The Reformation and Doors to Salvation

Just over 500 years ago, distressed monk Martin Luther used the social media of his day. He posted ninety-five theses on the Wittenberg church door. There were errors in Catholic teachings and practices, and he wanted them addressed. So began the Protestant Reformation.

Many groups that say they are Christian claim to hold the Bible in high regard, but they often find ways around believing what is plainly taught. Things are added to Scripture (Prov. 30:5-6), omitted, ignored, remixed, other books given a superior position — plus folks claiming it does not mean what it says.

Luther nailing 95 theses, Ferdinand Pauwels, 1872, modified with FotoSketcher

One of the main points of the Reformation was a return to biblical truth. Sola Scriptura: Scripture alone. None of this supplemental stuff or people presuming to tell God what he said and meant. Note that Luther posted his issues on the door. There are several doors in the Bible regarding salvation. One is the door of Noah's Ark. Another is that Jesus said, "I am the door" (John 10:7). There are others to be considered.

Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, on October 31, 1517. The theses outlined the problems Luther saw in the church of his day, including such corruptions as teaching that salvation could be purchased or achieved. This momentous occasion is considered the beginning of the Protestant Reformation when the church returned to God’s Word—not man’s tradition—as the authority.

You can read the rest by following "From Noah to Martin Luther: Doors of Reformation." You may also be interested in "Reformers and the Age of the Earth."