Each year, October 31 marks Reformation Day, a commemoration of the bold act of Martin Luther in 1517. By nailing his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the All Saints’ Church in Wittenberg, Germany, Luther sparked a movement that sought to return Christianity to the pure teachings of Scripture. This day ignited the Protestant Reformation, a revival that sought to challenge corruption, promote biblical literacy, and put God’s Word back into the hands of everyday believers.

For Seventh-day Adventists, Reformation Day is more than a historic milestone; it’s a reminder of the heritage we embrace and a calling to continue reform. Our roots in the Protestant tradition are deeply intertwined with the principles Luther championed:

sola scriptura (Scripture alone), sola fide (faith alone), and sola gratia (grace alone). These principles remind us of the priority of Scripture and the beauty of salvation by faith, gifts we continue to cherish and proclaim.

To reignite our passion for God’s Word and truth, Adventists can celebrate Reformation Day by immersing in personal and group Bible study, reflecting on the principles of the Reformation.

This day can be an opportunity to read a portion of Luther’s works or the writings of Ellen White, both of which emphasize a return to Scripture. Prayer groups can focus on petitions for revival and reformation in our lives and church, asking God for the courage to stand for truth as Luther did.

Finally, consider using Reformation Day to share the message with others—whether through social media, small group discussions, or community outreach. By rediscovering our history, we can reignite our commitment to the timeless message of God’s love and truth, preparing ourselves and the world for Christ’s soon return. May this day inspire us to live with conviction, courage, and clarity as we continue the work of reformation.

 

 

This article was generated by chatGPT. Prompting, editing, and curation by Hugh Davis