Today marks the 500th anniversary of the start of the Protestant Reformation. Here are a few ways to celebrate this important event in church history.
- Listen to a Hymn – Martin Luther was not only a church theologian. He was also a church musician. His most famous contribution is the hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” I would encourage you to listen to this incredible anthem of hope and confidence in the Kingdom of Christ. Here are a few links to different renditions of the great hymn: HeartSong, Together for the Gospel, and Steve Green. If you would like to hear the song in German, you can find it here. Another great hymn, “I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art,” which was written by John Calvin in at a later time in the Reformation, can be found here.
- Watch a Lecture – Protestants, even Baptists, owe much of their heritage to the Magisterial Reformers. There are several good lectures and lessons available for free that can help Protestants maintain a historical link to their reformational heritage. One of the best lectures that I have ever heard on Luther comes from John Piper. You can find that lecture here.
- Read Your Bible – The Reformation was founded upon the principle of the ultimate authority of Scripture alone. Sola Scriptura was the principle that shaped all other principles. One of the ways that we can celebrate the Reformation’s anniversary is by valuing our Bibles again. Protestants, of all people, should know and love the Word of God!
- Share the Gospel – The Reformation was a recovery of the ancient gospel of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone to the glory of God alone. We believe, with the apostle Paul, that “no man will be justified by works of the law” (Galatians 2:16). This is the greatest news in all the world, so why not share it was someone else today!
CBH
