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Русский2. Ecclesia semper reformanda
"The church must be always reforming."
Sometime …
Since members of the Church are imperfect, therefore the Church, unfortunately, is also imperfect. From time to time, the church leaves the path proper living, teaching, and everyday practice. The reformers raised their voices against this in the beginning of the16th century when they realized that the Bible's guidance and church life were not in harmony with each other. The severe overtones of the church of that time prompted them to focus on the essence – on the One, which only matters in the Church: to God. This has been half a millennium ago, but we still feel its impact and actuality today.
The „five sola-principles of the Reformation” are the expressions of this intentions to renew. (The Latin term „sola” means alone.)
1. Solus Christus - Christ alone
2. Sola gratia - Grace alone
3. Sola fide - Faith alone
4. Sola scriptura - Scripture alone
5. Soli Deo gloria – glory belongs to God alone
What do these mean?
1. Jesus Christ, alone, is the mediator between God and human, and thus no redemption is possible through anyone else. Renewal is a repetition of turning to the crucified and resurrected Jesus Christ, God's promises and commandments.
2. Redemption is a gift from God through the love of Jesus, and we did not do anything to receive it. It is not our merit.
3. According to Luther, "the doctrine upon which the Church stands or falls." – This principle states that justification can only be gained by faith, without the necessity of any good deeds.
4. The Bible is the only inspired and authentic word of God. This divine word is accessible and understandable for everyone, and it is self-explanatory.
5. Glory belongs to God alone! Not to human grandeur and diligence, but merely to the compassionate God.
The Reformation has made changes in many areas of life, and we will present them on the following stages of the walking path. 10 stations, 3 km, let us go along together!
And now...
We can assume the sincere question for ourselves: What is the situation today? What is public morality like? What example do Christians show in their everyday life?
We need to realize that reformation needs reformation, that is, renewal is required again and again.
If we look at renewal, we can replace the word "church" with other words.
Let's read it again!
SEMPER REFORMANDA - "The church must be renewed unceasingly."
- the individual,
- family togetherness,
- the spouse relationship,
- communities ...
We obviously feel that everything that lives and moves is sometimes awaiting renewal. What we leave to flatten will sooner or later lose its value, the focus shifts, the central point is distorted.
Tip
Let us be the brave followers of renewal, and let us always ask for our Creator's help!
Verb
"... you have put away the old man with all his doings, and have put on the new man, which has become new in knowledge after the image of his maker"
(Paul's letter to Colossians 3, 9-10)