Today, we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, at the heart of which is the recovery of the good news of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Jesus Christ alone. God’s word tells us so:

“We… know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.” – Galatians 2 15-16

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9

This is the life-giving and life-transforming message that Martin Luther stood for and risked his life to proclaim.

“Sin is not canceled by lawful living, for no person is able to live up to the Law. The Law reveals guilt, fills the conscience with terror, and drives men to despair. Much less is sin taken away by man-invented endeavors. The fact is, the more a person seeks credit for himself by his own efforts, the deeper he goes into debt. Nothing can take away sin except the grace of God… [B]y grace alone, in opposition to every other means, we obtain the forgiveness of our sins and peace with God.” – Commentary on Galatians 1:3

“Sin lingers in us, and God hates sin. A transfusion of righteousness therefore becomes vitally necessary. This transfusion of righteousness we obtain from Christ because we believe in Him.” – Commentary on Galatians 3:6

As we celebrate #Reformation500, let us sing with all who put their trust in Christ alone for salvation and eternal life,

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.