Oh, happy day

Today is Reformation Day, and Tim Farron MP, former leader of the LibDems, tweeted this comment 'Martin Luther's 'discovery' was that salvation is not down to how good or strong you are, it is down to how good and strong God is.  That's really good news.'

Spot on, Tim. 

When Martin Luther published his 95 Theses on October 31st 1517, five hundred years ago today (and probably posted them to this door in Wittenberg, pictured right), he sparked a spiritual revolution that changed the face of Europe, and eventually, much of the world.

There were some unhappy outcomes of the Reformation, not least a divided church, but at the heart of the movement was a rediscovery of the life-changing, liberating, gospel of grace.

It's all summed up in that great reformation word: ALONE.

We are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone according to Scripture alone for God's glory alone.

As Tim Farron so rightly said 'salvation is not down to how good or strong you are, it is down to how good and strong God is' and we have the Reformation to thank for bringing us back to this, to what Martin Luther called the church's 'true treasure,' 'the most holy gospel of the glory and grace of God.'

May it be ever treasured and widely shared, and to God alone be the glory!