Jude 3-4 “Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”
On this day in 1521, Dr. Martin Luther stood before the Diet (Legislature) of Worms, Germany and defended his 97 Thesis and his theological writings!
Dr. Martin Luther was an Augustinian monk living in Wittenberg, Germany when he was saved while studying the book of Galatians! He began to think through the many errors of the Roman Church and finally posted a list of 97 complaints on the door of the Church.
As these “97 Thesis” were read and copied and distributed among the people of Germany, a groundswell of support began. This, of course, caught the attention of his superiors in the Roman Church and they began efforts to silence him.
The ultimate test was his trial and testimony before Emperor Charles V and Johann Eck, the Papal Inquisitor. Luther was beloved by Fredrick the Elector, who was to be used of God to save Luther’s life by having him “kidnapped” and taken to a safe place to study and continue his writings!
It was at this trial on April 16, 1521 that he gave his defense and uttered the immortal words, "Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason - I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other - my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen."
While we have much with which we disagree in the theology of Dr. Martin Luther, we owe him much for his faithfulness to stand at the risk of his life to correct the false teaching and moral corruption in the Roman Church! May it please the Lord to help us be as faithful to stand up against false doctrine and moral corruption – especially among those who profess to be believers – as was this man. May God grant us another, and much needed reformation today!
Prayer: “God of our Fathers, bless us this day with conviction and courage to stand for what we know to be true. Guide us into truth and give us the grace to share it, defend it, and if need be, die for it. May You use us to change our Nation the way You used Martin Luther to change his. Amen.”
Application: Will we share that truth once delivered to the saints?
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