In parts of the world today this month, there is a celebration, or at least a recognition of Reformation Day. Marked on calendars as October 31 and officially celebrated on the Sunday prior (Reformation Sunday), Reformation Day is a recognition of the efforts of many protestant theologians (reformers) who are now dead and gone. They sought to reform the Roman Catholic Church out of her corrupted life and doctrine and restore her to conformity with the Scriptures. Specifically, from this movement emerged what are known as the Five Solas.1 Though the reformation movement began in the 14th and 15th centuries (and in many ways continues today), it is crowned with Martin Luther’s nailing of 95 Theses to the door of The Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. 
Born November, 10 1483, Luther spent much of his life striving after the gospel until his death on February, 18 1546. Therefore, in honor of Martin Luther and the reformation movement, here is a handful of reminders left behind by Martin Luther.
| “I am concerned that as we bravely battle over grace and good works, we do not in the meantime deprive ourselves of grace or of works. When I consider these fearful times of wrath, I ask only that my eyes become fountains of tears so that I may bewail the latest desolation of souls which this reign of sin and perdition is producing.” “I am more afraid of my own heart than of the pope and all his cardinals. I have within me the great pope, Self.” “But here one may say: the sins which we daily commit, offend and anger God; how then can we be holy? Answer: A mother’s love to her child is much stronger than the distaste of the scurf upon the child’s head. Even so, God’s love towards us is far stronger than our uncleanness. Therefore, though we be sinners, yet we lose not thereby our childhood, neither do we fall from grace by reason of our sins.” “You should not believe your conscience and your feelings more than the word which the Lord who receives sinners preaches to you.” “I would advice no one to send his child where the Holy Scriptures are not supreme. Every institution that does not unceasingly pursue the study of God’s word becomes corrupt. Because of this we can see what kind of people they become in the universities and what they are like now. The universities only ought to turn out men who are experts in the Holy Scriptures, men who can become bishops and priests, and stand in the front line against heretics, the devil, and all the world. But where do you find that? I greatly fear that the universities, unless they teach the Holy Scriptures diligently and impress them on the young students, are wide gates to hell.” “Faith is a living and unshakable confidence, a belief in the grace of God so assured that a man would die a thousand deaths for its sake” “A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing: For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe; His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate, On earth is not his equal. Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing; Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing: Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He; Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same, And He must win the battle.” “There is not a more dangerous evil than a flattering, dissembling counselor. While he talks, his advice has hands, and feet, but when it should be put in practice, it stands like a mule, which will not be spurred forward.” “It is better for a Christian to be sorrowful than secure, as the people of this world are. Well is it for him that stands always in fear, yet knows he has in heaven a gracious God, for Christ’s sake; as the Psalm says: “The Lord’s delight is in them that fear him, and put their trust in his mercy.” “Almighty, everlasting God, merciful heavenly Father – Father of our loving Lord Jesus Christ, I know assuredly, that everything which You have said, You will and can perform, for You cannot lie; Your Word is upright and true. In the beginning, You did promise unto me Your loving and only begotten Son Jesus Christ; the same has come, and has delivered me from the devil, from death, hell, and sin. Out of his gracious will he has presented unto me the sacraments, which I have used in faith, and have depended on thy Word; wherefore I make no doubt at all, but that I am well secured, and settled in peace; therefore if this be my hour, and Your divine will, so am I willing to depart, hence with joy.” |
Finally, I close with this account of Luther’s last breath:
He remarked, “I feel very ill. I think I shall remain here at Eisleben, here—where I was born.” He walked almost the room, and then lay down, and had a number of clothes and cushions placed over him to produce perspiration; but they had not the desired effect. “O my Father!” he went on to pray, “Thou, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ; Thou, the source of all consolation, I thank Thee for having revealed unto me Thy well-beloved Son, in whom I believe; whom I have preached and acknowledged, and made known; whom I have loved and celebrated, and whom the Pope and the impious persecute. I commend my soul to Thee, O my Lord Jesus Christ I am about to quit this terrestrial body, I am about to be removed from this life; but I know that I shall abide eternally with Thee. ‘Into thy hands I commend my spirit: Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.’”His eyes closed, and he fell back in a swoon. When he revived, Jonas said to him, “Reverend father, do you die firm in the faith you have taught?” He opened his eyes, looked fixedly, and replied, “Yes.” Soon after, those nearest saw him grow paler and paler; he became cold; his breathing seemed more and more faint; at length, heaving one deep sigh, Martin Luther expired.
A notable conclusion to his life: Luther’s body is buried in Wittenberg beneath the pulpit of The Castle Church. Happy Reformation Day. Long live the Solas! 
- sola scriptura-scripture alone, sola fide-faith alone, sola gratia-grace alone, solus Christus-Christ alone, Soli Deo gloria-glory to God alone [↩]
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I appreciate taking the time to type these things out. Good thoughts.