Happy Reformation 500!

Mark 1:15

This October 31st marks the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s nailing of 95 theses on the castle church door in Wittenberg Germany.

This small action was the initial spark that ignited the flame of the Protestant Reformation. If we read through those 95 theses many of them are leveled against the sale of indulgences: that forgiveness could be purchased for the right price. However, the first theses says something very interesting about the Christian life. Martin Luther wrote:

When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said,“Repent” (Mt 4:17), he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.

What was Jesus trying to do with his preaching and teaching as he lived here on this earth? His desire was that all recognize their sin and trust in him as their Savior. It didn’t matter, whether prostitute or religious leader, the message was the same. As it says in Mark 1 verse 15

The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news! –Mark 1:15b

What is the difference between a Christian and a non-christian a believer and an unbeliever? One isn’t better than the other. Both are sinners, but the believer recognizes his sin and trust in Jesus as his Savior.

We must admit as hard as we’ve tried to live a Christian life, each and every one of us fail every day of our lives. How important it is for us to regularly repent of our sins to God, that he might through his word, direct us away from ourselves and to Christ.

Yes, may God grant you a heart of repentance and you might confess your sins every day and turn to Jesus your Savior. Amen.

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