“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Eph. 2:8-9
Lord Jesus, much of the Christian world recognizes today as “Reformation Sunday.” It’s not a day for groveling and promising to reform ourselves. It’s a day for remembering the sweetest, most necessary fruit that emerged from the Reformation.
When Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of Wittenberg Castle, Oct. 31, 1517, it was a glorious reminder that all of our sins had been nailed to your cross. Luther began a fresh chapter in the back-to-the-Gospel story—a story which preceded him, and will continue until you return, Jesus. For we suffer from Gospel-amnesia, grace-allergies, truth-dementia, and faith-forgetfulness—along with a big dose of insufferable pride.
The Gospel declares our need to be greater than we want to admit, and more loved than we can possibly imagine. We needed a new heart, not a fresh start—to be grafted into the True Vine, not merely “turn over a new leaf.” Only your saving grace and perfect righteousness are sufficient—not our tearful resolve, hard work, and sweaty grit.
Jesus, thank you for exhausting our guilt, taking our shame, and breaking our chains. Today we re-affirm our hope is built on nothing less, other, and more than you, and your finished work on our behalf.
Keep bringing us back to yourself and “the Gospel of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24). All other saviors are “snake-oil salesmen.” All other “gospels” are graceless liars. All other hopes are empty-nothings. All other kings are barking puppies. All other riches are “fool’s gold.” All other peace is evaporating-dew. So Very Amen.