Happy Reformation Day, Reader!
Today, October 31, marks 509 years since Martin Luther helped spark the Protestant Reformation, a movement that would forever impact the Church and how we understand and share the Gospel.
On October 31, 1517, Luther, a German monk and professor, challenged certain practices and teachings of the Church by presenting his 95 Theses. According to tradition, he nailed them to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany.
At the heart of the Reformation was an important question: Is salvation something we earn through our good works, or is it a free gift from God?
Scripture gives us the answer:
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." — Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)
The Reformation called believers back to the authority of Scripture and the truth that salvation comes by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not through human effort.
And that truth is just as important today!
Why We Remember
The Reformation wasn't just a historical event. Its influence continues to shape how we study Scripture, understand salvation, and disciple others.
Over time, five statements known as the Five Solas came to summarize the foundational convictions of the Protestant Reformation:
- Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone): God's Word is our final authority for faith and practice.
- Sola Fide (Faith Alone): We are justified through faith in Jesus Christ, not our works.
- Sola Gratia (Grace Alone): Salvation is God's gracious gift, not something we can earn.
- Solus Christus (Christ Alone): Jesus Christ is our only Savior and mediator.
- Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone): All glory belongs to God!
These truths are deeply connected to what we teach and practice through Journey to Purity®.
Our mission isn't to teach women how to earn God's approval by striving for perfection. Rather, we help women discover who they are in Christ, build their lives upon the foundation of God's Word, and pursue holistic purity as a response to His love and grace.
We don't pursue purity to earn salvation. We pursue purity because we've been saved by grace and called to live for His glory.
This is the heart of discipleship: knowing God's truth, allowing it to transform our hearts, and sharing it with others.
How My Family Is Celebrating (And You're Invited!)
This year, my family is taking time to reflect on Martin Luther's courageous actions over 500 years ago and the biblical truths emphasized during the Reformation.
And because I love making learning meaningful and interactive, I created a little something to help us reinforce what we've learned!
Introducing our FREE Reformation Day Activity Book!
This printable resource includes a Wittenberg Church Door coloring activity, the Five Solas and Scripture cutouts, and fun Reformation Day puzzles to help reinforce the biblical truths we've learned.
Whether you have children of your own, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, or friends with little ones, I encourage you to use this resource to spark meaningful conversations about God's Word and the gift of salvation.
And please, feel free to pass it along to another family who might enjoy it!
My prayer is that as we reflect on the Reformation, we'll be reminded that the truth of God's Word is worth knowing, living, and sharing with the next generation.
May we continue to grow in our understanding of His grace, stand boldly on His Word, and give Him all the glory!
Gracefully,
Erica
Founder, Journey to Purity®
Creator, Holistic Purity 101®
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