March 2, 2023 | Silver Spring, Maryland, United States | Ted N.C. Wilson, President, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Hello, friends. Thank you for joining me today as we continue our journey through that marvelous book, The Great Controversy.
Last time, we reviewed the earlier part of the life of the great reformer, Martin Luther, and how he came to the realization that “the grace of Christ cannot be purchased; it is a free gift” (The Great Controversy, p. 129). Emboldened to present the truth strongly, Luther posted on the door of the castle church in Wittenberg a paper containing 95 propositions, or theses, against the doctrine of indulgences. The news of this bold act, along with the 95 theses, spread like wildfire across Germany and beyond, enraging all of Rome.
Luther went through severe persecution, being misrepresented and suffering vicious attacks on his character and motives. Many whom he thought would support him in his efforts of reform turned their backs on him as they did not want to suffer at the hands of Rome. However, “when human support failed, he looked to God alone and learned that he could lean in perfect safety upon that all-powerful arm” (The Great Controversy, p. 132).
Soon, Luther received a summons to appear at Rome to answer to the charge of heresy. However, fearing for his safety, some of Luther’s friends arranged for the trial to be held in Augsburg, Germany, instead. Knowing his life could be in jeopardy even in his homeland, Luther fearlessly declared, “They have already destroyed my honor and my reputation. One single thing remains; it is my wretched body: let them take it; they will thus shorten my life by a few hours. But as for my soul, they cannot take that. He who desires to proclaim the word of Christ to the world, must expect death at every moment” (The Great Controversy, p. 135).
But Luther’s life was in God’s hands, and he would not allow his servant’s life to be cut short. During his trial at Augsburg, Luther, having the truth on his side, stood up in the strength of God and presented a clear, concise, and forcible presentation, fully supported by many quotations from Scripture.
When the pope’s representative saw that Luther’s reasoning was unanswerable, he lost all self-control and in a rage cried out: “Retract! or I will send you to Rome . . . I will excommunicate you and all your partisans . . . and will cast them out of the church. . . . Retract, or return no more” (The Great Controversy, pp. 136, 137).
Unwilling to retract, Luther promptly withdrew. Early the next morning he secretly escaped on guided horseback provided by a friend. His doctrines continued to spread widely and exerted a powerful influence across Europe.
Luther’s enemies were furious and urged the pope to take decisive measures against him. It was decreed that his doctrines should be immediately condemned. Sixty days were granted for Luther and his followers to recant, and if they would not, they would be excommunicated.
To be excommunicated was something that struck terror even into the hearts of kings. Those who were excommunicated were treated with horror by society. They were to be cut off from all communication with others and treated as outlaws, to be hunted and exterminated.
In spite of the threat of prison, torture, and death, Luther remained faithful. When the decree from Rome arrived, known as a “Papal bull,” condemning and excommunicating Luther, he took it, along with other decrees and documents asserting papal power, and burned them publicly in front of a crowd of university students, professors, and citizens of all ranks in Wittenberg. “A serious struggle has just begun,” Luther declared.
A new papal bull was issued, denouncing Luther as cursed by heaven, along with all who followed his teachings. Nevertheless, Luther pressed on, determined to preach what God had revealed to Him through His Word.
“Opposition is the lot of all whom God employees to present truths specially applicable to their time,” writes Ellen White in The Great Controversy. “There was a present truth in the days of Luther,—a truth at that time of special importance; there is a present truth for the church today” (p. 143).
Friends, as we continue this series on The Great Controversy, the present truth for our time will be more and more fully revealed. I encourage you, if you have not already done so, to download your free copy, available in multiple languages, at thegreatcontroversyproject.org.
God never changes, nor does His Word. He has given His Church an amazing gift in the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy. As we study and follow what has been revealed, we will be incredibly blessed.
“Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established,” we read in 2 Chronicles 20:20, “believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.”
I invite you to pray with me just now.
Father, thank you for preserving the life of Luther so that he could proclaim your word in a powerful way and help guide people back to the true worship of God. The understanding of your Word. We ask now that you will bless all those who are digging into the word today that they might truly come back to a full worship of God, honoring him in every possible way, including keeping the wonderful seventh day Sabbath, your day of rest, a sacred day. Thank you for all that you have done in guiding and protecting your people over the centuries. Many who have even ended their lives in a death as a martyr. They are witnesses to the world that you are all powerful because you motivate and help us to stay firmly convinced, convinced and convicted of your precious word. Thank you, Lord, for hearing us in this prayer and guide us as we follow your word. In Jesus name, Amen.