A Leader of the Reformation

I wrote this last year after a suggestion from our Pastor. Since I never posted it, I thought now would be a good time to do so…

On October 31,1517 a catholic monk nailed to the door of the catholic church in Wittenburg, Germany a 95 Thesis condemning the sale of indulgences thus sparking the fire of the reformation. That catholic monk was Martin Luther.

Martin Luther was born in 1483. He was about 34 years of age when he nailed his 95 Thesis on the church door. Selling indulgences was the practice and belief that a donation to the church would purchase the release of the departed soul of a family member from Purgatory (a place of torment). Selling indulgences has no basis in God’s Holy Word. Selling indulgences was not the only catholic practice that Martin Luther condemned. For example: The catholic church taught that justification comes through good works. Martin Luther believed justification comes through Jesus Christ.

Martin Luther believed in using the Bible as the standard for life, not mortal man’s opinion. For that reason he translated the Bible into German so the common people could read it. Before this the scriptures were only in Latin.

Because of his beliefs the Pope excommunicated Martin Luther from the catholic church in 1520.

In 1521 Martin Luther was summoned before the Diet of Worms by Emperor Charles V. When asked he refused to recant anything he had said against the catholic church unless they could convince him he was wrong, using scripture.

At the age of 42 Martin Luther married a young woman named Catherina. Together they had several children, both  sons and daughters He was the author of several hymns including A Mighty Fortress is Our God.

Martin Luther has been called the Father of the Reformation. After he started to boldly speak out against the unbiblical practices of the catholic church, others followed his example. Those who like Martin Luther protested became known as Protestants.

On October 31st some celebrate Reformation Day. On this day they celebrate – not a man- not Martin Luther – but what the LORD did through Martin Luther and others like him such as John Calvin. Martin Luther was not perfect. Man does not deserve the glory – All glory for what was done during the Reformation belongs to the LORD. Praise Him for what He has done!

To the KING be all the glory!