On October 31, 1517 Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of Wittenberg Cathedral. The first of his theses says, “When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, “Repent” (Matthew 4:17), he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance”. Without repentance of sin by turning to God in faith no man can see Heaven. (Acts 5:31, Romans 2:4 and 2 Timothy 2:25). No sinner can come unless God draws him unto himself (John 6:44). 

So why do we need to repent and be drawn by God. Sin, due to this deadly disease that we all suffer from, mankind is by nature sinners. For all have fallen short of the God’s standard of perfection (Romans 6:23) all people have sinful souls. Our hearts are by nature wicked, evil and sinful (Jeremiah 17:9, Matthew 12:34 and Matthew 15:19). 

All who God draws unto himself for salvation by faith and grace alone in Christ will have their soul washed clean, through the blood of Christ shed for the forgiveness of sin on the cross (Colossians 1:19-20, Hebrews 9:14). The unconverted man loves the darkness of this sinful world and his sinful heart. The unsaved man loves to rebel against God, he will always do that which is against God until God intervenes and saves him from Hell (John 3:19). When God does this the converted man will be brought out of his darkness and into the marvellous light, all by the mercy and love of God.(2 Peter 2:9).

You can be reconciled to your Creator today. A changed life is the evidence of new birth (John 3:3, 2 Corinthians 5:17). You will start to love that which God loves and hate that which He hates, namely our sinfulness and darkness. 

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12 

The Protestant Reformers adopted the motto “Post Tenebras Lux,” a Latin phrase that translates to “light after darkness” in English. They selected this phrase to signify the significant transformation that occurred through the efforts of the reformers, representing a profound illumination following the period of darkness associated with Catholicism. For centuries, Europe was subject to the oppressive authority of Rome and its abuses. Among the various malpractices that contributed to Rome’s immense wealth were the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church regarding indulgences, purgatory, and pilgrimages. Similar to contemporary beliefs, the Roman Catholic Church maintained that salvation could be attained through good works, which included attending mass, participating in communion, praying to saints, undertaking pilgrimages, and other practices.

The Catholic teaching is contrary to the Word of God. The Bible says in Ephesians 2: 8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” The Bible teaches us that we can do nothing to earn salvation. I pray, God will grant you repentance over darkness by bringing you into His great light and Kingdom. Repent and believe the gospel today, while God has given you time. Amen 

Written By – Nathan A. Hughes