Today is Reformation Day. On October 31, 1517, a progressive vicar named Martin Luther questioned the powerful Roman Catholic Church regarding the Scriptural justification of many of its theology and practices. Thus began what's known as the Reformation. Martin Luther and many of the following Reformers were flawed human beings, and the Church is still reforming itself, and it always will be, to the teachings of Scripture. However, the Reformation was an integral event in the life of the Church, so many churches celebrate Reformation Sunday on the last Sunday of October.
I'm thrilled that one of my favorite black Gospel songs was on the Calvin Worship Symposium's suggested list of Reformation songs: "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power" by the late and great Andrae Crouch. The tune is arguably singable by a congregation, and the words reflect the centrality and efficacy of Jesus's sacrifice, which is a Reformed thing to do.
Video and lyrics below:
The blood that Jesus shed for me, Way back on Calvary The blood that gives me strength From day to day, It will never lose its power.
It soothes my doubts and calms my fears, And it dries all my tears; The blood that gives me strength From day to day, It will never lose its power.
It reaches to the highest mountain,
It flows to the lowest valley;
The blood that gives me strength
From day to day,
It will never lose it's power.