Reformation Day - The 500th Anniversary!

In a few short days, it will be October 31, 2017 which marks the 500th anniversary of the day that Martin Luther nailed his 95 Thesis to the door of the castle church in Wittenberg, Germany. Because of this, October 31 has come to be known as Reformation Day, and is the day on which we celebrate the Protestant Reformation.

Challenging the practices of the Catholic Church, specifically the idea of the selling of indulgences and the authority of the Pope, the two central beliefs of Luther’s document, namely that the Holy Bible is the central religious authority (Scripture Alone) and that salvation is attained through faith not deeds (Faith Alone), form the basis of the five pillars of the Protestant Reformation that forever changed the church.

Let’s look at these five pillars a little more closely.

Scripture Alone (Sola Scriptura). The Bible is the sole authority on which we should base our faith, because it is the inspired, infallible word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states that, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Grace Alone (Sola Gratia) and Faith Alone (Sola Fide). These two are closely related. It is by God’s grace, or unmerited love, that we are saved, which he gives freely to those who put their faith in him. We are not saved by any good works that we do. Our salvation is a gift to us from God by grace through faith. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “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.”

Christ Alone (Sola Christus). Faith in Christ alone is the only way to obtain salvation because Christ is the sole mediator between God and man. This is why Jesus, the son of God, went to the cross for us. John 14:6 states, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”

To the Glory of God Alone (Soli Deo Gloria). For all of this we give Glory to God alone. “To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1Timothy 2:17.

At Coloring Workbooks, we would like to help you celebrate The Reformation so we invite you to download, for free, the following items:

The Reformation Coloring Workbook. A coloring book and workbook all in one, this coloring workbook takes a look at some of the scripture on which The Reformation was based. You will enjoy learning scripture verses through coloring pages and fun puzzles.

Reformation Banner. Celebrate Reformation Day with us by enjoying this free printable banner, which spells out “Reformation Day”, from Coloring Workbooks. Print it, color it, and string it up and hang it in typical banner form, or arrange each individual flag down the middle of your table as a centerpiece to decorate for Reformation Day.

Scripture Memory Cards. Also found in the back of The Reformation coloring workbook, these scripture memory cards are available to print, color, and use to help keep those memorized verses at hand.