While studying his bible, Martin Luther, could not square what he read about God’s unconditional love for us with the practices of the church at that time. The church was overly focused on teachings that emphasized human works as the pathway to salvation and in particular those works that benefitted the institution of the church, its leaders, and its gilded cathedrals.
On this Reformation Sunday, we’ll read from Paul’s letter to the church in Rome. It’s in these writings where Luther found the core argument of his revolutionary theology. In these verses, the Apostle Paul addresses the concept of justification by faith, which was a central point of contention between Luther and the Roman Catholic Church.
Here’s a primer on what Martin Luther found as he read from Romans:
- Universal Sinfulness: Luther emphasized that Paul starts by highlighting the universality of sin, stating that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Luther believed that all human beings are inherently sinful, and this is a key point in his theology. He stressed the idea that no one can achieve ‘righteousness’ or salvation through their own efforts or good works.
- Justification by Faith: Luther’s interpretation of these verses would focus on the concept of justification by faith. He would emphasize the importance of faith in Jesus as the means by which individuals are declared righteous before God. For Luther, this was a radical departure from the Catholic teaching of justification through a combination of faith and good works.
- Grace and Redemption: Luther came to believe that salvation is a gift of God’s grace and is not something that can be earned or deserved. He would argue that faith is the instrument through which God’s grace is received, and that faith is a gift from God itself. Not just our faith in God, but God’s faith in us.
- The Role of the Law (remember those 10 commandments?): Luther stressed the contrast between the works of the law and faith. He believed that the law serves to reveal human sinfulness and our need for a savior. He might argue that the law condemns but does not justify, and it is through faith in Jesus that individuals are justified and, again, God’s faith in us.
- Freedom from Legalism: Luther’s interpretation of these verses would also emphasize freedom from legalism and the idea that believers are not bound by a system of rules and rituals for salvation. He would argue for the importance of a personal and direct relationship with God through faith.
Martin Luther’s interpretation of what he read in the bible in 1517 became a spark that ignited the reformation of the church. Over five centuries later, Prince of Peace, and all those who gather in this place to hear God’s story, have become the inheritors of this revolutionary legacy. I look forward to celebrating this with you on Reformation Sunday.
May God’s peace come to you today. -Pastor Peter
Let us pray… Reforming God, you come to us through the Word, in the Word, and as the Word. By your steadfast faithfulness to us, make us to be a new creation, just as you have promised. Then inspire us to be your restoring presence in the world. Amen.