No trick, but treat

In reflecting on what we call Fall or Halloween, I am reminded of what my Mom always reminded us growing up: "The actual celebration, is Reformation Day". This is typical, for anyone who knows my Mom knows she is the Church History nerd. My Dad lovingly admires her, but with the rest of his family would likely openly admit she is a little obsessed. Our house is packed with books on every topic, Church History features on every shelf. I distinctly remember Dad and I creating a parody of the "Full House" theme, in which the chorus went something like:

"Everywhere you look

You can see a book

At the Vivian home

The person responsible

For all these books

Her name is Shelly Vivian"

And yet I count myself blessed and honored to have lived in a home where the "Breakfast Lecture Series" started my every day; where my specific question on who the indigenous people of Britain were triggered a monologue of great expertise on the subject; and where frightening Reformation puppets lurked around the corner on a stand, half scaring me to death at night. Perhaps those puppets created enough of a haunted house that Halloween was not needed.

The past couple of days, I have realized that I have had very little opportunity to participate in Halloween events, like Trick-Or-Treating. Perhaps I count myself deprived because I live now in a culture where this is acceptable (for I know in Australia it was a little more frowned upon in Christian circles). However, much like the rest of my childhood, I hardly regret a single moment in which I was able to spend more time focusing on a time in our history which made such an impact on Christianity worldwide. Indeed, the greatest trick would be for me to be distracted from the importance of such an event. The greatest treat is knowing that this event is probably why I can now look forward to eternity with God in such faith and hope and longing.

The Reformation

Halloween is a fun time of year, no doubt, and honestly, can be such a great opportunity to share the Gospel of Christ with people in your neighborhood. Children can be given candy and a Bible verse, decorations could show people who Jesus really is, even the welcoming face of a Christian neighbor can encourage people towards Christianity. Halloween, despite any opposition I may receive, is a great time of year to reach out to people with the Gospel.

But as Christians, we must also accept the wonder of God's work in history. We can study God's word, as it is inspired. We can learn more about his wondrous works in all of Scripture. But let us not think that God does not work in all of time. No, he has planned all of time and has his will be done. On October 31, 1517, His will was done in Martin Luther in Wittenberg, Germany. Martin Luther brought glory to God, as was his purpose on this earth, as he brought attention to the problems of the Roman Catholic Church. From there, the Reformation only grew greater in its impact and extent. Through Ulrich Zwingli, it was catalyzed in Zurich, Switzerland. Through John Calvin, it was largely established in Geneva. Through Thomas Cranmer, it was aided in England, though the royalty would largely determine its existence.

The Reformation had many memorable moments, such as the consumption of sausage which would provoke debate (and ultimately reformation), or Martin Luther being hidden away in Wartburg Castle as "Junker Jorge" (Knight George). However, what cannot be forgotten is how many people gave their life due to their conviction that Jesus is Lord, the only one who can save, and that Scripture is the authority and no one else. How many people - such as John Wycliffe and Jan Hus - faced the horrors of death for being so convicted? How many people died under the reign of Bloody Mary for their Protestantism?

The true horror of Halloween seems to me the thousands of people who will die on this day, who have died on this day because they so boldly share the faith that they have. Who have so relied on the Gospel, and God's words, so as to die for a man who lived two millennia ago. I am humbled on this "Hallowed Eve" to remember how God moved in their lives, and how such movement caused a whole world to be subject to the Gospel and empowered by its message and by the Holy Spirit.

More so than that. I am humbled to find this personable Gospel as a light in my life. As my Mom reminds me of God in history, as my Dad reminds me of God in his word, I am reminded that both my parents on this Reformation Day want me to not only reflect on the importance of the Gospel, but the importance of its central narrative in my own life. Indeed, my parents want me to call God "Abba Father".

The Reformation (and some other reminders to me)

Earlier this week, I was reading J.I Packer's book, Knowing God (an excellent read, by the way, to grow closer to God), and I had a thought:

"So often we define Christians by what they do, rather than by what God has done for them"

I've noticed this quite a lot, and it wasn't particularly well developed or thought through from a biblical perspective. Needless to say, I think what the Reformation proved was that mankind can do nothing to save themselves, that it is only through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. There is no indulgence, no confession, no baptism, nor Mass that could save you from the separation from God that you deserve, except if brought about by a Savior.

So why do we constantly say "Christians are saved by faith in Jesus"?

Now many of you are probably shouting "Heretic! Why does she doubt such a central truth in our Christianity". Indeed, I stated this line to wake you up. But there is an ounce of truth. There is nothing we can do which can save us. We have no faith by ourselves with which we can be saved. Too many Christians seem to nonchalantly think so. Our faith in Jesus, which may result in a verbal response comes from our hearts changed by the Holy Spirit. In other words, it is God's spirit who has given us faith. Once again, not by our own works, so that no one may boast.

So rather than defining Christians by their faith in Jesus Christ, let us avoid any possible misconception or mistake. God has done for us what we could not do for ourselves, he had made a way for us to be seen as righteous - through his son, Jesus Christ. The spirit effectually calls believers. And we know all of this through his word, the only authority of our lives with which we can seek true wisdom, because it came from the mouth of God himself.

The Reformation corrected these errors in thinking. But it even allowed us to correct our understanding of God and our attitude towards him.

Martin Luther, so overwhelmed by his own sin, saw God as cruel, for every instant he sinned he repented. He would flog himself, he would starve himself. Among all the monks, he was likely the most pious. And yet he realized that he could nothing for himself, which changed his belief that God was heinous and belligerent, to one who was just and good. Indeed, Martin Luther was able to see God as his Father. J.I Packer reminded me of this in his book. We see the reality of God's fatherhood - his shepherding and discipline - all throughout the Bible.

I cannot often imagine God as my father. No, I have an earthly father, and it is hard to believe I have two. I know my Dad would point me to God any opportunity he might get, for he knows that in God I can find a perfect father. I know that Mom would do the same. I can likely predict that Martin Luther would act accordingly.

In conclusion...

This Halloween has brought up some interesting reminders for me. It reminds me that it is actually Reformation Day, it reminds me of the blessing of having such a reformation in our world, it reminds me that there is nothing I can do to earn salvation, that faith comes through God's spirit and that in Gospel I find the fatherhood of God.

Phew! It seems like a lot.

But like I said, I feel Reformation Day can bring a lot of treats. The candy in the bucket is really just the blessings that it brings. The trick is the distraction Christians can face during this time of celebration. And it is one. Don't ever doubt that the transformation of the world by the reformers (a work ultimately attributably unto God himself) was a work that can be forgotten. History must be remembered!

The coins in Tetzel's coffer never brought any sort of relief from any soul in Roman Catholic "purgatory". Indeed, it never released from eternal damnation. And whilst we would like to think that our Father in Heaven can be appeased by our own merit, the Reformation has proven that it is simply by Spirit-empowered faith alone that we are saved. And now there is relationship with our Father.

It is not a trick, instead I find that the most bountiful treat of all!