Martin Luther posted his 95 thesis on the All Hallows Eve 31 October 1517. It’s thought his timing was deliberate on the eve of All Saints Day. Luther’s theses concerned the afterlife in large part (repentance, indulgences, ‘purgatory’, God’s grace). On All Saints day we remember those who have gone to the Lord in the past year. Today we both commemorate the reformation of the church and remember the saints. On the latter, we honour them for the example of God’s mercy they are, the faith they possess (and forgiveness therein they received), and the basis they provide for imitation – firstly in faith, then their virtues expressed through their callings (see the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Article XXI). Today’s sermon will be based on Psalm 46 and consider some of Luther’s key writings of 1520 that vividly outline Christ’s relationship with Christians and how he brings us his grace.
For reference, his three key writings that year, and, in many ways, what went on to become foundational writings representing Lutheran theology are:
– To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation
– The Babylonian Captivity of the Church
– The freedom of a Christian
Take a look online, and speak to me if you are interested in more information or a decent history!