All Saints' Day and the Gospel of Christ

Today, November 1, is "All Saints' Day" or "Feast of All the Saints," a festival celebrated in many Christian churches (Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Communion, the Methodist Church, the Lutheran Church, and other Protestant churches) in honor of all the saints, known or unknown.


This celebration of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day (November 2) "stems from a belief that there is a powerful spiritual bond between those saints who are already in heaven (the 'Church triumphant'), and the ones living here on earth (the 'Church militant')."


Living in a predominantly Roman Catholic country, All Saints' Day is a national holiday in the Philippines. Traditionally many Christians here, especially those of the Roman Catholic background, flock the cemeteries and other burial places visiting their departed loved ones at their grave.


Many graveyards turn into a picnic ground during this time of the year. While the intention of this celebration might be noble, one does not see its Scriptural warrant in doing so.


I am convinced, however, that we should be thankful that our loved ones who died in faith in our Lord Jesus Christ are now enjoying the comforting presence of their Redeemer. They are with the Lord waiting for the day of His appearance to the world and for the resurrection of their bodies.


To visit them at their grave is fine. But to remind ourselves of the finished work of Christ on their and our behalf is even better. And while they are now in the presence of the Lord, we who are still here on this earth have a calling to fulfill.


We are called and commissioned to make disciples from every nation making Christ known through the preaching of the gospel as clearly as we can. We are called to proclaim the glories of God in the work of Christ in order to dispel the darkness of ignorance of the truth of the Holy Scripture and to overcome the blindness of many because of sin and Satan's dominion.


As James Jordan rightly says, "The Festival of All Saints reminds us that though Jesus has finished His work, we have not finished ours. He has struck the decisive blow, but we have the privilege of working in the mopping up operation. Thus, century by century the Christian faith has rolled back the demonic realm of ignorance, fear, and superstition."


The Reformation churches all over the world have commemorated the 501st anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. We thank God for His Word that gave light, life, and hope to many who were groping in ignorance and fear, unsure if they could be accepted by God or not by their own sacrificial works.


We thank the Lord for raising men like Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, Bucer, Bullinger, Tyndale, Cranmer, and many others before and after them, "for paving the way for a host of new translations of the Hebrew and Greek Scripture into the language of the people." Their aim in doing so was that the people could read for themselves God's word about redemption and forgiveness of sins and "for restoring the preached Word to its central place in the life of the people of God!"


God has willed that Luther, as a perceptive and sensitive soul that he was, would understand the hopelessness and helplessness of the human race before a righteous and holy God. Thus, Luther's restlessness has providentially been used by God to ignite the fire of the Reformation.


This Reformation spread and affected many parts of Europe, and even the rest of the world, that neither disease nor death, not even sword or Satan can stop the burning passion of the Reformers to proclaim the blazing sword of the Spirit that cuts the heart of sinners, on the one hand, and brings healing and comfort to their weary souls, on the other hand.


Today, while many will congregate at the burial grounds and memorial gardens all over the Philippines and enjoy the company of family members and relatives around the grave of their dead loved ones, a few of us will gather together to thank God and to remind ourselves of His work in saving His people by His grace through the finished work of Christ.


We do this to challenge ourselves to the remaining task of bringing to the nations the good news of redemption in Christ, who is the Lord and Redeemer of mankind and the only way to the Father (John 14:6).

Reformation Church History Quiz Answer Key

Here's the answer key to the Reformation Church History quiz.


Test I. Multiple Choice.

1. B

2. C

3. C

4. B

5. B


Test II. Identification.


1. Ulrich Zwingli

2. Institutes of the Christian Religion

3. John Wycliffe

4. Zacarias Ursinus and Caspar Olevianus

5. Possible answers: Thomas Cranmer, Hugh Latimer, Nicholas Ridley, John Hooper, John Rogers, John Lawrence, Robert Ferrar, John Bradford, Robert Samuel, John Philpot, and many more

6. Hugh Latimer

7. Martin Bucer

8. Sola Fide or Faith Alone

9. The Scots Confession. The six men who wrote it in four days were John Knox, John Winram, John Spottiswoode, John Willock, John Douglas, and John Row.



Bonus Questions. True or False.

1. F.

2. F. The first Reformed churches were established in the Swiss region.

Reformation Church History Quiz

This quiz is just for fun. Whosoever may take it. No googling or checking any Church History book, please.

Test I. Multiple Choice. Choose and encircle the letter of the right answer.

