“Here I Stand”

One of the most dramatic moments of the Protestant Reformation occurred in 1521 in the city of Worms, Germany. Martin Luther’s expositions of Scripture were undermining the authority and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

On January 3, Pope Leo X had excommunicated Luther, and three months later, the reformer was called for a hearing before the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V at the Diet of Worms. Luther arrived in town on April 16, and on the next day, he appeared before the diet. He was shown a pile of books and then asked (1) whether he recognized them as of his authorship and (2) whether he was willing to reject their content.

Agreeing that the books were from his pen, he asked for more time to reflect on the second question. In the late afternoon of April 18, 1521, Luther was reintroduced to the diet and again confronted with the second question.

After explaining that his books addressed different subjects, he was faced with the inquisitorial remarks, “Martin, how can you assume that you are the only one to understand the sense of Scripture? Would you put your judgment above that of so many famous men and claim that you know more than they all?” Pressed for a straightforward answer, Luther replied, “Since then Your Majesty and your lordships desire a simple reply, I will answer without horns and without teeth. Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason —I do not accept the authority of 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.”30 Our postmodern and even post-postmodern world has spawned a rootless, uncommitted society.

Not many people today are willing to defend the authority of Scripture, regardless of the consequences of taking such a stand.

But in these last days, the world and the church need more people with such conviction. Are you willing to be one of them?