The Reformation
Lutheranism is not a new faith, but a continuation of the historic, Christian faith of all times and places. In this sense Lutheranism is catholic, a word that comes from two Greek words, meaning “according to the whole.” With Christians of all times, and in all places, we confess what God’s Word teaches – nothing more, and nothing less.
The Reformer of the Holy Christian Church was Martin Luther. He never intended to undermine the Church or to start a new one, but rather to purify the one, holy, catholic (universal), and apostolic Church. During His day, the Word of God was no longer looked to as the sole source of faith and doctrine. Also, the free and eternal gift of salvation in the finished work of Jesus Christ was abandoned and commingled with works righteousness. Church leaders had also been practicing the selling of indulgences as payment for sins. Abuses were everywhere and God’s people were like sheep without a shepherd. Martin Luther refused to keep quiet about these abuses. They were matters of eternal salvation. He sought to bring these abuses to light so that the Church could return to its historic Christian confession of Christ alone and Him crucified for salvation.
On October 31st, 1517, he posted 95 theses for debate about these non-Biblical practices on the door of the castle church at Wittenberg. Luther was accused of false teaching and summoned before various gatherings of leaders. When Luther resisted the threats of the pope and emperor in order to address the teachings against God’s Word, the pope responded by excommunicating him in early 1521.
Pastor Herman Sasse noted that in that miracle of disunity the pure Gospel was preserved. The doctrine of justification by God’s grace alone through faith was presented. The central teaching of the Church had again been confessed. It may have been exiled on that day with Martin Luther’s excommunication, but it had been rediscovered. May the churches of our day never exile the precious Gospel from within their walls! The Church must forever hold firmly to this teaching of God’s justification of the sinner through Christ. It alone distinguishes Christianity from all false religions, delivers comfort to repentant sinners, and gives all glory to God for His undeserved mercy in Christ.
Some excerpts from the Reader’s Edition of the Book of Concord
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