Reformation Celebration: The Significance of Scripture, Grace, Faith, and Christ

Although the 500th anniversary celebration of the Reformation of 1517 is over, ministry in the church continues. In having looked to the past, we now focus on the present to see how the church can move forward with this strong historical base. Particularly, how do the solas of the Reformation apply as we look at Scripture and work within the church to nurture the laity in their practice of faith?

This was the discussion at a recent conference, “Reformation Celebration,” at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. This book (written and edited by Gordon-Conwell professors) is the result of that conference, with multidiscipline essays ranging from Luther on Scripture, grace, and Christ to the implication today of the Christology of Athanasius and Calvin. Some of the important questions addressed—historically, theologically, and sociologically—include:

• What does sola scriptura (scripture alone) have to say about spiritual formation?

• What does Bible translation have to do with Christian mission?

• How do grace and works compare in Islam and Christianity?

• In what ways does sola gratia (grace alone) affect Christian counseling?

• How are social ethics shaped by sola gratia?

• How is sola fide (faith alone) the foundation for ministry?

• In what way is solus Christus (Christ alone) related to Christian wholeness and maturity?