It's Reformation Time Again!

Rev George R. Dillahunty
Kingdom Glory Internet Church
685 Grant Avenue
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452-3047

August 10, 2008

Text: Romans 3:21-31 (King James Version)

"But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. (v. 22) Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference. (v. 23) For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God; (v. 24) Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (v. 25) Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. (v. 26) To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. (v. 27) Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. (v. 28) Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. (v. 29) Is He the God of the Jews only? is He not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also. (v. 30) Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. (v. 31) Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law."

Topic: It’s Reformation Time Again!

The Protestant Reformation began on 31 October 1517, when Rev. Martin Luther, a Roman Catholic priest, nailed 95 theses to the door of the Wittenberg Church in Germany; and, founded the Lutheran Protestant denomination! This one man determined to do everything in his power to change the course of his world! He had a position of respect in the church; but, was challenged in his heart to make a difference in his world! The result brought difficult days but ultimately success as it signaled the birth of the Protestant church.

In today’s topsy turvy world, we stand in need of a new reformation! We need a reformation of the moral principles of this great nation of ours! Just look at the daily newspapers or evening newscasts; and, it becomes blatantly and crystal clear that without a new reformation, the world is headed for serious problems! Rev. Martin Luther’s belief was the direct result of his reading the Apostle Paul’s epistle to the Romans!

Let’s look at the principles of Protestantism, shall we? We believe that the just shall live by faith! The Rev. Martin Luther’s problem with the Roman Catholic church, was its teaching of penance and performance of indulgences for sin. He believed that there was something better - faith in Almighty God’s grace! The Truth that he found in verses 21-24 (KJV), of our Holy Scripture text, for today, is simply that faith is the key! We believe that the Word of Almighty God is our authority! It is the standard for judging all truth! Rev. Martin Luther focused on the Truth of the Holy Bible - the written Word of Almighty God! He determined that tradition has value only insofar as it is based on Holy Scripture!

We believe that lay people should participate in the worship experience! Congregational singing is the result of the Protestant Reformation! Christianity is not a two-platoon system - everyone can participate! We believe in the priesthood of true believers! The holiness of Almighty God