“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)
This Bible verse reminds us that salvation is not something we can earn on our own, but it is given to us freely by God through faith.
Long ago, there was a time when many Christians could not read the Bible themselves and did not know this truth. That time led to a great event called the Reformation.
The Beginning of the Reformation
The Reformation began in the early 1500s in Europe, at a time when the church had grown very powerful and many people were concerned about things being done in ways that did not follow the Bible.
A man named Martin Luther, who was a German monk and teacher, started to speak out about problems he saw in the church.
He believed that the church was teaching things that were not found in the Bible, like the selling of indulgences, which were papers people could buy to be forgiven for their sins.
Luther wanted people to know that forgiveness comes from God through faith, not from buying anything or doing special works.
In the year 1517, he nailed a list of 95 statements, called the 95 Theses, to the door of a church in Wittenberg, Germany, hoping to start a discussion.
Instead, it caused a great change across the Christian world.
Why the Bible Was at the Center
One of the biggest things that happened during the Reformation was that people started reading the Bible for themselves.
Before that, the Bible was often only written in Latin, which most people could not read.
Reformers wanted the Bible to be in the language of the people, so they translated it into German, English, and other languages.
They believed that God’s Word should be available to everyone, not just church leaders.
They taught that the Bible is the final authority for faith and life.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
(2 Timothy 3:16)
The Five Solas of the Reformation
During the Reformation, five main beliefs became well-known, and they are still remembered today.
The first is Sola Scriptura, which means Scripture alone should be the guide for what Christians believe.
The second is Sola Fide, which means people are made right with God by faith alone.
The third is Sola Gratia, which means salvation is a gift of God’s grace.
The fourth is Solus Christus, which means Jesus Christ is the only one who saves us.
The fifth is Soli Deo Gloria, which means all glory belongs to God alone.
These beliefs helped many people return to what the Bible truly teaches.
The Spread of the Reformation
After Martin Luther, many others also spoke out and helped the movement grow.
Men like John Calvin in Switzerland and William Tyndale in England helped teach the same things.
The invention of the printing press made it easier to spread books and Bible translations quickly across Europe.
Many churches began to separate from the Roman Catholic Church and formed new groups called Protestant churches.
They kept teaching that the Bible should be read by everyone and that faith in Jesus is what saves.
The Reformation’s Impact Today
The Reformation still affects how people read the Bible and worship today.
Many Christian churches around the world came from the Reformation, including Baptists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, and others.
People are encouraged to read the Bible, think about what it says, and pray to God themselves.
Because of the Reformation, more people learned that they can have a close relationship with God without needing to go through a priest.
“There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
(1 Timothy 2:5)
Why the Reformation Still Matters
Even though the Reformation happened over 500 years ago, it still reminds us that God’s truth is found in His Word.
It teaches us to trust in Jesus alone for our salvation and to read the Bible with faith and care.
It also helps us remember that all good things come from God’s grace, not our works.
“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”
(Isaiah 40:8)
Let us be thankful for the people who helped bring the Bible to everyone and pointed us back to God’s truth.