Reformation Faith Today

Again, this is reformation month for Protestants across the world. As we approach the anniversary of the actions of Martin Luther which solidified the reformers, it is well for us to examine some of the distinctives which were and still are significant dividing lines between Protestants and Roman Catholics.

There remains much mystery and even confusion among Protestants regarding the Mass. What is it? What happens? Should I participate in the Mass?

For the Reformers, their words were clear. Luther wrote,

They made the sacrament which they should accept from God, namely, the body and blood of Christ, into a sacrifice and have offered it to the selfsame God… Furthermore, they do not regard Christ’s body and blood as a sacrifice of thanksgiving, but as a sacrifice of works in which they do not thank God for His grace, but obtain merits for themselves and others and first and foremost, secure grace. Thus Christ has not won grace for us, but we want to win grace ourselves through our works by offering to God His Son’s body and blood. This is the true and chief abomination and the basis of all blasphemy in the papacy.

An excellent sermon on the Mass was given by Robert Rayburn, pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church of Tacoma, WA. Pastor Rayburn is a Covenant Seminary graduate and 1996 J.R. Wilson Preaching lecturer. His sermon, part 10 of a series, may be found here.