REFORMATION DAY

“I cannot choose but adhere to the Word of God, which has possession of my conscience; nor can I possibly, nor will I even make any recantation, since it is neither safe nor honest to act contrary to conscience! Here I stand; I cannot do otherwise, so help me God! Amen.” - Martin Luther

"New Jerusalem Academy's Annual Reformation Day Celebration"

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther, driven by his frustration with church abuses and erroneous teachings, boldly affixed a list of propositions, famously known as the 95 Theses, to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany. This act was particularly significant because during that era, the church door served as the community's bulletin board. Luther's intent was to formally instigate a discussion on the issues he had identified within church teachings. Unintentionally, Luther, guided by divine providence, ignited a movement that would lead to the Protestant Reformation. This momentous reform emphasized the doctrine of justification by faith and introduced the "five solas" that encapsulate the core tenets of the Protestant faith: "by Scripture alone," "by grace alone," "by Christ alone," "by faith alone," and "to God alone be the glory."

At New Jerusalem Academy, we have established a cherished tradition that sets us apart from the customary observances on October 31st. This tradition entails the creation and nurturing of a unique school culture, where we honor notable figures and events while also savoring the joy of celebration. Given the centrality of the Reformation, with its unwavering emphasis on Scriptural truth and the sufficiency of Jesus Christ's work, to our faith heritage at New Jerusalem Academy, we celebrate it in grand style every year on October 31st if the date is on an actual school weekday.

This celebration may entails era-themed costumes, an array of engaging games and contests, a delightful feast for all students and faculty during lunchtime, and an all-school chapel assembly. During this assembly, we harmoniously sing hymns from the Reformation era and pay tribute to the dedication and sacrifice exemplified by the men and women of that transformative period. Our celebration spans the entirety of the day and features a myriad of enjoyable learning activities.

Moreover, Reformation Day is a time for fostering unity across all grade levels. Students, from the earliest years of grammar school to the most advanced levels of high school, eagerly anticipate this special day in our annual calendar. It's a day when we commemorate the church's history, celebrate the strength of our school community, and, above all, exalt the significance of Jesus Christ and His grace.

The celebration of Reformation Day at New Jerusalem Academy is not only an educational experience but also an occasion for students to come together in unity across grade levels. Through costumes, games, competitions, and shared meals, all members of the New Jerusalem Academy community unite in Christian fellowship, commemorating this festive and momentous day in church history. This tradition signifies our commitment to faith, education, and community, cherished by all who participate year after year..

WHAT IS REFORMATION DAY?

Reformation Day is a Protestant religious holiday celebrated on October 31. It recognizes the day German monk Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Church in 1517. This act is commemorated as the official starting point of the Protestant Reformation.

Officially, Reformation Day has been commemorated since 1567. Exact dates for the holiday varied until after the two hundredth celebration in 1717 when October 31 became the official date of celebration in Germany and later expanded internationally.

Within the Lutheran tradition, Reformation Day is considered a lesser holiday and is officially named “The Festival of the Reformation.” Most Lutheran churches (and others who celebrate this day) commemorate it on the Sunday prior to October 31.

The impact of Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation has been enormous on global Christianity. In contrast to the extra-biblical traditions and works-based practices of Roman Catholicism, Luther called the Church back to the good news of salvation by grace alone through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Luther believed the Word of God was the supreme authority for the Christian faith, rather than tradition or papal decrees. In the process of bringing the Scriptures to the common person, Luther translated the Bible into German, published numerous books and sermons of biblical teachings, and composed numerous hymns based on biblical themes. Many of his hymns are still sung today.

Luther was brought to trial before the church, and the court attempted to force him to recant. Luther’s response is often quoted: “I cannot choose but adhere to the Word of God, which has possession of my conscience; nor can I possibly, nor will I even make any recantation, since it is neither safe nor honest to act contrary to conscience! Here I stand; I cannot do otherwise, so help me God! Amen.”

Robert Rothwell has noted, “Today, Luther’s legacy lives on in the creeds and confessions of Protestant bodies worldwide. As we consider his importance this Reformation Day, let us equip ourselves to be knowledgeable proclaimers and defenders of biblical truth. May we be eager to preach the Gospel of God to the world and thereby spark a new reformation of church and culture.”

Reformation Day remains a central rallying point for all of those who choose to follow Christ by faith according to His Word. The holiday commemorates the actions of a man who was willing to stand against the ideas of his day and to present God’s Word as our guide for salvation (John 3:16) and Christian living.

At the heart of the Protestant Reformation lay four basic questions: How is a person saved? Where does religious authority lie? What is the church? What is the essence of Christian living? In answering these questions, Protestant Reformers developed what would be known as the “Five Solas” (sola being the Latin word for “alone”). These five essential points of biblical doctrine clearly separate Protestantism from Roman Catholicism. The Reformers resisted the demands placed on them to recant these doctrines, even to the point of death. The five essential doctrines of the Protestant Reformation are as follows:

FIVE SOLAS

Sola Scriptura

Scripture Alone.” The Bible alone is the sole authority for all matters of faith and practice. Scripture and Scripture alone is the standard by which all teachings and traditions of the church must be measured. As Martin Luther so eloquently stated when told to recant his teachings, “Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason—I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other—my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen.”

Sola Gratia

“Salvation by Grace Alone.” Salvation is proof of God’s undeserved favor; we are rescued from God’s wrath by His grace alone, not by any work we do. God’s blessing in Christ is the sole efficient cause of salvation. This grace is the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit who brings us to Christ by releasing us from our bondage to sin and raising us from spiritual death to spiritual life.

Sola Fide

“Salvation by Faith Alone.” We are justified by faith in Christ alone, not by the works of the Law. It is by faith in Christ that His righteousness is imputed to us as the only possible satisfaction of God’s perfect standard.

Solus Christus

In Christ Alone.” Salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone; no one and nothing else can save. Jesus’ substitutionary death on the cross is sufficient for our justification and reconciliation to God the Father. The gospel has not been preached if Christ’s redemption is not declared and if faith in His resurrection is not solicited

Soli Deo Gloria,

“For the Glory of God Alone.” Salvation is of God and has been accomplished by God for His glory alone. As Christians we must magnify Him always and live our lives in His presence, under His authority, and for His glory.