Some wise words for Reformation Day from The Rev. Dr. Stephen Tyng, who served as rector of St. George’s Episcopal Church in New York City (where we hold our Spring conferences) from 1845-1878:
It is true, you are required to repent of sin; and to obey the commands of God, in a new life of holiness. But these are the results of faith. You can have no repentance unto salvation, without believing in him whom you have pierced, who is exalted to bestow it. You cannot obey a single command, but by his power dwelling within you. All these gracious dispositions and habits are fruits of the Holy Spirit; and are so far from being any preceding qualification by which you obtain salvation, that they are themselves a part, and a most important part, of that very salvation, which is offered you freely in the Lord Jesus Christ, as the purchase of his obedience and death. “He that hath the son, hath life;” and all the traits and attributes, and acts of life, flow out from it.
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3 responses to “Happy Reformation Day (from Stephen Tyng)”
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I could see Pope Francis having his own little private Reformation Day celebration. No, really, I could.
Wow, that’s what I call “bring’n gospel back”!