WHAT HAPPENED ON OCTOBER 31?

“And Mary said: ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior’” (Luke 1:46, 47)

“For there in one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5)

Many today are totally unaware that October 31 (1517) was when the Reformation actually had its official beginnings in Wittenberg, Germany. The Protestants (from “protest”) protested the abuses of the Roman (Catholic) church. The papacy had decreed that indulgence-moneys be collected to “buy” people out of purgatory. Martin Luther, one of the reformers, posted 95 theses on the church door, and thus began a massive, and sometimes bloody revolt against the abuses of the Catholic church. The Catholic author, Garry Wills, in his book Papal Sin, writes, “Grace could also be acquired by authorized devotions, including the grace of an early pass from purgatory if indulgences were earned” (p. 173).

The Church had acquired much power over the centuries (since about 600 A.D., with Gregory the Great and his successors), that they began to proclaim unbiblical dogma or teachings. For example, they advocated the veneration of Mary, claiming she was the “mother of God,” thus asserting her sinlessness. But, as Luke 1:47 clearly teaches, (And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.) Mary was a sinner in need of a Savior, and therefore was not to be venerated (or worshiped) as divine – – that would constitute idolatry – – only God Himself was to be worshiped! Other anti-biblical teachings were also added, such as the mediatorial office of the priesthood. Paul clearly stated that there is only one Mediator, the Man Christ Jesus,” and He alone is the Mediator between God and man. And where in the canonical Scriptures does one find any teaching about purgatory? You see, Catholicism is not synonymous with biblical Christianity!

Fast-forward to 2022. Over the centuries many have made the decision to follow the God-inspired Holy Scriptures rather than to bow to the errant dogmas of men who lead people astray. What is needed is a reformation of the heart! Be a Berean: These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. (Acts 17:11), and search the Scriptures for yourself!