The protesters are not going away. I’m referring to those involved in the Occupy Protests that began several weeks ago on Wall Street in New York and, which since, have spread to a multitude of cities across the U.S. and Canada. In fact, even with the onset of colder weather, the protests continue to grow.

There is something commendable about the resolve of the protesters. So often, the determination exhibited by those with a cause evaporates at the first sign of resistance. Not so with the Occupy squatters. They are determined to bring about positive change.

So it was with our forbearers in the faith. Though in danger of penalty, even at risk often of losing life itself, many brave men and women stood steadfast in their resolve to confess Christ as Lord and His Gospel as true. Among them were Martin Luther and his contemporaries. These protesters—or protestants as they would come to be known—remained unshakable in their steadfast tenacity in the hope of bringing about positive change.

That change was the reintroduction of the proclamation of the Gospel. The church, which in the day of Luther had become corrupt, was no longer proclaiming salvation by grace through faith in Christ.

A protest was therefore needed, and that is precisely what the Reformation was. Although tent camps did not appear outside of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the protesting Lutherans were deeply committed—even more than the Occupy protesters—to helping the downtrodden masses of their day. For their protest, we thank God; and to these protesters, we owe our heritage.

But let us not think for a moment that the time of protest has ended. God is still calling us to contend for the faith. For there is salvation in no other name under heaven but the name of Jesus by which all must be saved. Of course, there are many who do not wish to hear this, much less have it proclaimed. My prayer, on this Reformation Sunday is that we will not allow ourselves to be deterred from proclaiming the precious Gospel. May it ever be in our hearts and on our lips.

In His service,

Pastor Richard A. Frey