Reformation: The Word of the Lord Endures Forever

The Word of the Lord Endures Forever...Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum.  Based on 1 Peter 1:24, this was the motto of the Lutheran Reformation. And let me tell you...the early Lutheran church was SERIOUS about this. So serious, in fact, that in 1522 Frederick the Wise had is sewn into the sleeve of his court's clothing (lest they forget!). Through his successors, it was stamped on coins, sewn on flags, and carved into church architecture. Why was (and is) this such a big deal?

In the early years following the Reformation, it took a great amount of courage to confess Lutheran beliefs. Why? Because early Roman Catholic rulers hoped to rid Europe of Protestants. To boldly disagree with the Roman Catholic Church, and to preach and adhere to beliefs that differed with the church was perilous. How perilous? Many early Lutherans died for their beliefs. The Thirty Year's War was fought between Catholics and Protestants, killing nearly 20 percent of Germany's population...through battle, disease and famine.

What is it about the Lutheran Church that would make men and women take such a courageous stance? What would make them willing to die for their beliefs?

Look to the Motto of the Reformation: The Word of the Lord Endures Forever. The Lutheran Church believes that the bible is the LIVING WORD OF GOD. It is infallible, it is never changing, it will endure forever. We will not change it, we will not let history re-write it, we will not believe parts and not the whole.

Martin Luther believed in grace alone, faith alone, and scripture alone.  He believed it was "by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8  He loudly proclaimed these truths, in hopes to bring back to scripture a church that had traveled far from God's word. The early Lutheran Church followed in his example, and it was so important to them that they were not only willing to die an earthly death for this belief...they were convicted to stand in front of the throne of God with these beliefs:

This declaration … is our faith, doctrine, and confession.

By God’s grace, with intrepid hearts, we are willing to appear before the judgment seat of Christ with this confession.

—Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration, XII 40

This is a BIG DEAL!!  It was no small matter back in the day, and is it any different today? Is this why Lutherans so greatly enjoy the celebration of Reformation? You bet it is. We don't face persecution and death when we worship in our Lutheran pews on Sunday morning, or when we say Luther's Evening Prayer before bed. We rest peacefully in the church that our forefathers fought and died to protect. 

With the celebration of Reformation, we faithfully confess our Lutheran beliefs. We stand with our forefathers and say, "We (too) are willing to appear before the judgement seat of Christ with this confession." 

I am blessed and humbled to be a Lutheran. Amen, Lord Jesus, quickly come!