Reformation Day
Lutherans are well known for observing Reformation Day in October. We dedicate a Sunday to mark the beginning of the Reformation, which began on October 31, 1517. The purpose of the observance of this day is to remind us of the centrality of the Gospel to Lutheranism and Christianity.
Prior to 1517, Luther had been engaged in teaching courses on the Bible at the University of Wittenberg. In preparation for a study on the Psalms, Luther struggled to interpret Romans 1:17: “For in it [the Gospel] the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Luther, in accordance with the theology of the day, understood the phrase “the righteousness of God” to refer to the justice and righteousness by which God punishes sin. Luther thought, “Isn’t it enough that we miserable sinners, lost for all eternity because of original sin, are oppressed by every kind of calamity through the Ten Commandments? Why does God heap sorrow upon sorrow through the Gospel and through the Gospel threaten us with his righteousness and his wrath?”
Luther felt that the Gospel was another form of the Law; that is, God threatens more wrath in the Gospel in addition to his threatened wrath that is contained in the Law. Over time, though, he began to see the righteousness of God differently. In 1546, Luther wrote, “I began to understand that in this verse the righteousness of God is that by which the righteous person lives by a gift of God, that is by faith. I began to understand that this verse means that the righteousness of God is revealed through the Gospel, but it is a passive righteousness, i.e. that by which the merciful God justifies us by faith, as it is written: “The righteous person lives by faith.” He saw the righteousness of God as a gift of God that is given to us through faith in Christ. This righteousness of God enables us to live before God.
This is the Gospel that we proclaim, the Gospel that changed the world. This Gospel message sounds out even today, as proclaim Christ crucified. For He lived and died for us, and rose again for us. He gives us forgiveness, life and righteousness. He gives us salvation. It is a free gift that comes to us through faith.
In Christ,
Rev. David L. Putz, Pastor
Holy Cross Lutheran Church (LCMS)
Crawfordsville, Indiana
Good things are happening at Holy Cross! Praise God for that. When we keep Word and Sacrament ministry at the heart of what we do, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is sown. As we share the Word, God gives the growth and we rejoice as humble stewards of the God who changes lives and hearts. Help us always, Lord, to keep Your Word at the center of our life together under your Holy Cross!
Please continue to pray for our congregation and each other. Don’t forget to visit our church website www.holycross-crawfordsville.org to find links for all our services on YouTube.