The nailing of Luther's ninety-five theses to the Church door in Wittenburg on October 31st, 1517 was the event that more than any other event marks the inception of the movement called the Protestant Reformation. It is well that we should celebrate that event (cf. Psalm 77: 11). If we are to honour God, our remembrance will proceed from profound gratitude to him for the light that shone in the midst of darkness, and for the emancipation that occurred when the Reformers were cut loose from shackles of superstition and idolatry.

What was the light that arose in darkness? What is the heritage the Reformation has bequeathed? The issues at stake were not questions removed from the deepest and highest interests of men. They were issues that concern the human soul in its relation to God and ultimate destiny. They were intensely religious. I am going to focus attention on two of these.