From Here to Forever

Truth on Pilate's Staircase

An indulgence had been promised by the pope to all who should ascend upon their knees “Pilate's staircase,” said to have been miraculously conveyed from Jerusalem to Rome. Luther was one day climbing these steps when a voice like thunder seemed to say, “The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:17. He sprang to his feet in shame and horror. From that time he saw more clearly than ever before the fallacy of trusting to human works for salvation. He turned his face from Rome. From that time the separation grew until he severed all connection with the papal church. HF 79.2

After his return from Rome, Luther received the degree of doctor of divinity. Now he was at liberty to devote himself to the Scriptures that he loved. He had taken a solemn vow to preach with fidelity the Word of God, not the doctrines of the popes. He was no longer the mere monk, but the authorized herald of the Bible, called as a shepherd to feed the flock of God that were hungering and thirsting for truth. He firmly declared that Christians should receive no other doctrines than those which rest on the authority of the Sacred Scriptures. HF 79.3

Eager crowds hung upon his words. The glad tidings of a Saviour's love, the assurance of pardon and peace through His atoning blood rejoiced their hearts. At Wittenberg a light was kindled whose rays should increase in brightness to the close of time. HF 79.4

But between truth and error there is conflict. Our Saviour Himself declared: “I came not to send peace, but a sword.” Matthew 10:34. Said Luther, a few years after the opening of the Reformation: “God ... pushes me forward. ... I desire to live in repose; but I am thrown into the midst of tumults and revolutions.”⁷ HF 80.1