Today is the 508th anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, where Martin Luther published his Ninety-Five Theses (proposition for debate), and posted it on the front door of the church at Wittenburg – October 31, 1517. It was the goal of Luther, John Calvin, and the reformers to “reform” the Roman Catholic Church by reconnecting Christianity to the original message of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Gospel . . . summarized in the 5 “Solas” (Latin phrases or slogans) that emerged out of the Reformation:
- Sola Scripture – Scripture alone
- Sola Fide – Faith alone
- Sola Gratia – Grace alone
- Solus Christus – Christ alone
- Soli Deo Gloria – To the glory of God alone
Now, 508 years later, Luther’s Legacy under the Lordship of Jesus Christ is large- between 800 million – 1.17 billion Protestants world-wide, which accounts for more than a third of the world’s professing Christians.
Today I thought I would provide some current data from a new Pew Research Survey that clearly demonstrates how American Protestants are distancing themselves from the basic biblical beliefs that brought on the Reformation, or at the very least, misunderstand what those beliefs actually are.
Of all the American Protestants . . .
- 52% believe faith and works are needed to get into heaven
- 52% believe church teaching and traditions are also needed
- Only 46% believe faith alone in Jesus is required for salvation (sola fide)
- Only 46% believe that the Scriptures are sufficient for faith and practice
How far we have fallen in a little over 500 years. Over half of all professing Christians in America believe that faith in Jesus and their good works (church attendance, acts of mercy and service, giving, etc.) are necessary for eternal life. Jesus alone is not enough for salvation. And over half of all professing Christians in America believe the Bible and the teachings and traditions of man are necessary for living a Christian life that is pleasing and acceptable to God. So, how did the wheels come off the “Truth Track” that has brought us to this sad station? To be sure, there are many factors including our sinful nature, universalism, increasing desire for things below rather than above, and spiritual sluggishness. But I am convinced that the pulpit plays the greater role.
When we find it more important to preach messages from the pulpit that meet people at the level of “felt needs” rather than “true needs,” we have begun our return to the Dark Ages. The whole counsel of God is the “Light” that is needed in this dark and depraved world, not “gospel-lite” messages. When we fail to preach from our pulpits the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, we allow the lies of the world, the flesh, and the devil to seep in. It is no surprise to see survey results like these in a cultural “church” context that sees the average professing Christian attending church one time a month, abandoning any thoughts of Sunday School Bible studies which would add another hour at church, and little or no time for family devotion and personal Bible Study.
And what starts as an infection that is barely visible, winds up an insidious disease emptying out our churches. Why? Because motivational messages, inspirational insights, and secular stories will not hold up when the storm winds begin to blow and the waves of challenge come crashing down on you. Know this – there are only three stages in life on this side of the grave . . .
Stage #1. In a storm!
Stage #2. Heading out of a storm!
Stage #3. Heading back into a storm!
So, what is the way forward? As a pastor, I believe it is reclaiming the pulpit for its intended purpose – preaching the wisdom of the Word of God . . . not the wisdom of the world. When we preach messages that are designed to tickle ears, meet felt needs, and fill seats, we forsake souls and God will hold those in this privileged position accountable for their preaching. So, on the 508th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, it is my prayer that every pulpit will proclaim the Scripture’s alone, preaching salvation by faith alone, through grace alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 