“…For there is no distinction: [23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, [25] whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith…” (Romans 3:22b–25a)
As a child I had a fascination with spinning tops. Even today I’ll take a moment to marvel at how a top hold its center of gravity while spinning faster than the eye can capture.
The center of gravity for the Reformation was the rediscovery that Jesus died and rose once for all for the forgiveness of sins of all people. This truth has kept the Reformation spinning for more than 500 years.
Yes, there are a myriad of other Biblical truths that were revealed or corrected in the Reformation. But this law and Gospel message is still that center of gravity. We have a clear understanding of God’s relationship with us because of this core teaching. This Biblical doctrine is the foundation of how we relate to God. It Impacts all our faith and life.
It is fitting that each year we take a day to remember what God has provided in the Reformation. Each year we ensure that this, the center of the Reformation, is marked and remembered.
(This devotion was written for the congregations of the Ohio District – LCMS.)
Kevin Wilson 360 