THE GREAT CONTROVERSY: Audio & Pull Quotes- Chapter 8
Luther Before The Diet
Audio:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/YLk1-Nt8pSM?list=PLA5C7629D1527F981
A new emperor, Charles V, had ascended the throne of Germany, and the emissaries of Rome hastened to present their congratulations and induce the monarch to employ his power against the Reformation. On the other hand, the elector of Saxony, to whom Charles was in great degree indebted for his crown, entreated him to take no step against Luther until he should have granted him a
hearing. The emperor was thus placed in a position of great perplexity....Aleander labored with all the power and cunning at his command to secure Luther's condemnation.....Aleander set himself to overthrow the truth. Charge after charge he hurled against Luther .... "In Luther's errors there is enough," he declared, to warrant the burning of "a hundred thousand heretics." ....The Reformer answered: "Unless therefore I am convinced by the testimony of Scripture or by the clearest reasoning, unless I am persuaded by means of the passages I have quoted, and unless they thus render my conscience bound by the word of God, I cannot and I will not retract, for it is unsafe for a Christian to speak against his conscience. Here I stand, I can do no other; may God help me. Amen."...... The same arguments are still urged against all who dare to present, in opposition to established errors, the plain and direct teachings of God's word. "Who are these preachers of new doctrines?" exclaim those who desire a popular religion.
The Reformation did not, as many suppose, end with Luther. It is to be continued to the close of this world's history. Luther had a great work to do in reflecting to others the light which God had permitted to shine upon him; yet he did not receive all the light which was to be given to the world. From that time to this, new light has been continually shining upon the Scriptures, and new truths have been constantly unfolding.
The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.
Psalm 18:46
