Reformation 500: Martin Luther and the Confrontation at Worms
By Francis Olivier (participant in the Reformation Art and Essay Competition 2021)
Martin Luther made a bold stand at Worms, when confronted by the Emperor, princes, dukes, archbishops, bishops and ambassadors on 18 April 1521. Although the court fervently demanded that Luther recant his writings, he stood firm, unwavering and confessed boldly that his “conscience is captive to the Word of God!”
Although confronted by so seemingly high and powerful authorities, Luther realised that he was to answer to the Highest Authority, should he give in to worldly and wicked men. Although he realised that the cost might include his life, he was not to fear. “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthey 10:28. Luther realised that he risked his life in making such a bold stand, but he would risk his soul if he dared to defy the Creator, the One who revealed Himself through His Word, which endures forever. He had a choice to make and he chose to fear God for “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” Proverbs 9:10
Even though Luther’s friends advised him not to go, as they rightfully feared for his life, Luther was determined. He boldly declared: “They burned Hus, but they cannot burn the truth.” Luther was true to his word. On April 1521, he appeared before the council to plead his cause. Although he was the son of a poor miner, the council was astonished by his education, by his boldness and his manner of presenting himself. However, the emperor was not interested in debating with Luther. He demanded that Luther recant all his writings and gave him one day to pounder and make his choice. The next day Luther returned, not to recant, but to make a bold stand: “My conscience is captive to the Word of God.”
This bold act of Martin Luther had severe consequences. It was a turning point in history. He was outlawed and banned. Despite these heavy charges placed against him by the Roman Catholic Church, he was not dismayed and he continued his works for the Reformation Movement. Luther trusted the Lord. He set out to accomplish his life calling. We are still reaping the fruits of his hard labor, a Protestant heritage, till this day.
Although declared an outlaw, Luther did not allow this to stop him in continuing his work that were so clearly laid out before him. Under the protection of his Prince, Frederick, Luther worked and translated the Bible into German. By doing so, Luther also laid a foundation for the modern German language. Still to this day, his work is considered to be one of the best ever written. In John 14:6 Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” Although faced with adversary from without, Luther did not waver from the truth. There was only one Name under Heaven by which we can be saved, and that is the Name of Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12 “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Martin Luther also wrote “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”, a well-known hymn, which testifies that the Lord will always look after His children and deliver them. This hymn is still sung today- a great reminder of our Protestant heritage.
We should continue to take a firm stand in the Word of God. We should not waver, nor give in to worldly affections nor temptations. We must focus our eyes on the Lord, for He is our rock and deliverer. What many men sacrificed centuries ago is still important today, and it will always be: God’s Everlasting Word.
2 Samuel 22:2-3 “And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The Horn of my rock; in Him will I trust: He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my Savior; Thou savest me from violence.”
Reference list:
Albertyn et al. 1956, Die Afrikaanse Kinderensiklopedie, Die Hervorming 4(1) p. 2416-2417
Büttner et al, 1980, Kennis, Martin Luther, 1(3) p.152
Hammond, P., 2017. The Greatest Century of Reformation. (2nd ed) Cape Town, The Reformation Society
Francis Olivier
Reformation 500
Livingstone Fellowship
www.ReformationSA.org
www.ChristianAction.org.za
www.LivingstoneFellowship.co.za
www.FrontlineMissionSA.org
www.WilliamCareyBI.com
www.hmsschoolofchristianjournalism.org
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