What is Reformation Day?

Reformation Day is a significant observance in the Christian calendar, particularly for Protestant denominations, including Anglicans. Celebrated annually on October 31, it commemorates the pivotal moment when Martin Luther, a German monk and theologian, nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg in 1517. This act is widely regarded as the spark that ignited the Protestant Reformation, a movement that reshaped Christianity by challenging the doctrines and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. 

For Anglicans, Reformation Day holds special resonance because it connects to the English Reformation, which gave birth to the Church of England. This day is not just a historical remembrance but an opportunity to reflect on the core principles that define Protestant faith—principles that emphasize the authority of Scripture, salvation by grace alone through faith alone, and the priesthood of all believers.

In a world where October 31 is often dominated by Halloween festivities, Reformation Day serves as a counterpoint, inviting believers to ponder the profound theological shifts that occurred five centuries ago. For an Anglican audience, this observance underscores our unique heritage: a via media, or middle way, between Catholic tradition and radical Protestant reform. As we explore what Reformation Day means, we'll journey through its origins, key figures like Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, and Cranmer, the essential doctrines that emerged, and the distinctive path of the English Reformation.

The Origins of the Reformation

To understand Reformation Day, we must first grasp the context of the early 16th century. Europe was in turmoil, with the Roman Catholic Church wielding immense spiritual and temporal power. Corruption was rampant: practices like the sale of indulgences—certificates promising reduced time in purgatory for sins—were commonplace. These indulgences funded lavish projects, such as the rebuilding of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Martin Luther, an Augustinian friar and professor of theology, was deeply troubled by this. He believed that salvation could not be bought or earned through human efforts but was a gift from God.

On October 31, 1517, Luther posted his Ninety-Five Theses, a list of grievances against the church's abuses, particularly indulgences. This wasn't intended as a full break from Rome but as an invitation to debate. However, the theses spread rapidly thanks to the newly invented printing press, igniting widespread discontent. Luther's actions led to his excommunication in 1521 at the Diet of Worms, where he famously declared, "Here I stand; I can do no other." This event marks the formal beginning of the Protestant Reformation, and Reformation Day honors it as a turning point where the church was called back to biblical fidelity.

The Reformation wasn't confined to Germany; it rippled across Europe, influencing Switzerland, France, Scotland, and England. It challenged the medieval church's hierarchy, emphasizing that every believer has direct access to God without intermediaries. As Scripture states, "For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5 ESV). This verse encapsulates the Reformation's rejection of priestly mediation in salvation, a theme we'll revisit in the doctrines section.

Key Figures of the Reformation

The Reformation was driven by courageous individuals who risked everything to reclaim and proclaim what they saw as biblical truth. Let's examine some of the most notable names.

Martin Luther (1483–1546) is the Reformation's iconic figure. A former monk tormented by his sinfulness, Luther found peace in Romans 1:17: "For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith'" (ESV). This "tower experience" led him to champion justification (salvation) by faith alone, as opposed to works. Luther translated the Bible into German, making it accessible to the common people, and composed hymns like A Mighty Fortress Is Our God. His writings, such as The Bondage of the Will, debated human will in salvation, influencing generations.

Ulrich Zwingli (1484–1531), a Swiss reformer, led the Reformation in Zurich. Unlike Luther, Zwingli emphasized the symbolic nature of the Lord's Supper, viewing it as a memorial rather than containing Christ's actual body and blood. He reformed worship by removing images and organs from churches, focusing on Scripture alone. Zwingli's Sixty-Seven Articles outlined his beliefs, and he died in battle defending his reforms. His work laid the groundwork for the Reformed tradition.

John Calvin (1509–1564), a French theologian who settled in Geneva, systematized Reformation theology in his Institutes of the Christian Religion. Calvin stressed God's sovereignty in salvation, teaching that it comes entirely by grace. He transformed Geneva into a model Protestant city, emphasizing discipline and education. Calvin's influence extended through his commentaries on nearly every book of the Bible, and his ideas shaped Presbyterianism and other Reformed churches. As he wrote, salvation is "not a matter of human will or exertion, but of God's mercy" (paraphrasing Romans 9:16 ESV).

Thomas Cranmer (1489–1556) is crucial for Anglicans as the architect of the English Reformation's liturgy. As Archbishop of Canterbury under Henry VIII and Edward VI, Cranmer compiled the Book of Common Prayer (1549 and 1552 editions), which blended Reformed theology with Catholic structure. He emphasized justification by faith and the supremacy of Scripture. Cranmer's Homilies addressed key doctrines, and he suffered martyrdom under Mary I, reaffirming his faith at the stake. His legacy endures in Anglican worship worldwide.

