October 31, 2025
- Dutch Sheets
- 7 days ago
- 5 min read
Reformation Day
Today’s post is in some ways a pause in the teaching I began yesterday on awakening and reformation; it is, however, most certainly related. Today’s date is significant. While many celebrate Halloween, others like myself will be celebrating a far more important day in history, Reformation Day. Many believers give it little or no thought, most actually do not even know of its existence, but it is a monumental day in world history.
The Great Reformation was a major 16th‑century movement that transformed Western Christendom, politics, and society. It began in 1517, traditionally marked by Martin Luther’s Ninety‑Five Theses, and unfolded through a mix of religious critique, doctrinal debate, political change, and cultural upheaval that reshaped the Christian church in Europe and beyond. It is often referred to as the Protestant reformation.
The Cause
God caused the Great Reformation, but there were several natural causes that He used. Leading into the 16th century, many Christians criticized the sale of indulgences—claims that one could reduce punishment for sins by monetary payment. This practice, along with other perceived abuses in monastic and papal authority, sparked widespread dissatisfaction. Leaders of the Renaissance emphasized returning to original sources. Scholars urged reform based on a more direct study of Scripture and the Church Fathers, challenging medieval scholastic methods and some papal traditions.
The church’s wealth and temporal power created resentment among some nations and cities, fueling the desire for greater independence from papal control. The invention of the printing press facilitated rapid dissemination of these reformist ideas, while rising nationalism encouraged rulers to curb papal influence.
Then along came Martin Luther and his theses in Germany. A monk and theology professor, Luther argued that salvation came through faith alone and that Scripture alone should be the ultimate authority, not papal decrees. He also contended that the Bible should be translated into vernacular languages, making it accessible to common believers. Reformers like Luther questioned the number and administration of sacraments, the role of tradition, and the authority of the Pope. Different reforming groups developed their own doctrinal positions. Translations of the Bible into German, English, and other languages empowered laypeople to read and interpret Scripture, diminishing the monopoly of clergy over doctrine.
The Reformation led to the creation of numerous Protestant denominations. It also stimulated literacy, education, and literacy campaigns as people sought to read the Bible. And it influenced art, music, philosophy, and science, contributing to a broader shift in European civilization.
Ligonier.org says of Martin Luther’s nailing of his Ninety-Five Theses to the church door on October 31, 1517:
“…This law student turned Augustinian monk became the center of a great controversy after his theses were copied and distributed throughout Europe. Initially protesting the pope’s attempt to sell salvation, Luther’s study of Scripture soon led him to oppose the church of Rome on issues including the primacy of the Bible over church tradition and the means by which we are found righteous in the sight of God.
“Luther recaptured the biblical view of the priesthood of all believers, showing all people that their work had purpose and dignity because in it they can serve their Creator.(1)
GotQuestions.org says, “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.”(2)
The Impact
It would be impossible to overstate the impact of the Great Reformation, not only on Christianity, but the entire world. The revelation of the priesthood of all believers meant that we no longer had to connect with God through another person, other than our High Priest, Jesus Christ. He is our only go-between. Rediscovering salvation by grace through faith meant that we no longer had to work our way to heaven, conforming to religious systems and the traditions of men.
These revelations freed us to have a personal relationship with God as our Father, and allowed us to draw near with full assurance of faith (Hebrews 10:22). Our prayers could now be offered “boldly” to Father God (Hebrews 4:16; Matthew 6:9). We could worship Him in spirit and truth, knowing that He was actually seeking such worshippers (John 4:23), and we could read the scriptures for ourselves, feeding on them as our daily bread (Matthew 4:4; 6:11).
The Great Reformation unlocked the door of revelation to believers, allowing us to hear from Holy Spirit personally (Ephesians 1:17-18). We now know we can be led directionally by Holy Spirit, not a human go-between (Romans 8:14). Our once fallen souls can now connect to the One we were made to know and love (Song of Songs 3:1-2).
We will jump back into the teaching on revival and reformation on Monday. Take some time today and celebrate these blessings, then ask God to reform our nation through another great revival of historic proportions. And ask Him to spread this great awakening to the entire earth. Let’s ask for this now.
Pray with me:
Father, we thank You for Jesus, our great High Priest. We come directly to You today through Him alone, approaching Your throne of grace boldly. Thank You for His mediation and advocacy, and for restoring us to Your family.
As Your sons and daughters, entrusted with Christ’s authority, we partake now of His priestly ministry of intercession, asking on behalf of others. Send revival to our land. Deliver, save, and draw many to You in this season, showing them Your heart and nature, enabling them to find the fulfillment that can only come from You. Deliver them from lying teachings and philosophies of men, from deceptions regarding who they really are and what they were made to be. Bring an explosion of truth in our homes, schools, and institutions, freeing people from addictions, perversions, wounds, and all that controls them.
And we ask for this in other nations as well. Open the eyes of the masses who worship other gods and follow teachings that do not lead to You. Send the light of revelation You spoke of in Isaiah and elsewhere. Break the power of principalities over regions, ending the control of these spirits. Release great revival. Spare millions of innocent lives from the destruction that the kingdom of darkness desires to bring.
We ask all of these things in the name of Yeshua. Amen.
Our decree:
We declare that Jesus is our Savior, High Priest, and King. He has bestowed upon us His priestly and kingly role, and we will walk in the fullness of this calling.
Click on the link below to watch the full video.
In light of the first Great Reformation, what do you believe would be the most recognizable or measurable signs that a modern-day reformation is actually beginning — not simply spiritual renewal in individuals, but a true, broad, culture-shifting, global reformation like the one launched in the 16th century?
Awesome post!!!