Sermon Index
October 30, 2022, Reformation Sunday
We use slogans and phrases and proverbs and certain words that pack a lot of meaning and emotion into just a few words. For example, in the church, say the word “Trinity” and there are whole creeds and a history and worship and baptism behind that word that make it a blessing. When working with a stubborn person, the proverb “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink,” means that you give up on that person. The slogans like “Black lives matter” can cause social upheaval and change. Sometimes the phrases are in Latin, like “Semper Fi,” and that phrase has a mountain of meaning and dedication and pride behind it.
During the Reformation Era, there were many such phrases that conveniently spoke volumes of controversy and doctrinal positions. We use and teach some of them even today because they help us, not just in doctrinal debates, but because they help us live as Christians, and because a short sentence can give forgiveness, comfort, and the assurance of salvation.
I made a list of some of the theological phrases. See chart.
Today, I chose just one from the list. I think it helps to summarize and give meaning to the rest. “Solus Christus: Christ Alone.”
First, it means that our salvation is only through the work of Jesus Christ. It also means that Christ is the only one doing that work. We are out of the picture when it comes to doing anything: we do nothing. Only the death of Christ on the cross saves us. We are not saved by our works, by our good deeds, our prayers, our offerings or indulgences, and the like. Christ Alone means that the Law of Moses does not save us. We try to keep the Ten Commandments because they describe the God-pleasing life-style of a believer. We are not saved by keeping the Law, rather, we keep the Law because we are saved.
500 years ago, during the Reformation Era, there were many things in the Christian Church that needed to be fixed or readjusted. Martin Luther did not want to throw away the church or leave the church, because it was in the church where the Gospel was, where the Bible was, where the Sacraments were, where the Worship was. “Don’t throw away the baby with the bathwater.” But sometimes you “could not see the forest because of the trees.” Some customs and teaching hid the blessed work of Christ. Everyone knew and taught and believed that Christ died on the cross and rose on the third day to save you, but to be really saved you had to be good enough to be saved. There had to be repentance forgiveness and penance. Penance means punishment, in the form of cash or service or special deeds or indulgences or purgatory. Christ Alone was not enough. It was Christ Plus Something.
And so, Martin Luther, on October 31, 1517, posted his famous 95 theses on the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church.
“Solus Christus: Christ Alone.” This is such a beautiful phrase because just hearing it and knowing its meaning can make a Lutheran smile and feel all warm and fuzzy inside. When we are worried about punishment because of our sin, it gives the assurance of forgiveness. When we are worried that our sin has displeased God, whom we love and want to please, it gives the love of God who loves us and the world so much that he sent Christ, his Son, that whoever believes in Him, will not perish but have eternal life. Yes, this phrase gives eternal life to the believer. It also gives relief to us, knowing that we do not have to work or do anything to be saved. We Lutherans just have to be careful not to be lazy or complacent about our relationship to God. Christ Alone means that Christ is all we need. It also reminds us that it is only in the Christian Church of Christ alone that there is salvation. And so it opens our hearts to spread the Gospel message, that only Christ can give eternal life and salvation. And so, the love of Christ is given to others.
“Solus Christus: Christ Alone.” In Christ we rejoice in the Gospel. We have the peace of Christ in our hearts and in our lives.
Amen.
Michael Nearhood, Pastor
Okinawa Lutheran Church