What does 500 years of Reformation mean?
The Gospel was anew discovered – justification no longer constitutes a threat (God judges me), but became liberation (God acquits me). And although many are trying to go other ways, it is still by faith in Jesus Christ that we are justified by God and may live as liberated children of God. -The Reformation rediscovered that by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ of Himself we are reconciled with God, we may live in a relationship of peace with God, we have a new obedience to serve God. That also has an impact on our relationship with our neighbor.-The Bible was translated in the vernacular. Not only some clergy but all believers could hear and understand the message of God’s grace in Jesus Christ. Today the Bible is still translated in more and more dialects, and is still changing the world every day by changing people’s hearts. The Reformers taught the cohesion in God’s Word. By knowing God, we also know ourselves. It is still the principle of the live of every believer: to know God more and more so to give Him all the honor. Eph 2:8,9: For by such grace you have been saved through faith. This does not come from you; it is the gift of God and not the result of actions, to put a stop to all boasting.- Through following Jesus Christ in His office of Highest Prophet, Priest and King, we are also prophets, priests and kings in our daily work and living – this discovery by the Reformation directs us to be co-workers of God, every day of our lives: in our homes, at our work, at school, in church, everywhere.
-Rev Hannes Breytenbach