I am sure when many people think of October, they think of October 31st, which is known the world over as Halloween. Many will look forward to dressing up in costumes this year or taking their children around to get candy. This day was originally called All Hallows' Eve because it is the eve of All Saints' Day. For Lutherans, All Hallows' Eve is remembered for what Martin Luther did, which we now celebrate as Reformation Day. This is the day we celebrate Luther and his writing of the Ninety-five Theses. This document, along with Luther's other writings, would go on to change the world.

Through his writings, Luther challenged many Catholic beliefs of the time. These included their teachings on purgatory, indulgences, and a person's ability to earn their own salvation. On this day, we celebrate both Martin Luther and his rediscovery of the Gospel, an event that took place over 500 years ago. He highlighted the Gospel truth that man is justified by Christ alone and His saving work. As Ephesians 2:8 puts it, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”

This year I hope we all can celebrate Luther’s faithful preaching of this text and others that teach our salvation is by Christ alone, and not because of our works.