Remembering the Reformation

A LUTHERAN LEGACY OF TRANSLATION AND TRANSFORMATION

“The Word of God is our greatest treasure; without it we cannot live.” — Martin Luther

When Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, he did more than spark a Reformation—he set in motion a return to the Word. Luther believed that every believer, from scholar to farmer, should have access to Scripture in a language they could understand.

That conviction transformed not only the church but the world. By translating the Bible into German, Luther tore down the walls that kept people from hearing God speak directly to them. He wanted the Word to dwell richly in the hearts of everyday people (Colossians 3:16)—to shape their prayers, their families, and their daily lives.

At Lutheran Bible Translators, we carry forward that same legacy. For sixty years, we’ve joined hands with local churches and communities around the world to make Scripture available in the language that people understand best. We believe, as Luther did, that the Holy Spirit works through the Word to bring faith, comfort, and transformation.

Every translation project, every literacy program, and every Scripture engagement effort is a continuation of that Reformation impulse—to bring the living Word of God close to the people He loves. Whether it’s a New Testament dedication in Africa or a Bible app in Southeast Asia, each is a modern echo of Luther’s passion: that God’s Word would be heard, read, sung, and shared in every language under heaven.

The Reformation wasn’t a single moment in history—it was the beginning of a movement that continues today. As Luther wrote, “The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me.” That same living Word continues to move across the world, bringing hope, faith, and renewal wherever it goes.

This Reformation season, we celebrate the enduring truth of God’s promise:
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God will stand forever.” — Isaiah 40:8