“For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” –Romans 3:22-24
As we celebrate this weekend another group of ninth graders affirming their baptismal promises in the rite of confirmation, we also celebrate the Reformation. It is good to remember the central tenets of the Reformation. Sometimes we call them the Five Solas. In Latin, sola means “alone”.
- By Grace Alone: “Sola Gratia”
- Through Faith Alone: “Sola Fide”
- In Christ Alone: “Solus Christus”
- According to Scripture Alone: “Sola Scriptura”
- For God’s Glory Alone: “Soli Deo Gloria”
For years Martin Luther struggled with his own sinfulness, believing that there had to be some way in which he could, by his own effort, be free from the horrible burden of guilt. But nothing worked and his anguish continued until the Holy Spirit spoke to him through the words of Paul. It was then that he realized that while all people were sinners, they were made righteous not by their own efforts, but rather by the grace of God in Christ Jesus, given as an undeserved gift. As the Bible teaches, we are saved by grace, through faith, all to the glory of God.
This insight was the spark that ignited the Reformation. And soon more and more people were experiencing the incredibly freeing gift of God’s grace, centered in Christ. Today, you and I know this incredible truth. We are forgiven and set free by grace to love and serve our neighbor. Our salvation is secure not because we are such good people, but rather because Christ loves us and gave his life for our sake. It’s called GRACE.
“G.R.A.C.E. God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense”.
This weekend is Reformation weekend. Within our worship we celebrate God’s Grace.
Wear Red if you’d like, as that is the color of the Reformation. And in preparation for this week’s worship, please read Romans 6:1-11.
And please pray for the conflict in the Holy Land to end and that peace would reign not only in that region, but in all war-torn areas of this world that God loves.
P.S. If you didn’t make it to the first one, please RSVP and attend our next Stewardship/Fellowship Event on November 5 at Vinyl Taco from 5 to 7:00 p.m. It will be a fun and inspiring time together. Childcare is available at the church from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. for potty-trained children through age twelve. RSVP today!
See you in worship.
Pastor Tim
