With The Reformation A New Era Dawned
October 2002

Thus saith the Lord, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee. (Isaiah. 49:8)

On the 31st day of October 1517, Dr. Martin Luther nailed the memorable Ninety-five Theses to the door of the Castle Church at Wittenberg.  This proved to be the cause of that mighty upheaval which has brought us freedom from the bonds of Popery.  The strokes of the hammer nailing those theses were soon heard in the most remote parts of the earth, like a roaring of heaven's thunderings, covering the whole world with its mighty force.  By his gigantic work, Luther brought about the great change for which the children of God had been wishing and praying for many centuries.

When, at Worms, Luther made his clear and strong defense of the Gospel he had preached and closed it with the memorable words: "Here I am I cannot do otherwise; God help me! Amen," there was the strength of victory in that mighty "Amen," because it appealed to Scripture, the Word of Truth; it appealed to the Gospel, which is "the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes."

Now men, women, youths, fearlessly gave the "lie" [meaning the truth of the Gospel.  Rome called it a "lie"] to the priests whom they had dreaded so much before.  Rome was started; she wanted to use her old force.  She wished to suppress the new teaching, which was nothing but the old truth brought to light again.  Of no avail!  The Lord had smitten Antichrist with the breath of His mouth.  The world was once more enjoying the pure an abundant Gospel-preaching.  The Church entered upon another epoch.  With the Reformation a new era dawned for the world, and era of spiritual and temporal achievement.  Who can enumerate the blessings which came upon the whole world in the consequence of the Reformation?  Advanced ideas of human rights, our free institutions, our political and religious liberty, education, - - these, in addition to the pure Gospel, which is the greatest blessing, are all fruits of the Reformation.

F.E. Pasche, Daily Bread, Concordia Publishing 1929

In a day when the blessings and benefits of the Reformation are being nullified by modern day "Lutherans" who are forsaking the pure Gospel, the Word of God, and the true Church, there little one can write to persuade "Lutherans" of the greatness of their unique place in human history.  For to appreciate and treasure the Reformation is to appreciate and treasure the Gospel itself.  If we do not comprehend this truth, then our celebration of the Reformation is in vain.