By Evan Knies

On the morning of October 31st 2016, my cousin’s body was laid in the grave. It has been a tough year since his passing. He was like my older brother and he impacted those he came in contact with. My cousin had his own struggles and faults, but he had his hope rested in the gospel! The temptations he faced were great, but Christ died for his past, present, and future sins. As our family has grieved losing him in this life, we have often been reminded of the hope the gospel offers. Those who repent, turning from their sin, and trusting in Christ by faith alone will be saved. Since Christ was raised from the grave, He will raise His people from the grave!

2 Corinthians 4:14 – For we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you. 

For those in Christ, our hope is in the gospel of grace! But October 31st also marks another important event. 500 years ago, Luther nailed the 95 theses on the Wittenberg Church door sparking the Reformation. One of the main goals of the Reformation was to get back to the fundamental teaching in the Scriptures that salvation comes by Grace Alone, through Faith Alone, in Christ Alone.  The Reformation was getting back to the seriousness of the gospel! We need to be reminded every day of the gospel and the implications it brings. Christians rest in the finished work of Christ, not that of indulgences, popes, or councils. Christ is enough.

In our suffering and sorrows, may we run to Christ and read the Scriptures with gladness. In our debates or doubts, may we run to our Lord who holds us up. May we be disciplined in the scriptures, knowing what they say, keeping others accountable so that none may fall astray. May we continue to run the race until we see our King. There may be various ways you celebrate this Reformation Day, may you do so with joy! But may we also recognize that we have been given one life to make much of Christ, may we be willing to lay down our lives for the sake of the gospel in our local churches, communities, and the nations.

I am writing this for a few reasons: 1) I want to honor Josh and remember him by writing, 2) when some often talk about the Reformation, we fail to address the Resurrection, 3) I feel the need to get back to the gospel and the importance of Scripture in every day life. I hope when reading this post you are reminded that we are not promised tomorrow. We only get one life and it will soon pass. Only what is done for Christ will last!

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Evan Knies is from West Monroe, LA. He is married to Lauren. He serves as Minister of Students at Bullitt Lick Baptist Church in Shepherdsville, KY. He also serves as the Executive Assistant of the Nelson Baptist Association. He is a graduate of Boyce College and presently an M.DIV student at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in the Billy Graham School. You can follow him on Twitter @Evan_Knies