“The reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me”, these were the words that Jesus said to Pilate during His trial. God’s sovereignty, justice and peace should be celebrated. This Reformation Sunday we remember justice, peace and truth- the basic characteristics of God. Reformation has an important place in the history of the Church. In 1517, on All Saints’ Day, Martin Luther got ready for a debate on the sale of indulgence. But nobody was prepared to be part of it. Following this, Luther wrote down everything he had to say. Luther’s 95 arguments are known as 95 Theses. He nailed these statements on the main door of the Church of Wittenberg in Saxony on 31st October, 1517. He laid down in these statements, arguments on a Biblical basis against the wrong teachings of the Catholic Church. He included in this many topics like repentance, forgiveness of sins, purgatory, God’s will, God’s grace, giving of alms, gospel and faith. Following this, reformation gained strength. Thus the ‘Five Solas’ of Reformation namely Sola Gratia, Sola Scriptura, Sola Fide, Solus Christus and Sola Deo Gloria came into being. These arguments reformed the people to believe in the sovereignty of God and to submit to the authority that comes from God alone. Thus Protestantism originated.

1. Moses and Aaron, the Channels of Sovereignty (Exodus 7: 1-7)
God ordained Moses and Aaron to deliver the Israelites from the bondage of slavery. Moses was made as the god of Pharaoh. Aaron became the prophet of Moses (Ex. 7: 1). Through many signs and miracles they delivered the Israelites. God will use us also to establish the kingdom of God’s sovereignty through justice, peace and truth.

2. The Ministry that stands as a Testimony to Truth, through Jesus (John 18: 33 – 38)
Jesus testified that His kingdom is not of this world (John 18: 36). His kingdom is filled with justice, peace and joy (Romans 14: 17). What we are saying is that justice, righteousness, truth and peace are fundamental aspects of God’s kingdom. These are Godly characteristics. Let us read a few verses related to this. “The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love” (Psalm 33:5). “You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy” (Psalm 45: 7). “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you” (Psalm 89: 14). “Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.” (Psalm 97: 2).

3. Submit to the Authorities under Sovereignty (Romans 13: 1-7)
We should submit to authorities that are created by God. “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established” (Romans 13: 1). Those who stand against authority stand against the norms of God. There are many small and big authorities over us. These authorities are also God’s servants (Romans 13: 6). Therefore we should be subject to the authorities of the society also. At the same time righteousness, justice and truth should also be established. The blocks of unrighteousness should be overturned. Truth, righteousness, justice and dharma should be established.