Martin Luther was raised as a part of one of the most respected families in the German town of Mansfield. His father was a successful business owner, and they were determined to raise children who would be successful too. In fact, he went to a school for law at just 13 years old and earned a master's degree in the shortest time allowed! He was so adept at public speaking that he earned the nickname "The Philosopher."
His parents were incredibly proud of him, but they didn't see what God had in store. At 21-years-old Luther was fighting his way through a severe thunderstorm on the road to Erfurt, when a bolt of lightning struck the ground near him. He was overcome by the thought that he could die with no assurance of heaven, and he vowed to God that if he survived the storm, he would join a monastery. He kept his vow, sold all that he owned and became an extraordinarily successful monk.
Martin followed the rules of the monastery and distinguished himself as a university professor. But he feared God's judgment, and he struggled to understand the truth about salvation. Finally, after reading the Book of Romans many times, the Holy Spirit helped him understand that salvation is given by God's grace through faith in His Son, Jesus.
The church at that time told people they could reduce the punishment for their sins by paying money to the church. Martin spoke boldly against the selling of these indulgences. He posted his 95 Theses on the door of a church in 1517. As a result, the church was determined to punish him and excommunicate him. He defended his beliefs before the Holy Roman Emperor, where he refused to recant his writings and was declared a heretic.
He escaped under the protection of Germany and began translating the New Testament into German. His teachings, writings and views on grace through faith were a major catalyst for Protestantism and setting off the reformation of the church across Europe.
Martin Luther's story is one of boldness. He was empowered by the Holy Spirit and trusted what God was teaching him about faith. We, too, can stand boldly for truth in the face of opposition. In a culture that is ready to attack us for our beliefs, we must trust God for the courage to stand up for what we believe. |
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