The Day it All Began-- October 31, 1517

It began just like any other day. It was the day that the Lord had made. Yet, this day was different. It was a day that would change the course of Western Civilization. One monk, a piece of paper, a hammer, a nail, and a door were all ordinary things used by God to do the extra-ordinary. This monk, by the name of Martin Luther, nailed the famous Ninety-five Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. This document contained ninety-five statements in objection to the practice of the selling of indulgences.

By placing this document on the door, Father Luther was announcing his desire to debate the topic. Luther objected to the selling of indulgences out of pastoral concern for the souls of the people which he oversaw. An indulgence was a slip of paper sold to an individual that guaranteed release from the punishments of sin in purgatory. Rather than directing the faithful to the sure Word of God for the assurance of the forgiveness of their sins, the religious leaders of the church directed the terrified souls to the words of men. They placed their hope in a piece of paper that they had  purchased with gold or silver, rather than placing their hope in Jesus Christ who purchased them with His own precious and innocent blood.to shine in Wittenberg, it continued to spread throughout Europe and is still spreading to the ends of theearth today.

For Luther, this debate was a matter of life and salvation. As Luther began to discuss his concern with the religious leaders, the light of the gospel that had been obscured during the “Dark Ages” began to shine forth.  From this date, October 31, 1517, we rejoice in the beginning of the Reformation movement that reformed the teaching and the practice of the church which had become deformed through the “Middle Ages.” As the light of the gospel began

When the gospel is preached purely, all glory is given to God alone, for salvation is His work. Also, the hearts of those who fear the punishment for their sins are truly comfortedwith Divine assurance that because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ they are promised forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. As with all promises, it is beneficial only to those who believe it to be true.