Date & Time:
October 26, 2025 all-day
Celebrating the Reformation
Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalms 119:104-105)
This month we recognize and celebrate the 508th anniversary of a defining time in Church History known as the Reformation. Although godly men like Martin Luther are remembered for their influence in this movement, the movement itself was not man-centered, but God-centered. To be more specific, the Reformation was a shift in focus and priorities of the church. Beneath long-standing church traditions and practices the Reformers uncovered and focused on five Biblical principles which came to be known as the Five Solas, from the Latin sola, which means alone or only.
The foundational truth of the Reformation was Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone), the belief that Scripture alone is the basis of Christian faith and practice. The Reformers challenged the notion that church teaching had equal authority with Scripture. They held rather that Scripture was the ultimate and sole authority and therefore church doctrine must be derived from and evaluated by Scripture. Their position encountered stiff opposition from the Roman Catholic Church. Nevertheless, the Reformers stood their ground on the authority and sufficiency of Scripture.
Other foundational truths of the Reformation included Solus Christus (Christ Alone), Sola Gratia (Grace Alone), Sola Fide (Faith Alone), and Soli Deo Gloria (For the Glory of God Alone). The key in each of these terms is the word “alone.” The church of that day professed their allegiance to Scripture, but not to Scripture alone. The church revered Christ, but not Christ alone. Salvation was obtained by grace, but not by grace alone. Salvation was possible by faith, but not by faith alone. The Christian faith and the church existed for the glory of God, but not for the glory of God alone. We celebrate the Reformation for its focus on Biblical truth and the glory of God in salvation. In spite of strong and severe opposition from religious authorities, God used the Reformers to bring essential Christian truths to light once again. We need a new Reformation and a renewed focus on Biblical truth in these dark days of apathy and apostasy. As the Reformers diligently and bravely stood for truth in days of old, let us now take our stand for God’s truth.
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On Sunday, October 26, Liberty Baptist Church will have a special worship schedule to honor our Lord and focus on Reformation truths in songs and sermons. More details coming closer to time.
