REFORMATION or REVOLUTION

 ReFORMATION or Re-volution

Every October Lutheran churches celebrate Reformation Day. We all remember that on All the Saint’s Day Eve Dr. Martin Luther nailed an invitation for a discussion of Indulgences. His pastoral taste and practiced was “attacked” by Johann Tetzel’s sale’s events. As a result, we ended up with the Reformation. Restoration of the value of the Word of God operating through the Scriptures and the Sacraments.

Luther was not the only one who attempted to implement some changes in the life of the Church. Yet, their practices were radically different from those of Luther’s. What they argued for is more compatible with revolution, rather than Reformation. They wanted to get rid of liturgical practices, office of the ministry, and beauty of the sanctuaries. They wanted to start anew, thinking that the Church is SO corrupt, it’s irredeemable…

Unfortunately, they probably did not consider the depth of the Biblical statements about the Church. St. Paul writes to his disciple that the Church of the Living God is the pillar and buttress of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15). God preserved the church through the ages. Luther was very careful to identify the mistakes and sins of the clergy and hierarchy. He was ready to reform, to bring changes into life by teaching and preaching, and not by rioting or destruction.

Church is a living organism and is constantly changing. The proper way to achieve the godly changes is returning to the Word of God – holy, written, and inerrant Word of God – and prayerfully consider what can be done better in our context that Zion will reflect His glory, love, and grace. Teaching, preaching, and sharing the Word is the way transform from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). Zion has a great history, and the Bridegroom of the Church will lead us into a greater future, if we will be faithful to His transformative Word, the Word of Reformation.