Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Reformation Day

On October 31, 1517 Martin Luther boldly nailed his 95 theses on the door of the Wittenburg Chapel, marking the start of the Protestant Reformation. As he studied the Word of God, the words in Romans 1:17 jumped out at him.

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
(Rom 1:17)

There it was in black and white, the just shall live by faith! The heretical popish church had devised a scheme to line their cathedrals with the gold of peasants. Over time, the heresy of purgatory had crept into the church with no scriptural warrant whatsoever. Then, very conveniently, the church had convinced the ignorant masses that if they wanted to spring their loved ones from the grip of purgatory, they needed to purchase “indulgences,” which were payments to the church. The church, then, promised to say special prayers on their behalf, etc. Sounds like an early version of a televangelist, doesn’t it? This deception had spread over all of Christendom because the Bible was not available in the common language of the people (German in Martin’s case). So only the priests could read the scriptures in Latin. It did not take long for Martin Luther to be driven into exile in order to preserve his life. During this time, he translated the entire Bible into German, thus flinging open the truth to even the common man.

The Protestant Reformation is one of the most important historical events in post biblical church history, Yet most Christians today are ignorant of it. It is my opinion that this is “by design.” As church coalitions form and ecumenical councils decry the “division” caused by sound doctrine, the modern church capitulates and climbs in bed with that great whore of Revelation to commit fornication with her.

And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.
(Rev 17:4-6)

Remember on this day, the blood of the martyrs spilt on behalf of Christ’s Church. Study the history and honor the heroes of the faith. Resist the urge to compromise for the sake of peace. Our Reformation ancestors died for the five solas of the Reformation: Sola Scriptura, Solus Christus, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, and Soli Deo Gloria.

Also, consider the other “holiday” that the world celebrates on this day. This too is by satanic design to keep your mind away from the great good that was accomplished by the Reformation. So, today, if someone wishes you a "Happy," followed by the name of their pagan holiday, simply reply back, "And a Blessed Reformation Day to you."

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I read your beautiful posts on quiverfull. And I was drawn to look at your blog. I am now sadly disapointed that you could speak so hatefully of the Catholic church. A Church filled with many people who live their lives for Christ. a Church that leads many to heaven. Look more closely at the fruits of the reformation. It is throught the reformation that so many people have been led away from god's will in thier lives. It is protestant preachers that teach that to contracept is to be responsible. What church is the only church that has consistantly taught against artificial contraception since the beginning? Which church has never changed its teachings on the value of human life and the sacredness of marriage? Admittedly it is a Church full of sinners, as all churches are. We are each of us a sinner. But it is not these sinners that make the Church it is the words of Jesus Christ that make us His!

Mike Southerland said...

Thank you for phrasing your disagreement in a respectful manner. The criticisms I have with the Roman church (“catholic” is a term meaning universal, and the Roman church has sought to commandeer that label) are based solely on the Word of God. Papal doctrine teaches that the Bible, plus the word of the pope are the guidelines by which we live our lives. Anytime you form your doctrine around the opinions of mortal men, you get a heretical religion. There are many glaring anti-Biblical errors in the Roman church. The indulgences I described in this article are just one such heresy. The Roman church teaches that Mary was born of an immaculate conception, not just Jesus. They consider that she was without sin. This is clearly against the Word of God. They use her as a mediator between God and man when the Bible speaks clearly that Christ alone is the mediator between God and man. The Roman church teaches the doctrine of transubstantiation whereby the wafer and the wine actually become the body and blood of Christ. Yet this would mean that Christ would be sacrificed anew each time communion is offered, which again, violates scripture. Papists routinely refer to their priests as “father” when the Bible says clearly to call no man father, but your Father in Heaven.

Yes, the Roman church has consistently stood for life. And for that, I appreciate it. I have met several friends through our joint involvement in the pro-life movement. Yet, these good works do not replace the absence of sound doctrine they are missing in their religion. It is also a known fact that Protestant denominations universally condemned contraception until the early 20th century. The Reformers such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Knox were adamantly against it. The capitulation of many/most Protestants in this area is a sign of sin and error on their part. However, that is a separate issue altogether than the five solas of the Reformation, for which scriptural warrant can be found.

I’d be happy to discuss further with you if you would care to email me privately. My email address is mike@mikesoutherland.com