Reformation Day marks 31 October 1517, when Martin Luther is traditionally said to have posted his 95 Theses in Wittenberg, igniting the Protestant Reformation. Presbyterians trace their roots through John Calvin and John Knox to the Reformed churches of Switzerland and Scotland, and from there to the Church of Scotland Mission in Kenya. The Reformation is summed up in the Five Solas: Scripture alone, grace alone, faith alone, Christ alone, glory to God alone.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
— Ephesians 2:8
To most of the world, 31 October is Halloween. For Presbyterians, it is also the day the church remembers how Scripture was put back into the hands of ordinary people. If our faith came to Kenya through Scotland, this story is also part of our own.
What Happened in 1517
Martin Luther, a German monk and professor, was troubled by the sale of indulgences, certificates that suggested forgiveness could be bought. According to tradition, on 31 October 1517 he posted 95 points for debate on the door of the castle church at Wittenberg. The conversation spread, the printing press carried it across Europe, and Luther’s study of Romans convinced him that sinners are made right with God by grace through faith, not by payment or performance.
From Wittenberg to Geneva to Scotland to Kenya
The Reformation spread. In Geneva, John Calvin taught and organised a Reformed church governed by elders. John Knox carried the movement home to Scotland, where it became the Presbyterian Church. Centuries later, the Church of Scotland sent missionaries to Kikuyu in 1898, and in 1920 African elders were ordained, laying the foundations of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa. Read the week in full in 100 Years of African Eldership and start at What Does PCEA Stand For?
The Five Solas in Plain English
- Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone): the Bible is our final authority. Traditions and leaders are to be tested by it (Acts 17:11).
- Sola Gratia (grace alone): salvation is God’s free gift, not our achievement (Ephesians 2:8-9).
- Sola Fide (faith alone): we receive that gift by trusting Christ, not by our works (Romans 3:28).
- Solus Christus (Christ alone): Jesus is the only mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).
- Soli Deo Gloria (glory to God alone): everything, including our service and giving, is for his glory (Romans 11:36).
Why It Still Matters
The Reformation is not just history. It is why we sing in our own languages, read the Bible in Kikuyu, Kiswahili and English, elect elders from the congregation, and teach that no one has to earn their way to God. When a church drifts toward the prosperity gospel, the Five Solas pull it back. See Real or Fake?
An Honest Footnote
The Reformation also brought division and, at times, bitter conflict, and Christians of every tradition have done wrong in its name. Presbyterians describe the church as reformed and always reforming, which means that we too must keep checking ourselves against Scripture. We can celebrate what was recovered and still love our Catholic, Anglican and Pentecostal neighbours. See 7 Differences Kenyans Ask About.
Ways to Mark Reformation Day
- Read Ephesians 2:1-10 aloud with your family.
- Say the Apostles’ Creed together.
- Thank someone who first put a Bible in your hands.
- Share the Five Solas with a friend, using the Shareable Verse above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is October 31 Reformation Day?
By tradition, Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on 31 October 1517, which is taken as the start of the Reformation.
Are Presbyterians Lutherans?
No. Both come from the Reformation, but Presbyterians follow the Reformed line of Calvin and Knox, with elder-led church government.
What are the Five Solas?
Scripture alone, grace alone, faith alone, Christ alone and glory to God alone.
Should Christians avoid Halloween?
Christians differ. Reformation Day is a way to mark the date by remembering the gospel rather than only avoiding something.
Final Thoughts
Five hundred years on, the message is as fresh as it was: you are saved by grace through faith in Christ, and the Bible is open to you. That is worth celebrating on 31 October and every other day.
Historical statements: Luther 1517 (traditional account), Calvin, Knox, and the Church of Scotland Mission at Kikuyu in 1898 and 1920 ordinations (as already published on this site). Five Solas checked against the PCEA doctrine standard. Compiled by the Editorial Desk.