Other notable figures include John Knox (1514–1572), who brought Reformed theology to Scotland, founding the Presbyterian Church; William Tyndale (1494–1536), who translated the Bible into English, influencing the King James Version; and Richard Hooker (1554–1600), whose Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity defended Anglicanism's middle way, balancing Scripture, tradition, and reason. These reformers, with small differences, united in calling the church back to its apostolic roots and historic teaching.

The Key Doctrines of the Reformation

At the heart of the Reformation lie the Five Solas, Latin phrases summarizing its core teachings. These doctrines distinguish Protestantism from Catholicism and remain foundational for Anglicans.

1. Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone): The Bible is the ultimate authority, not church tradition or papal decrees. Reformers argued that Scripture is sufficient for faith and practice. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (ESV). This empowered laypeople to read and interpret the Bible.

2. Sola Fide (Faith Alone): Justification comes through faith in Christ, not works. Luther's breakthrough came from Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast" (ESV). This rejected the idea that sacraments or good works merit salvation.

3. Sola Gratia (Grace Alone): Salvation is God's unmerited favor, not human effort. As Titus 3:5 affirms, "he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit" (ESV).

4. Solus Christus (Christ Alone): Christ is the sole mediator and savior. No saints or Mary intercede; salvation is through his death and resurrection alone. Hebrews 7:25 declares, "Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them" (ESV).

5. Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone Be Glory): All life glorifies God, not humans or institutions. This motivated reformers to reform worship and society.

These solas addressed abuses like indulgences and clerical corruption, as well as reclaiming apostolic teaching, thus redirecting focus to God's sovereignty and Christ's sufficiency.

The English Reformation: A Unique Path

While the Continental Reformation was theologically driven, the English Reformation began politically but evolved into profound theological change. King Henry VIII (1491–1547) sought to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon to wed Anne Boleyn, hoping for a male heir. When Pope Clement VII refused, Henry declared himself Supreme Head of the Church of England via the Act of Supremacy (1534), breaking from Rome. This wasn't initially Protestant; Henry remained Catholic in doctrine, suppressing Lutherans.

True reform accelerated under Edward VI (1537–1553), Henry's son. Advised by Cranmer, Edward introduced Protestant elements: the 1549 Book of Common Prayer retained some Catholic rites but emphasized Scripture. The 1552 revision was more Reformed, clarifying the Lord's Supper as spiritual presence (real presence by the power of the Holy Spirit), not transubstantiation. Clergy could marry, and images were removed from churches.

Mary I (1516–1558), Edward's Catholic half-sister, reversed these changes, restoring papal authority and executing over 280 Protestants, including Cranmer, earning her the moniker "Bloody Mary." Her reign highlighted the Reformation's cost.

Elizabeth I (1533–1603) stabilized the church with the Elizabethan Settlement (1559), restoring Protestantism while retaining episcopal structure and some ceremonies. The Thirty-Nine Articles (1571) codified Anglican doctrine, affirming the solas. This via media distinguished Anglicanism: Reformed in theology yet Catholic in order.

The English Reformation produced treasures like the Authorized Version (King James Bible, 1611) and influenced global missions. For modern Anglicans, it reminds us of our roots in biblical authority amid global diversity.

Relevance for Today’s Church

Reformation Day isn't mere history; it's a call to ongoing reform. In an age of secularism and division, the solas challenge us to prioritize Scripture over cultural trends. For Anglicans, it affirms our commitment to the Book of Common Prayer and Thirty-Nine Articles, fostering unity in essentials while allowing liberty in non-essentials.

Churches might celebrate with hymn sings, Bible studies on Romans, or discussions on faith and works. It encourages personal reformation: examining our lives against God's word. As Jesus said, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31-32 ESV).

Conclusion

Reformation Day commemorates a divine movement that reclaimed the gospel's purity. From Luther's bold stand to Cranmer's liturgical genius, it birthed a vibrant Protestant tradition, including Anglicanism. The English Reformation, with its blend of politics and piety, shaped a church that values Scripture, grace, and Christ's centrality. As we observe this day, may we embody the reformers' zeal, glorifying God alone. In the words of Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (ESV)—a truth that sustained them and sustains us.