April 20, 2023 | Silver Spring, Maryland, United States | Ted N.C. Wilson, President, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Hello, friends. Today, we have a special message of encouragement for those who may be facing challenges because of their unwavering faith in God. Let’s continue exploring the inspiring story of the Reformation as we focus on princes who were willing to give up their crowns rather than God’s truth.
After Martin Luther stood firm at the assembly in Worms, the Reformation spread quickly across Germany as people read the Bible in their own language, thanks to Luther’s translation of the Old and New Testaments.
In the year 1526, another national assembly, known as “The Diet of Spires” gave each person freedom in matters of religion. This brought welcome relief to those who had been greatly persecuted for following their biblical convictions.
Sadly, however, peace did not last long. Just three years later, under pressure from Rome, the young German emperor Charles V summoned a second assembly to convene in the city of Spires.
Princes and other nobles were summoned, with the purpose of crushing out the so-called “heresy” of the Reformation. Those supporting the Reformation were forbidden to share their views, even in their own homes.
Nevertheless, some of the princes refused to keep silent. We read in The Great Controversy that “the people of Spires thirsted for the word of God, and notwithstanding the prohibition, thousands flocked to the services held in the chapel of the elector of Saxony” (p. 198).
At this second assembly in Spires, those representing Rome demanded that all of Germany must again submit to the Pope, but the Princes who embraced the Reformation claimed the religious freedom granted them three years earlier.
Finally, a compromise was proposed by Rome’s representatives—in the states where the Reformation had not been established, loyalty to the Roman Church would be rigorously enforced. In the states which would not conform “without danger of revolt,” people would be allowed to follow their own beliefs but were forbidden to teach the Bible or say anything against the teachings of Rome. In addition, new converts to the Reformation were strictly forbidden.
This so-called compromise presented a real dilemma for the princes—they could safely keep their prestigious positions, their wealth and honor, but in exchange they were forbidden to share their Bible-based beliefs and were forbidden to allow converts to the Reformation. What would they do?
After consulting together, nearly one half of the princes of Germany decided to side with the Reformation. “Let us reject this decree,” they declared, knowing it could cost them everything—even their lives.
Lifting up the Bible, they boldly declared, “this Holy Book is, in all things necessary for the Christian, easy of understanding, and calculated to scatter the darkness. We are resolved, with the grace of God, to maintain the pure and exclusive preaching of His only word, such as it is contained in the biblical books of the Old and New Testaments. . . This word is the only truth; it is the sure rule of all doctrine and of all life, and can never fail or deceive us” (The Great Controversy, p. 203).
A deep impression was made. Everyone was struck with the boldness of the protesting princes. And it was here in Spires, Germany, where the followers of the Reformation were first called “Protestants.”
The following year, the German Emperor called a national assembly in the city of Augsburg and the Protestant leaders were once again summoned to appear before the highest rulers of the land.
It was during this time that Martin Luther wrote the powerful hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” The hearts of the Reformers were greatly strengthened on their journey to Augsburg as they sang, “A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; our helper he, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing . . .”
In preparing for this important assembly, the Protestant princes determined to have a statement of their views written, with evidence from the Scriptures supporting each point. This Statement, known as “The Augsburg Confession,” was prepared by Luther, Melanchthon, and their associates.
The appointed time came to appear before the emperor, Charles V. As he was seated upon his throne, surrounded by the electors and other princes of the realm, the Protestant Princes appeared, and their confession of faith was read.
It was a tremendous day for the Reformation as Bible truth was presented clearly before that august assembly. More German princes were won to the reformed faith and the emperor himself declared that the Protestant statement was true, although he himself did not accept it.
Later, the Augsburg Confession was translated into many languages and circulated throughout Europe. It has been accepted by millions in succeeding generations as the expression of their faith and has influenced the beliefs of other Protestant denominations which would come later.
We are told “God’s faithful servants were not toiling alone. While principalities and powers and wicked spirits in high places were leagued against them, the Lord did not forsake His people” (The Great Controversy, p. 208). God heard their cries, and “from the secret place of prayer came the power that shook the world in the Great Reformation” (The Great Controversy, p. 210).
You can read more of this inspiring story in the wonderful book, The Great Controversy, downloadable free at thegreatcontroversyproject.org [Insert: thegreatcontroversyproject.org.]
Friends, in spite of attempts to dismiss or distort the Word of God, it still stands. We read in Isaiah 40:8–“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” The message of the Bible is clear, and we can be assured that prayer is just as powerful as it was in the days of the Reformation.
I invite you to join me just now as we enter the throne room of heaven through prayer.
Father in Heaven, thank you for giving courage and understanding and fortitude to the princes of Germany who stood firmly for Bible truth. Thank you for these Protestants, these individuals who accepted the Word of heaven over the word of human beings. Now, Lord, give us the strength to stand firmly for God’s Word, not allowing it to be twisted or turned upside down.