1. Which of the following does NOT accurately describe Martin Luther?
A. He authored the 95 Theses which expressed grave concerns about the selling of indulgences.
B. He was an English reformer whose body was exhumed and then burned for heresy.
C. He sparked the Protestant Reformation.
D. He experienced a spiritual crisis that consumed him with the fear that he could never overcome his sins.
E. He was a monk and professor of theology in Wittenberg, Germany.

2. What invention helped to spread the ideas and teachings of the Reformation?
A. The paint brush
B. The horse carriage
C. The printing press
D. The postal system
E. The internet

3. For the most part, what was the Protestant Reformation all about?
A. An attempt to overthrow the Italian pope and replace him with a Frenchman.
B. A call for Christian Europe to reclaim the Holy Lands from the Arabs.
C. An attempt to reform practices and beliefs by the Roman Catholic Church considered corrupt and unscriptural.
D. A drive to evangelize the whole European countries.
E. A campaign to make Martin Luther the head of the Protestant churches.

4. The English Reformation began in 1533 when King Henry VIII broke with the pope because...
A. The pope taxed the Church too high.
B. The pope refused to grant Henry a divorce from Catherine of Aragon.
C. The pope sided with the Irish in a revolt against England.
D. There were differences in religious interpretation of the Bible.
E. The church in England wanted independence from the medieval Catholic Church.

5. Which pope issued the papal bull "Exsurge Domine" in 1520 condemning Martin Luther of his attacks against the indulgences in his 95 Theses and threatening him of excommunication from the Roman Catholic Church?
A. Pius IX (Pio Nono)
B. Leo X
C. John Paul I
D. Alexander IV
E. Benedict XV


Test II. Identification. Write your answer on the space provided.

___________________________ 1. Who was the leader of the early 16th century Protestant Reformation movement in German-speaking Zurich, Switzerland? He was also a chaplain who accompanied the Protestant army to war. He died in a battle near Kappel in the Swiss region.

___________________________ 2. What is the title of the book that John Calvin wrote in the spring of 1536 while he was exiled in Basel, Switzerland. The book is considered as 'the greatest exposition of evangelical truth produced by the Reformation' (B. K. Kuiper, "The Church in History," p. 252).

__________________________ 3. He is considered "The Morning Star of the Reformation." He was an English priest and theologian in the 1300s known best for his role in translating the Bible from Latin into the common language. As a critic of the Catholic Church, he is usually considered an early Reformer.

__________________________ 4. Who are the principal authors of the Heidelberg Catechism which is one of the well-loved confessions of the Reformed churches?

__________________________ 5. Name at least one martyr burned at stake during the reign of Mary Tudor known as "Bloody Mary" of England.

__________________________ 6. Which English Protestant bishop said these courageous and comforting words while being burned at a stake with his fellow martyr: "This day we shall light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out."

__________________________ 7. He was a German Protestant Reformer based in Strasbourg. His teachings are influential among the Lutherans, Calvinists, and Anglicans. He was originally a member of the Dominican Order but after meeting and being influenced by Martin Luther in 1518 he arranged for his monastic vows to be annulled. He then began to work for the Reformation, with the support of a German knight, Franz von Sickingen.

__________________________ 8. It is the Protestant doctrine that salvation is not by our good works nor by our own sacrifices, such as doing penance or buying indulgences, but by trusting the person and finished work of our only Mediator and Redeemer Jesus Christ.

__________________________ 9. This Confession of faith was written by six leaders of the Protestant Reformation in Scotland all named John. It was the first subordinate standard for the Protestant church in Scotland. Along with the Book of Discipline and the Book of Common Order, this is considered to be a formational document for the Church of Scotland during that time.


Bonus Questions: TRUE or FALSE. Write T if the statement is True and F if it's false.


________ 1. The Diet of Worms was when Martin Luther had to eat only worms while in prison.

________ 2. The first Reformed churches were established in the Netherlands.

Repentance

"When our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, said 'repent,' he meant that the entire life of believers should be one of repentance." This is the first proposition that the 16th century Augustinian monk, Martin Luther, wrote in his 'Ninety-Five Theses' which he posted on the eve of All Saints' Day of 1521 at the door of the castle church at Wittenberg, Germany. These 95 theses set the flame of the Reformation in Europe ablaze.

