I simply taught, preached, and wrote God s Word; otherwise I did nothing. And while I slept, or drank Wittenberg beer with my friends the Word so greatly weakened the papacy that no prince or emperor ever inflicted such losses on it. I did nothing; the Word did everything. Luther s Works Vol. 51
OUTLINE Setting the context Martin Luther and his protest Other reformers The Big ideas Why it still matters
Map of Wittenberg, Germany
Eastern & Western Christianity
Hans and Margaret Luder (Luther)
St Peter s Basilica, Rome
Scala sancta, Rome - 28 marble steps on which Pontius Pilate condemned Jesus to death
If ever a monk tried to get to heaven by his monkery it was I.
Though I lived as a monk without reproach, I felt that I was a sinner before God with an extremely disturbed conscience I did not love but hated the righteous God who punishes sinners Thus I raged with a fierce and troubled conscience. Martin Luther
I began to understand that the righteousness of God is that by which the righteous lives by a gift of God, namely by faith. This is the meaning: by grace and sheer mercy, God justifies us by faith Here I felt that I was altogether born again and had entered paradise itself through open gates. The whole of Scripture took on a new meaning. Martin Luther
As soon as the coin in the coin box rings, the soul from purgatory springs
October 31 st 1517: Luther posted 95 Latin Theses
1518: A sermon on indulgences and grace
Gutenberg s Printing Press technology
Luther before Emperor Charles V (Diet of Worms, 1521)
Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Holy Scriptures or by evident reason-for I can believe neither pope nor councils alone, as it is clear that they have erred repeatedly and contradicted themselves- I consider myself convicted by the testimony of Holy Scripture, which is my basis; my conscience is captive to the Word of God. Thus I cannot and will not recant, because acting against one's conscience is neither safe nor sound. God help me. Amen Luther s speech to Emperor Charles V (Diet of Worms, 1521)
I want for this book to be written in the simplest languages so that all may understand it. Martin Luther
Luther s desk in Wartburg Castle, Germany Where Truth, Translation & Technology all combined
A WAR OF WORDS Matthew 3:2 for the kingdom of heaven is at hand Latin: do penance vs Greek: repent Luke 1:28 The angel said to her Greetings Mary, you who are Latin: full of grace vs Greek: highly favoured
I simply taught, preached, and wrote God s Word; otherwise I did nothing. And while I slept, or drank Wittenberg beer with my friends the Word so greatly weakened the papacy that no prince or emperor ever inflicted such losses on it. I did nothing; the Word did everything. Luther s Works Vol. 51
Catholic Church Reformed Church
The early spread of Calvinism
Anabaptist drowned in Zurich
BIG IDEAS OF THE REFORMATION
SALVATION Sola fide
Lucas Cranach - Allegory of Law & Grace (c. 1530)
When the devil throws my sins at me I admit I deserve death and hell. But what of it? I know One who suffered and made satisfaction in my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Where he is, there I shall be also. Martin Luther
SCRIPTURE Sola scriptura
Both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honoured as equal sentiments of devotion and reverence. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1992
The difference between us and the papists is they believe that the Church presides over the Word of God We on the other hand assert that the Word of God presides over the Church. John Calvin
WHAT DID THE REFORMATION EVER DO FOR US?
The Reformation restored the gospel of grace
The Gospel maketh a man s heart glad and causeth him to sing, dance and leap for joy. William Tyndale
The Reformation restored the priesthood of all believers: IN CHURCH
The Reformation restored the priesthood of all believers: IN SOCIETY
A miller s maid, if she believes, does more good taking the sack off the donkey, than all the priests and monks do if they sang themselves to death day and night and tormented themselves until they bleed. Martin Luther
All fathers and mothers who regulate their households wisely [all labourers who work diligently rulers who govern] are engaged in a holy work and holy order. John Calvin
WHAT DOES THE REFORMATION MEAN FOR US?
A PRAYER FOR REFORMATION We commit to a journey of REDISCOVERY Lord, I want to understand and experience your Truth all over again. Blow away the cobwebs and set my heart on fire. We commit to a life of REFORM Lord, I surrender to the authority of your Word. Help me translate its Truth into the way I live that those in my world might see and be saved.