Love Under Fire

Luther Stands Before the Council

The emperor sat on his throne, surrounded by the most important people in the empire. Martin Luther was now to answer for his faith. “This appearance was itself a clear victory over the papacy. The pope had condemned the man, and he was now standing before a tribunal which, by this very act, set itself above the pope. The pope had placed him under a ban and cut him off from all human society, and yet he was summoned in respectful language and was received before the most distinguished assembly in the world.... Rome was already descending from her throne, and it was the voice of a monk that caused this humiliation.”¹⁴ LF 67.4

The lowly born Reformer seemed awed and embarrassed. Several princes approached him, and one whispered: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” Another said: “When you are brought before governors and kings for My sake, it will be given you, by the Spirit of your Father, what you shall say.” (See Matthew 10:28, 18-20.) LF 67.5

A deep silence fell on the crowded assembly. Then an imperial officer arose and, pointing to Luther's writings, demanded that the Reformer answer two questions—whether he acknowledged them as his, and whether he intended to retract the opinions they advanced. After the titles of the books were read, Luther answered the first question, acknowledging that the books were his. “As to the second,” he said, “I would act rashly if I replied without reflection. I might affirm less than the occasion demands, or more than truth requires. For this reason I ask your imperial majesty, with all humility, to allow me time, that I may answer without offending against the word of God.”¹⁵ LF 68.1

Luther's reply convinced the assembly that he did not act from passion or impulse. Such calmness and self-command, unexpected in someone so bold and uncompromising, enabled him to answer later with wisdom and dignity that surprised his opponents and rebuked their haughty arrogance. LF 68.2

The next day Luther was to give his final answer. For a time his heart sank. His enemies seemed about to triumph. Clouds gathered around him and seemed to separate him from God. In anguish of spirit he poured out those broken, heart-rending cries, which no one but God can fully understand. LF 68.3

“O almighty and everlasting God,” he pleaded, “if it is only in the strength of this world that I must put my trust, everything is over.... My last hour has come, my condemnation has been pronounced.... O God, do help me against all the wisdom of the world.... The cause is Yours, ... and it is a righteous and eternal cause. O Lord, help me! Faithful and unchangeable God, in no man do I place my trust.... You have chosen me for this work.... Stand at my side, for the sake of Your well-beloved Jesus Christ, who is my defense, my shield, and my strong tower.”¹⁶ LF 68.4

Yet it was not the fear of personal suffering, torture, or death that overwhelmed him with terror. He felt his inadequacy. Through his weakness the cause of truth might suffer loss. He wrestled with God, not for his own safety, but for the triumph of the gospel. In his complete helplessness he fastened his faith on Christ, the mighty Deliverer. He would not appear before the council alone. Peace returned to his heart, and he rejoiced that he was permitted to lift up the Word of God before the rulers of the nations. LF 68.5

Luther thought about his answer, examined passages in his writings, and drew from Scripture suitable proofs to uphold his positions. Then, laying his left hand on the Sacred Volume, he lifted his right hand to heaven and vowed “to remain faithful to the gospel and freely to confess his faith, even if he would seal his testimony with his blood.”¹⁷ LF 68.6