The Reformation; All Hallows’ Eve

On 31. October 1517, Martin Luther posted his Disputation of Doctor Martin Luther on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences on the Schloßkirche (Castle Church) door in Wittenberg, Germany. His 95 Theses were an invitation to debate the issue of indulgences in the Medieval Church. Such debates on theological topics were commonplace in Luther’s day, but his treatise caused a firestorm to erupt that eventually culminated in the drafting of the Augsburg Confession in 1530 and the formalizing of Lutheran theology in the Church. We can summarize Luther’s treatise with 4 central points from his 95 Theses: 

 1. Our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, when He said poenitentiam agite [Repent], willed that the whole life of believers should be repentance. [Matthew 4,17] 

 36. Every truly repentant Christian has a right to full remission of penalty and guilt, even without letters of pardon.  

 37. Every true Christian, whether living or dead, participates in all the blessings of Christ and the Church; and this is granted him by God, even without indulgence letters.

 62. The true treasure of the Church is the most holy gospel of the glory and the grace of God. 

Luther once preached: 

»For God the Father Himself has set his seal on Christ.« John 6,27

People dispute even to this day if one might be made righteous and gain eternal life through our own preparations and good works, through our own love, action and services. But compared to two with each other. See if the work that you do for your service, fasts, prayers, pilgrimages or if the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ is the food that the Son of Man gives. Set them next to each other: my body, effort and work and the body of Christ. Even if I fasted all the time and called on the saints and walked on pilgrimages, gave up sleep, did this or that work; and taking it all together in a heap and throwing it in a sack, see if such works are the body and blood of Christ. It would fall completely short. So how can some on boast that he will become holy through his own works? We could not give ourselves this food but you will receiveit from the Son of Man. That is why Christ shall be impressed with this seal; so that I know that my dear God is gracious to me. (Sermons on the Gospel of St. John Chapters 6-8; 1531, cf. AE 23. Luther’s Family Devotions 67) 

Happy Reformation Day and a blessed All Hallow's Eve, for by Christ we have been justified, forgiven and made saints through His crucifixion and resurrection.