Reformation (Observed)

October 26, 2025

John 8:31-36

What is truth?

Truth is understood as the opposite of what is false. However, in today's world, it is common for people to develop their own ideas of what is true and what is false. 

We refer to this perspective as subjective truth because the individual acts as the judge of what is right and wrong.

The concept of subjective truth becomes clear when a child is confused about their sexuality, questioning whether they are a boy or a girl. 

This discussion is settled not only by science, which has determined that there are only two sexes — male and female — but also by the Word of God, as we learn how our heavenly Father created Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

When considering the conception of life, is it simply a clump of cells or a human being growing and developing in the mother’s womb?

While science declares that there is truly human life from the moment of conception, scripture also affirms this truth: God creates life through the union of a man and a woman.

Interestingly, when we hear the word science, we think of chemistry sets and microscopes, but the origin of the word “science” comes from the Latin word “Scientia,” meaning knowledge or to know.

To know or to learn what?

What is to be true.

The great endeavor for truth can be heard in the words of Pontius Pilate as Jesus stood before him that first Good Friday.

Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”

There’s a lot packed into these verses.

First, Jesus says that the purpose He came into this world and took on human flesh — your flesh — was to bear witness to the truth. In other words, to confirm what is true. And for this reason, Jesus says that everyone who is in the truth listens to His voice. 

You should hear in the back of your mind these words of Jesus, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

Jesus is the truth, and He reveals through His voice the knowledge and wisdom that now leads you to eternal life.

So, for this reason, to be a disciple, a student of Jesus, begins with hearing His Word. 

And we call this objective truth, because His Word does not change. Jesus does not change, as we learn from the book of Hebrews, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

Now, as it’s Reformation Day, when you really think about it, on the surface, the Reformation started because the Roman Catholic Church took a subjective approach to interpreting Jesus’ words to serve its needs. The Pope became the only interpreter of Holy Scripture, thus undermining how Scripture interprets Scripture, how Scripture interprets itself, and not only establishes divine truth but also reveals it to you. 

This was the reason Luther nailed the 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. Luther didn’t do this to create a new church; he did it because he wanted the church to return to the objective and unchanging divine truth of Jesus Christ, the One who went to the cross and died to set you free from sin, death, and the pesky devil.

Now, take a moment to reflect with me on the word “Reformation.”

At the heart of “Reformation” is the word “Form” or “Formation.”

But, to reform is not to look forward in this instance, but to look back. The “re” in reformation means to return to the original form or substance. One word that comes to mind in the Church is “redeem,” which means to buy back.

The use of “form” for reform should indicate a past similarity or state once experienced. Therefore, the goal of the Reformation is to return or restore the Church to its original resemblance or condition. 

The point of the Reformation is to point and lead the Church —and you —back to Christ.

His Word is the only truth that will create faith, redeem you, and free you from the bondage and confusion of this earthly life.

This is the difference between true and false disciples of Jesus. False disciples hear His word, but Luther notes that they become like parrots, repeating the words of others; their hearts are not changed, and there is no faith in them.

In contrast, a true disciple listens to the Word of Christ, takes it to heart, allows it to transform who they are, and confesses it throughout their life. 

This is what McKinsey will do today: she will confess the faith she knows to be true, the faith she has learned and received through the Word of God. She will confess that she won’t stop coming to church but will return as often as possible so that the Holy Spirit might continue to change and reform her heart into the likeness of Christ Jesus. She will confess the redeeming truth that Jesus Christ died upon the cross of Calvary to redeem her, a sinner.

In other words, she’s going to confess that she’s a Christian. Confessing her sins and her need for her Savior’s forgiveness.

Every time we gather in this sanctuary, we join her in confessing our sins and our need for redemption. In doing so, we confess our need for a Reformation of our hearts—that Christ would come, forgive us, and return us to the Baptismal identity we received at the font, becoming children of God. 

Because this is how true freedom is received, through faith in Christ Jesus, who is the “Truth” that frees your restless hearts.

My friends, there are many Pontus Pilates in your lives, asking, “What is truth?” even encouraging you to become the judge and creator of your own truths. This is one of the great challenges of the culture that children like McKinsey are growing up in.

But if we understand that Confirmation is more than just a step on the journey of life, but part of ongoing maturity in the Christian faith, a time to learn more deeply how to confess the faith received at one’s Baptism, then we begin to see that Confirmation is really about a reformation of the human heart. It’s a time to return to the cross and confess your sins, so that you might come to know and confess the divine love of Jesus Christ.  

A love that does not depend on you, but comes to you through the Word of Christ Jesus and in His flesh and blood, present for you here at this altar.

If spiritual doubts ever arise in your mind, or if the world feels overwhelming, return here — to where Christ Jesus has promised to be present for you. Hold fast to Him and never be ashamed of His Gospel, for it is the power and divine truth for salvation to everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16)

So, listen to His voice, hold on to it, and believe. +INJ+

Rev. Noah J. Rogness

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Tomah, WI

www.goodsheptomah.org