Grace Notes

What is the first thing you think of when someone mentions the date October 31? I’m guessing that many of you are picturing children decked out in cute costumes, traipsing throughout the neighborhood in their annual quest for treats. The littlest trick or treaters often need extra encouragement before they garner up the courage to knock on the door or ring the doorbell. The older kids, however, have the routine of going door to door down pat. But did you know that there is another door of significance, even some 500 years later? I’m referring to The Wittenberg Door, of the Schlosskirche (Castle Church) of Wittenberg, Germany. It is to this door that Martin Luther nailed his Ninetyfive Theses on October 31, 1517.

University staff often pinned messages and notices in the main entry of this church. So the fact that Luther posted something on the church door should not be considered too unusual. One might say that the church door served as the social media platform of that day.

However, it was WHAT he wrote that made a difference. The beliefs he expressed eventually evolved into what is often referred to as “The Five Solas.” (“Sola”—Latin, meaning only.)

<> Sola Scriptura (Only Scripture)

The Bible alone is our highest authority.

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4 <> Sola Fide (Only Faith)

We are saved through faith alone in Jesus Christ.

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1 <> Sola Gratia (Only Grace)

We are saved only because of God’s grace.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Ephesians 2:8-9 <> Solo Christo (Only

Jesus)

Jesus Christ alone is our Lord, Savior, and King.

“Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who

is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”

Romans 8:34 <> Soli Deo Gloria (Only for God’s Glory)

We live for the glory of God

alone. “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory.” Psalm 115:1 A Reformation Day Blessing

Almighty God, gracious Lord, we thank you for preserving your holy church throughout the ages. For the gift of the blessed gospel we praise your name. For the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection from the dead and life eternal in Christ, we thank you, loving Father. We treasure the rich heritage handed down from our fathers in the faith. Hear our prayer which we ask in the name of your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, through all eternity. Amen.

Giving credit where credit is due: christianity.com, desperatepreacher. com (Source of the prayer), history. com, wikipedia.org