Repentance is an important Christian doctrine for "God commands all people everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30). At some point in medieval period the biblical idea of repentance was misunderstood. As Dr. Sinclair B. Ferguson rightly observes, "The gospel called not for an act of penance but for a radical change of mind-set and an equally deep transformation of life" ("Here We Stand: A Call from Confessing Evangelicals," 132). Many scholars have observed that the word "repentance" is used many times and described using different metaphors (including plowing, circumcising, turning, and returning) in the Holy Scripture.

One of the ways repentance is used in the Old Testament has the idea of returning to "the provisions and prescriptions of God's bond." Dr. Ferguson adds that "to repent" is even "used to describe the return of God's people from geographical exile (e.g., Isa. 10:21-22), and in many ways this provides us with a helpful metaphor to understand what repentance is. Just as restoration from exile means returning geographically from the far country to the sphere where God has covenanted to fulfill his promise of blessing, so repentance from sin means returning from the far country of bondage in sin and guilt to the place where God has promised to fulfill his covenanted blessings - and all based on the promise of God's free mercy and grace (cf. Deut. 30:11)....

"Biblical repentance, then, is not merely a sense of regret that leaves us where it found us; it is a radical reversal that takes us back along the road of our sinful wanderings, creating in us a completely different mind-set: We come to our senses spiritually (cf. Luke 15:17). No longer is life characterized by the demand 'give me' (Luke 15:12) but now by the request 'make me' (Luke 15:19)" ("Here We Stand," 133).

The Recovery of the Gospel

In his introduction to John Owen's "The Death of Death in the Death of Christ," Dr. J. I. Packer says, “One of the most urgent tasks facing the evangelical church today is the recovery of the Gospel.”


Dr. Packer first made this statement in 1958, but I do believe that that is still true and probably even more urgent now than before. I thank the Lord that there is an increasing interest in many churches today, especially among young people, in learning gospel truths.


There is also a growing movement within the evangelical community that aims at recovering and propagating the old gospel truth that centers on God and His redemptive work in the person and work of Christ. Books, blogs, podcasts, and internet articles about the gospel are reaching many people in our time opening their eyes and ears to the amazing grace of God in saving sinners through the finished work of Jesus Christ.


Instrumental in popularizing these gospel truths among the evangelical youth and young ministers of today are Michael Horton, the late R. C. Sproul and James Montgomery Boice, John MacArthur, John Piper, J. I. Packer, Paul Washer, Joel Beeke, Kevin DeYoung, Mark Jones, Tim Challies, and many others, including the works of Ligonier Ministries, Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, TGC, and several ministries. Through the writings and publications of these authors and gospel-centered organizations there is an ongoing revival of the truths of the gospel in the lives of many people in our generation.


It is my prayer that the Spirit of God would sustain this steady stream of gospel-centered preaching and teaching in the church of Jesus Christ all over the world. I hope that the urgent task that Dr. Packer was talking about some 60 years ago will be fulfilled in our time, that is, the recovery and the propagation of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ for the salvation of many to the glory of God.


This gospel, in one of its multi-faceted truths, tells us that the God who created the world, this sovereign and holy God has provided for us sinners a substitute sin-bearer in the person of His Son. Jesus Christ, God’s only Son is the perfect high priest who made a once-for-all sacrifice for our sin. He carried all our sin upon his shoulder and nail them at the cross canceling all our debts and reconciled us back to this holy God. He offered himself in our place at the cross to save us who deserve the wrath and just condemnation of God.


Like a precious diamond, the gospel is a many-faceted truth. It is taught and proclaimed in the pages of the Holy Scripture. It is also portrayed through various stories in the Bible, the written Word of God, of which the Parable of the Prodigal Son is one of my favorite narratives.


In one controversial book written in history, the author explains the gospel by saying, “[T]he Gospel is a doctrine revealed from heaven by the Son of God, immediately after the fall of mankind into sin and death; and afterwards it was manifested more clearly and fully to the patriarchs and prophets, to the evangelists and apostles, and by them it was spread abroad to others. In this gospel, freedom from sin, from the curse of the law, from the wrath of God, death, and hell, is freely promised for Christ’s sake to all who truly believe on his name” (Edward Fisher, “The Marrow of Modern Divinity,” 208).

Top 12 Influential Books in My Life and Ministry

Photo courtesy of Jill Savage at www.jillsavage.org

In no particular order, here are the list of books and their authors that have influenced me the most in my Christian life and ministry:

1. Basic Christianity by John R. W. Stott. "Basic Christianity" is the first book on basic theology that I've read. It has increased my knowledge of my sinfulness and misery through Stott's clear exposition of the Ten Commandments. I was convicted of my sin. Stott also emphasizes in this book the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ at the Cross and how that sacrifice provided for me the assurance that all my sins are forgiven in Him. So I was also comforted and delighted to know that I don't need to add anything to Christ’s atoning sacrifice to save myself.


