The Reformation: a Call to Faithfulness
Scripture Reading — Philippians 1:3-11
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
As we observe the 500th anniversary of the Reformation today, let’s praise God for faithful servants like Martin Luther and the other Reformers who sought to revive the church by calling it to return to its biblical moorings.
Reflecting on the five core teachings about our salvation, we can thank God for their call—then and now—to hold fast to Scripture alone, Christ alone, grace alone, and faith alone as we give glory to God alone. These unchanging truths should be our foundation for understanding salvation, living faithfully for God, and sharing our faith.
While prompting our thanksgiving, looking again at the Reformation should also be a reminder to us that like ocean tides, church movements have ebbs and flows. In our time, we need to keep affirming and proclaiming the spiritual truths of our salvation. For if our grasp of and commitment to these crucial teachings erode, so will the church and our own spiritual lives.
Still, while striving to persevere in the faith and in faithfulness, we can take comfort that the Lord of the church, Jesus Christ himself, will complete the good work God has started in us and through us.
“To [God] be the glory forever!” (Romans 11:36).
Jesus, Savior and Lord of the church, by your Spirit guide us in understanding the truth that we may live for the praise and glory of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit forever. In your name we pray. Amen.
About the author — Kurt Selles
Kurt Selles is the director of ReFrame Ministries and serves as the Executive Editor of Today. He is a graduate of Calvin College and Seminary, and received his PhD from Vanderbilt University. Before coming to ReFrame, he served 19 years in Taiwan and China with CRC World Missions. Kurt later taught missions at Beeson Divinity School, where he also acted as the director of the school’s Global Center. Kurt and his wife, Vicki, reside in Grand Rapids and have three adult children.
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