Apologetics is the defense of the faith––apologia—and it starts with sanctifying Christ as Lord in our hearts and being ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15-16).
This often starts with reformation, a return to the truth in our lives, faith, worship, and culture.
[caption id=“attachment_21166” align=“alignright” width=“300”] Check out Daniel’s art at Reformation 502[/caption]
October 31, 2019 marks the 502nd Anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation. We historically consider one definitive act—an act that did not have the intention, or the motivation, nor the vision of its historical consequences. Yet the results of this one act, with all of its surrounding providential orchestration, created a pivotal point in history. It was a transition from one era to another, from one religious construct to another, from one cultural dynamic to another, and perhaps most importantly, the move from bondage to the church/state to the sole liberty of conscience of the individual believer before God, based solely on His revelatory Word. It paved the way from the Medieval Age and the Renaissance to the future, for good and ill.
We tend to celebrate and commemorate and remember significant historical events and their import on definitive years—e.g. 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 100…500—and then we don’t think much about them or their significance or application to our lives until the next celebration.
Yet that one act and what it spawned in the Reformation and all of its historical consequences have flowed into the future for 502 years. In the late 1800s and the 20th century there were many who kept reforming and defending the faith—some of them represented in the artwork of Reformation 502. But there is also significance and meaning for us today. It is not just history; it is life, it is faith, it is culture, it essentially touches everything in our lives.
Reformation 502 commemorates this historical event and movement, and reminds us that we need to Keep Reforming, personally, in our churches, and in our culture.
I hope you will enjoy these art prints of some of our beloved and respected reformers. I am donating a double tithe to American Vision—20% of all the sales that come via American Vision. So, when you order Reformation 502 artwork, please select “American Vision” in the 20% Donation drop down menu at checkout.
Thanks and keep reforming,
Daniel Hill Riedel