2. Knowing God by J. I. Packer. This book has been my favorite ever since I was introduced to it back in 1990s. It has deepened my knowledge of and devotion to God. Packer's scholarly yet pastoral exposition of God's sovereign grace in the salvation of mankind through Jesus Christ has left me dumbfounded. Through Packer’s various expositions I was able to understand the gospel better and became more grateful to God. I make it a habit to read this classic every year, or at least a few chapters of the book.


3. Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin. I've learned deeply about the Christian faith and the Christian life by reading Calvin.


4. Revelation: A Commentary by Gregory K. Beale. I've studied the book of Revelation and led Bible studies of it several times already. Beale's book has influenced a lot of my understanding of it.

5. Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts and The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges. I've benefited a lot from Jerry Bridges's writings and these books have greatly influenced me in terms of understanding God's sovereignty and providence and holiness in the Christian life.


6. The Holy Spirit and The Christian Life: A Doctrinal Introduction by Sinclair B. Ferguson. Ferguson’s book on the Holy Spirit is one of the best books on the subject. It was one of the required readings in seminary. His book on the Christian life is really a Biblical-theological introductory reading on the doctrine of salvation.

7. The Confessions by St. Augustine. One of the Christian classics one can't afford not to read.


8. Calvin's Doctrine of the Christian Life by Ronald S. Wallace. One the best and most helpful books I've read and reviewed during my seminary days.


9. The Heidelberg Catechism and its commentary by Zacarias Ursinus. Although not a book but a catechism, the Heidelberg Catechism is my favorite Reformation document and one that has helped me better understand the gospel of Christ and the Christian life.


10. The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict by Ken Sande. This book was first recommended by my New Testament and Ethics professor. I've read it after seminary but the benefit I'm getting from it is just amazing.


11. The Holiness of God and Chosen by God by R. C. Sproul. These two books were instrumental in helping me understand Reformed Theology when I was being introduced to it. I still read these books every now and then.


12. The Book of Pastoral Rule by Gregory the Great. The book is a classic on pastoral theology. It contains ancient godly wisdom from someone who served God and the church of Jesus Christ with great zeal and knowledge. Every pastor will surely benefit in reading this book of practical wisdom of an ancient pastor.


There are other books that have strengthened me in the Christian faith one way or the other but I think these books are among the top twelve.

A Reflection on the Parable of the Good Samaritan

One of the things I value the most in this life is the Holy Scripture, the Bible. It wasn't that way in the beginning. I grew up where the Bible is only read in church every Sunday.

I wasn't able to own a complete Old and New Testament Bible until I was in college. I used to have a Gideons New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs when I was in high school. I was so happy for the Gideons International to give me that booklet for free.

Through it I was able to read my favorite verse early in life, John 3:16. It was written in many languages in that New Testament. One of my favorite Gospel stories to read (actually it's a parable) was the Parable of the Good Samaritan. I've heard it read once in church and it was taught in class by our catechist.

I was fascinated by the Samaritan's exemplary act of mercy on a stranger who was robbed and left half-dead by the bandits. I didn't understand why the two religious men would pass the dying man by and would not take care of him or help him.

I understand now. But back then, I was provoked to anger by the indifference of the priest and the Levite. I was in awe, however, of the Samaritan's good and tender heart. He was my hero, a good example to follow.

I wasn't a believer then when I first heard and read this story. I got converted later in life. But this story and the message it conveys became more meaningful to me as I grow in my knowledge of the Bible's overall message.

From the vantage point of redemptive history, I see more and more the resemblance of God's work of rescuing helpless and dying men through the work of Christ in this parable. I am seeing more and more Christ in the Good Samaritan who rescued not just a needy stranger but really an enemy.

The Samaritans had nothing to do with the Jews at that time (cf. John 4:9). And so for a Samaritan to have pity on, to rescue, and to take care of an enemy is mind-boggling. It was an extraordinary, out-of-this-world act.

Reflecting on this story, I realize that its message is no different from the storyline of the whole Bible. It's a story of rescuing someone from sure death. It's a story of saving an enemy from danger. It's a story of salvation and redemption.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan is a story within a larger story. It's the story of God rescuing and delivering fallen men, in fact enemies, from sin and death, through the person of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.