THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

500 YEARS AFTER THE REFORMATION

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH AND THE LEGACY OF MARTIN LUTHER

Luther nails his 95 theses on Wittenberg's chapel door

The Christian world owes Martin Luther some gratitude for the Reformation.  However, 500 years after the Reformation, it will not be out of place to revisit his legacy.  His grouse, which led to the Reformation, was that tradition, not the Holy Bible, had become the sole source of spiritual authority.  Today, one may legitimately ask: What has been the relationship between the Christian Church and the Holy Bible?  To be honest, most churches still do not accord the Holy Bible the place it deserves in the scheme of things.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Holy Bible remains:

1. For the Christian, the final court of appeal on any issue.

2. The only book that boldly tells man what he needs to do if he is to escape damnation.

3. The only book that affirms the tripartite nature of man.  This is that man is spirit, soul and body.

Luther defends his position

4.  The only book that reveals not only the origin of man but also the destiny of man.

5. A book inspired by God.

6. The only book that states with authority what will eventually happen to the universe.

7. The only book that truly qualifies as God's love letter to mankind.

8. The only book that reveals the identity of the owner of the earth.

9. The book whose 66 books agree on one thing.  This is that God loves man but also that without man reciprocating the love, he is doomed for ever.

10. The book whose 66 books lay bare the identity of the God-Man, that is, the Word who became flesh.

11. The only book that reveals to us that time, as we know it, is sandwiched by eternity.

12. The only book that reveals to us that the heavens and the earth are 'reserved unto fire against the day of judgement and perdition of ungodly men.'

Martin Luther