FOR BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH (EPHESIANS 2:8-9)

Dear Members in Christ,                                                                      

Thank God for the 1517 Reformation

This is the week when churches of the Reformed tradition remember the 1517 Reformation. We are all acquainted with the cry of Reformation “Sola scriptura, Sola Fidei, Solus Christus, Sola Gratia, Sola Deo Gloria” proclaimed by the Reformers. These were theological pillars of reform theology that stood against the darkness of superstition that hung over the medieval church. These phrases in Latin may be understood as proclaiming that salvation and Christian faith is based upon and only upon the scriptures as our sole authority. Salvation is by the grace of God, and access to the grace of God is only by faith in the atonement accomplished by our Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ. All glory to God for the great work of salvation.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8, 9

Salvation is by faith alone! This is a phrase that we often use when we share the gospel with others. Why is it central to our faith? And why did the fathers of the Reformation make this a cornerstone issue in the Christian faith? In this article, we shall examine two aspects of why the faith of a Christian is such an important issue in the 1517 Reformation.

A. Faith in the deliverance provided by the Omnipotent God

Prior to the 1517 Reformation, the church was plagued with false teachings and superstitions. This led to Martin Luther nailing the 95 theses on the door of the castle of Wittenburg. Amongst the many reasons cited for Luther’s theses, was the issue of the sale of indulgences by the church authorities. Simply put, the sale of indulgence is the collection of money by the church in return for the pardon of sins. For this, they commissioned a man Johann Tetzel to promote the collection exercise. Needless to say, he was hugely successful. And why not? Just for a few shillings or pounds, one can obtain pardon from even the most grievous sins! And what more? One can even purchase indulgences even before the sin is committed! This is an unbiblical practice that the populace was wholly sold upon. Myriads of souls would walk the path to hell in the false hope of forgiveness of sins. The Bible tells us the truth about the forgiveness of sins.

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1

“None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:” Psalm 49:7,8

No person on earth can assure another of the forgiveness of sins or the redemption of his soul. The only way of redemption is by the grace of God, and through the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. As Romans 5:1 states, “justified by faith.” Justification and deliverance from the eternal damnation of sin can only be effective when worked upon by the hands of an omnipotent God. No man should presume to have the power to sell a paper for the forgiveness of sins. 

B. Faith as a matter of contrition and humility

The faith of a Christian is also an important aspect of salvation because it is the way prescribed in God’s word. Therefore, by submitting to God by faith one acknowledges as a guilty sinner the spirit of contrition and humility before the gracious God.

When God teaches the lesson of forgiveness to his people, the first mention of a correct response is the spirit of humility of the penitent sinner.

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

A sinner seeking God for forgiveness and salvation must come in humility and faith. The words, “humble themselves,” “pray” and “turn from their wicked ways” speaks of the God-pleasing manner of coming to God for forgiveness, i.e. in humility, by faith, and with a repentant heart. Thank God for this doctrinal truth that the Reformation has brought forth. If we were still in darkness, trying to purchase our own salvation with pennies and dollars, or trying to work out our salvation with “good work”, indeed we are of all men most miserable.

Beloved, thank God for the faith and courage of the fathers of the Reformation of 1517. We remember men like Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, and Knox, not forgetting others before them, like Tyndale, and Hus amongst others. They put their life on the line for the truth of God. Today, as we commemorate Reformation Sunday, let us also pray that God will give us the strength and courage to keep the Reformed tradition, which is a tradition based upon biblical truths. May God help us to serve Him and to walk close to Him. May God call those whom He has chosen to come forward and take up the cross for Him. As they would say in centuries past, Soli Deo Gloria, Glory be to God!

In Christ,
Dn. Lim Seh Beng