500 Anniversary of the Reformation

Next week we celebrate the five-hundredth anniversary of Martin Luther’s reformation.  As a fifth-generation Lutheran from a conservative, Bible-believing church, it’s a momentous time — a time to reflect on the Great Reformer.  Luther’s most valuable contribution was preaching salvation by grace alone.  He was an obvious advocate for the family, having six children.  And he knew first-hand the sanctity of life when he experienced the excruciating pain of burying two of them.  A gifted musician, he introduced music and greater member participation into worship.  Luther was an advocate for women.  He promoted the education of boys and girls.  In death, Luther willed his wife all of their property, something rarely done in those times.  By the grace of God, one man impacted many future generations.