The Protestant Reformation: A Brief History

Hello Friends!

The month of October is very important to the history of Biblical Christianity, particularly the Protestant Reformation. If one does not understand the Reformation and the Counter-Reformation, one will hold to a skewed view of world history, the true Christian faith, Jesus Christ – the Only Begotten Son of God – and the Bible... The very Word of God!

The Protestant Reformation: A Brief History

During the month of October each year, it is good to remember the spark that ignited the Reformation 496 years ago. It was October 31, 1517, when Martin Luther nailed his ninety-five theses to the Castle Church door of Wittenberg. That church had over 1,900 relics of dead saints on display. Catholics were granted indulgences for the remission of sins if they viewed the relics and made a confession. Luther became the center of a great controversy when his theses were copied and distributed throughout Europe. His initial protest exposed the pope's abominable practice of selling salvation from purgatory's fire for the price of indulgences. Many evangelicals today have either forgotten the Reformation or believe it was a mistake to divide the church. Others are denying that his first thesis, affirmed by Scripture, is not necessary for salvation. Luther's first thesis was:

"When our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, said 'Repent', He called for the entire life of believers to be one of repentance" 

Seven years earlier in 1510, Luther was sent to Rome. While there, he climbed Pilate's staircase on his knees, believing each step would take away one year in purgatory. Then God's Word gave him understanding of the Scripture:

The just shall live by faith – Romans 1:17

Eventually Luther's study of Scripture led him to oppose Roman Catholicism on issues pertaining to the supreme authority of Scripture and the doctrine of Justification. Catholic bishops had perverted the way a sinner can be made right with God by denying it is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Luther rebuked them with the clear teaching from God's Word. Justification, which is God's declaration that believers are forgiven of sin and counted righteous in His sight, occurs at the moment God imputes the righteousness of Christ to the believer:

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him – 2 Corinthians 5:21

In August of 1518, Luther was pronounced a heretic without a defense. On the same day he was accused, judged and condemned by the so-called "Holy Father," the only supreme, infallible authority in church or state! Indeed the true spirit of popery was on display. Not a trace of Christian principle, or even of common justice, was witnessed in the process. In October of that year, Luther's trial began at Augsburg, and Cardinal Cajetan ordered Luther to recant his views on indulgences and papal infallibility. If he refused, he was to be excommunicated and share the same brutal fate as Jon Huss. Luther frustrated the Cardinal by answering all objections using Scripture as his authority. Needless to say, the large assembly of people had the opportunity to compare the two men, and to judge the spirit manifested in them. What a stark contrast! Luther was humble, firm and steadfast in the strength of God and with truth on his side. The Cardinal was self-important, overbearing, haughty, and unreasonable, without a single argument from Scripture. 
In March of 1521, the emperor called Luther to the Diet of Worms to plead his case. Knowing his life would be in danger, Luther responded:

"I place the matter in the Lord's hands. If He will not save me, my life is of little consequence. Let us only prevent the Gospel from being exposed to the scorn of the wicked, and let us shed our blood for it, for fear they should triumph. It is not for me to decide whether my life or my death will contribute most to the salvation of all. You may expect everything from me except flight and recantation"

A month later at the Diet of Worms, Charles V asked Luther to recant his heretical doctrines. He responded:

"I cannot submit my faith either to the Pope or to the Councils, because it is clear as day, they have frequently erred and contradicted each other. Unless therefore, I am convinced by the testimony of Scripture... I cannot and will not retract. Here I stand, I can do no other. So help me God, Amen."

In Closing:

There have been several new articles lately describing the activities of the first Jesuit Pope Francis, the new direction he seems to be taking the Vatican and Church of Rome. After a clandestine series of interviews that were published in 16 Jesuit journals around the world, Francis is now reported to have said that the idea of converting people to Christianity is "solemn nonsense," according to the Washington Post. The Pope also referred to the Vatican court as the "leprosy of the papacy," saying that the leaders of the Catholic Church have been "sickeningly excited by their courtiers."

 

There is no question that Pope Francis has developed a reputation for controversy, bringing criticism from Catholics and Protestants alike, who believe he is compromising the central tenets of the Roman Catholic faith. But given his membership in the Jesuit Order – Society of Jesus –, could there be more to this than meets the eye?

Those who reject the supreme authority of Scripture are very easily deceived...

"It is necessary to salvation that every man should submit to the Pope" – Boniface VIII Unum Sanctum, 1303

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast – Ephesians 2:8-9

Here lie two totally contradictory statements. They cannot both be correct. The one which you believe will depend on which authority you accept. Rome must find a way to supplant the true gospel with "another gospel." The only way to do this is to eliminate our faith in the Word of God. May the Lord Jesus Christ open the eyes of the lost – naturally and spiritually – before it is too late…

Keep looking up and sharing the Gospel while there is still time… Hallelujah and Maranatha – come quickly Lord Jesus!

We are not guaranteed tomorrow – tomorrow may be too late! If you haven't yet made that most important decision of your life, won't you make Jesus Christ your personal Lord and Savior today - before it's too late? Today is the day of Salvation!

If you have been blessed by this message or have a specific question, prayer request or testimony, please send me a note to: encouragingconcepts@live.com

I love hearing from you. Keep reading Encouraging Concepts!

Blessings!
Shane K. Morin <><

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