Why the Reformation is not just ancient history
During the course of the next couple of months we are likely to be reminded in the media about the pivotal event known as the Reformation. I predict that this period of Christian history will be given a negative press. So, let me get ahead of the game with a positive take!
This autumn will see the 500th anniversary of the time when a monk, named Martin Luther, challenged the Pope and the Roman Catholic church concerning some of its traditions and beliefs which, he said, could not be substantiated by the Bible.
Reformation in this context, refers to the reforming of the Christian Church and, by extension, to the reforming of individual people who fall under its reach. It is reformation in the spiritual and moral sense; how people can be at peace with God and, as a result, find themselves desiring to do what is right by him. Christian Reformation, then, is continually relevant - not something to be thought of as simply a period in history.
The Reformation reminds us that being religious or having an affiliation to the church does not, in itself, mean that we have experienced our own personal ‘reformation’. Only by passing over the twofold threshold of repentance and belief does a person live the Christian faith from their heart. ‘Reformed’ Christianity emphasises ‘heart faith’ rather than a faith grounded in externals.
How may a man or woman, boy or girl, move over the threshold from religious externals to a heart faith and so know their own personal reformation? Jesus calls people into a fundamental life shift that challenges the status quo. He summons us to a change of mind, a U-turn towards God which is what repentance means. But change our mind about what? In a nutshell, Jesus.
Who is this Jesus that he can require our allegiance ahead of other allegiances? It is at this point that belief (or faith) comes into play. Are we prepared to entrust ourselves to him, putting ourselves on the line and, so to speak, burning our bridges behind us?
Martin Luther did precisely this; he burnt his bridges behind him. As a means of getting himself right with God He turned from looking to religious traditions, the church and even the Pope. Instead he simply trusted Jesus for all that is necessary to establish him in right relationship with God. Because you and I can do the same also, Reformation is still alive in 2017!
