Reformation Day

October 31, 2020 (Saturday)

 

On October 31, 1517 a monk named Martian Luther nailed “95 Theses” to a church door in Wittenburg, Germany. Luther’s intent was to start a discussion to correct certain practices (and theology) not create a church split.

 

Most of us, including me, are aware of the existence of this document but have never studied it. So let’s take a look at a few of them today. The English text is taken from thoepedia, unless otherwise noted. This is in hopes we take some time to at least read through them.

 

We read Jesus’ first sermon, “From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” [Matthew 4:17 NLT] This is called “Poenitentiam agite,” which is Latin for “repent.” Luther’s first point insisted that Jesus “willed that the whole life of believers should be repentance.” His second point was this was not “penance” or in any way meant to lead to some sort of “satisfaction” (for sin).

 

Luther’s third point seems to be lost by modern Christianity: “Yet it does not mean solely inner repentance; such inner repentance is worthless unless it produces various outward mortification of the flesh” (luther.de). When the CEB translates “repent” is uses the expression “Change your hearts and lives!” Somehow we have managed to disconnect our theology from our practice.

 

The Bible never encourages us to remain in sin or its vomit. Paul understood what Jesus accomplished was a rescue mission. “For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son.” [Colossians 1:13 NLT] The word translated “transferred” carries the idea of a complete change. 

Wesley observed that the kingdom of darkness “detains reluctant captives,” while the kingdom of Jesus “cherishes willing subjects.” Anyone who has paid attention to my past sermons should remember the necessity of a “changed life.”

 

Luther’s  fourth point: “The penalty [of sin], therefore, continues so long as hatred of self continues; for this is the true inward repentance, and continues until our entrance into the kingdom of heaven.” Our modern age is about “self-esteem.” On the other hand, there is a healthy understanding of what sin is and does. For the follower of Jesus, “hate” is a polite way to view sin and its effects and affects. Sin is like giving a loaded gun to an angry child who is out of control.

 

Points five and six state the Pope is unable to “remit any guilt.” Point seven declares that God does not remit (forgive) sin unless the person is “humble in all things and bring into subjection to His vicar, the priest.” In theory, the source for pastoral authority is scripture and the goal is holiness (Matt O’Reilly, 9Marks)

 

Paul recommended “pastoral authority” to the Corinthian church dealing with sin (see 1 Corinthians 5:5). Paul used this authority to stop destructive teaching, “Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.” [1 Timothy 1:20 NASB]

 

Without authority over us, we are no better than stray sheep. Violating that authority puts us in a very bad place. Chuck Swindoll (insight.org) said the effect is “exposing them to the realm of satanic influence.” Some else has used the expression “removing the shield of grace.”

 

Or as Jesus instructed, “If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace. But if the house isn’t worthy, take back your blessing.” [Matthew 10:13 CEB] Don’t read the next two verses, if you want to sleep at night. On the other hand, its Halloween… go ahead and read the next two verses. Consider yourself warned.