On The Authority Of Scripture - Isaiah 40:8

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever. - Isaiah 40:8

    Four hundred ninety-nine years ago a German monk nailed his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany, starting what would become the Protestant Reformation. Martin Luther had no idea what his actions on that day would bring. What he did know was that the Roman church was claiming for itself what belonged rightfully to God and God alone! “For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” - 1 Thessalonians 2:13.
    Luther’s blunt and often crude style was merely grist for the Roman clergy, including Pope Leo X who lashed out at the Augustinian monk, charging - “Lastly, arise, ye assembly of saints, the holy Church of God, and intercede with the Almighty! There is a wild boar in the vineyard of the Lord." Personality and manners aside, Luther was hardly a ‘wild boar.’ Martin Luther was a man possessed by the knowledge of what Holy Scripture had to say regarding justification by faith and by faith alone. “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.” - Romans 3:28.  Regardless of the legalistic smoke and mirrors put forward by the Roman church, Luther saw that it was indeed faith that justifies and not works nor the purchase of indulgences as prevaricated by “church authorities.”
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God . . .” - Ephesians 2:8. Scripture is replete with the truth of God’s grace; a grace that can neither be earned nor bought nor sold. God’s promise is His word. We need nothing more. We can only accept His grace and praise His mercy upon us sinners. Have a blessed Reformation Day!