

Introduction

On 31 October 1517, a theology professor at the University of Wittenberg nailed a sheet of paper to the Castle Church door in Wittenberg. The paper bore what were known as theses, items one would write down to offer a challenge to a debate. This was a common practice in 1517. Debates were the spectator sport of the day. They were all the rage among academics. And the fact they were posted on the church door meant more people would see them. Of course, only scholars conversant in Latin would be able to read them.

But these theses, numbering 95 in all, were never debated. Luther thought he’d get debate at Worms, but he soon discovered that his writings caused some concern and the assembly was more interested in trying him as a heretic. When a debate was scheduled, Luther’s associate Andreas Carlstadt, a very poor debater, was the one issued the challenge. Instead, Luther’s theses were translated into German for the German people to read. They became a political rallying point for Germans. And thus was born the Reformation of the Church.

This book contains a collection of my writings on the meaning of the Reformation. At the heart of it I hope you, the reader, realize that our salvation is by grace alone. For at the heart of Luther’s Reformation and teaching is that very message.

Table of Contents

• 31 October 1517—A Day That Changed History
• Reformation Day or Hallowe'en?
• Reformation Party
• Justified Freely by His Grace
• A Hammer and Nails
• Do We Celebrate Reformation…or Hallowe’en?
• 95 Theses